Screen

Featuring a grayscale 96 x 32 px external screen, the Motorola V276 is able to display common information such as battery levels, network status, and date and time.

While most devices are progressing up to 262K-colors, the grayscale LCD does have advantages. For one, STN (Super Twisted Nematic) technology is not as energy-intensive. Since external displays are typically used for quick glances, prolonged battery life is sometimes preferred over high-resolution displays.

When opened, the 65K-color 128 x 128 px main LCD is revealed. Contrary to the outer screen, the internal LCD is built from TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, allowing for vibrant and colorful images.

TFT has advantages over STN matrices by having the circuit transistors placed directly on the glass. Not requiring each pixel location to be scanned as STN would, TFT allows faster response and refresh rates; especially useful when the Camera Mode is activated and the screen is used as a viewfinder.

Audio

Able to overlay up to 64 chords simultaneously, the V276 can play polyphonic ringtones. With more chords, more realistic sounds are capable by overlaying several instruments, much like in an orchestra. And the V276's 64 chords are state-of-the-art.

But MP3s ringtones are becoming the norm in ringtone technology. Contrary to polyphonic tones, which recreate sounds by playing "sheet music" through a local synthesizer, MP3s are straight recordings from the audio source. The result is, MP3s provide accurate playback of the real audio; CD music with lyrics or recorded voice. Anything that can be recorded can be turned into an MP3 ringtone. It should be pointed out that the V276 has MP3 ringtone capabilities, but lack functionality of a full MP3 player.

Aside from ringtones, the V276 also supports speakerphone and advanced voice recognition functionality. Without having to record a voice dial, the speaker-independent feature can automatically match the name spoken with a name in the PhoneBook; even asking if users want the mobile, home or work number.

Messaging

Incorporating the commonplace text messaging standards, the V276 has SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service).

Going beyond standard text messaging through SMS, EMS allows users to add text formatting including style, size, alignment, and paragraphs. Meanwhile, MMS gives users even more creativity by allowing them to attach multimedia captured from the VGA camera or voice recorder. Able to create birthday and holiday greetings with photos and voices, users can send personalized arrangements through MMS.

Through Verizon Wireless' Mobile IM, consumers have access to instant messaging platforms. Preinstalled AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger clients, consumers can communicate in real-time with friends and family. Data charges may apply.

The V276 uses Lexicus Software iTAP predictive text. Similar to the more common T9 method, both are essentially the same, allowing users to text message quicker by having the V276 "predict" what is being typed. Rather than pressing a button several times for a letter, the software chooses from a dictionary of words and phrases to anticipate what is being written. Using the patterns of English language, characters and combinations can often be assumed or eliminated based on the beginning characters typed.

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