Struggling handset maker Motorola today unveiled the Cliq -- its first handset using Google software with easier access to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Motorola Cliq (MB200) More Photos View Specs

The Schaumburg, Ill.-based company said the Cliq features a touch screen display, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 5.0-megapixel camera and software that aggregates contact information from various social networks and email accounts.

When Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha took the helm of the troubled company in August last year, he reorganized its handset unit around Google's Android software, hoping the partnership with the Internet search giant would help it win back shoppers.

The Cliq is the first phone to emerge from the alliance and seen by many as the handset maker's last chance to regain lost market share from rivals Apple's iPhone and Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices in the fast-growing smartphone market.

The centerpiece of Motorola's Android strategy is its "MotoBlur" software -- an interface that pushes updates from contacts, emails and text messages along with postings and photos from Facebook and Twitter into the device's home screen.

In addition, contacts, messages and log-in information are backed up on a MotoBlur secure server, so that when users can retrieve lost information with the entry of a username and password.

Consumers will also be able to erase data from a lost or stolen handset remotely and locate the device through an online Web site.

Motorola said the Cliq will be available from T-Mobile in time for the holiday season. Pricing information has not yet been released.

The company said it plans to unveil a second handset, for Verizon, in the coming weeks.

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1. Posted by jlmcdonald21	Fri Sep 11, 2009 3:40 pm
I'd like to see this thing give the iPhone a run for its money. I'm not an anti iPhone person, I just love to see competition.
2. Posted by shaneaus	Sun Sep 13, 2009 11:12 pm
I just wish/hope that they will release the T-mobile version with the capability to work on the ATT 3G frequencies. I love my G1 - but, I sure wish I could use 3G instead of only edge. Switching to T-mobile isn't an option. Where I live the T-mobile reception sucks - ATT is dependable and has greater reach into the rural areas where I work. Guess we'll see.
3. Posted by Gen.Specific	Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:45 pm
Perhaps at&t will get one in their own time. I've got some Cliq envy until they have one on at&t General Specific

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