Audio

Playing up to 64 simultaneous chords, the Motorola V710 features a top of the line synthesizer for melodious polyphonic ringtones. However, for music that sounds like the original songs, users will prefer MP3s, which the V710 supports.

Unlike MP3s, polyphonic ringtones utilize the MIDI file format; recreating music by overlaying simultaneous chords and playing "musical notes," much like an orchestra. Thus the more simultaneous chords supported, the better sounding the music. MP3s on the other hand are not "sheet music," but rather straight recordings from any audio source, whether it be from a CD or recorded voice.

Advanced voice recognition functions can be activated with the press of a key. With Motorola's new speaker independent feature, users can not only dial by name, but also turn on the camera, check call logs, or speak numbers to dial.

Messaging

The V710 contains standard text messaging features including SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service).

Adopted by several leading phone manufacturers, EMS makes it possible for users to add text formatting such as style, size, alignment, and paragraphs. However, MMS goes one step further by allowing users access attach real pictures, sound, and time-based sequencing. With the V710's built-in camera, photos can be combined with messages for personalized greetings.

Messages can be typed quicker with predictive text. Instead of having to press keys several times for a letter, software on the phone chooses from a dictionary of words and phrases to anticipate what is being written. However, instead of the more widely used T9 standard, the V710 features the Lexicus Software iTAP method. Essentially both are very similar, but loyal T9 users may find it difficult to break old habits.

Entertainment

Additionally, common preinstalled software is included on the Motorola V710, including Alarm Clock, Datebook, Notepad, and Voice Recorder. And if users want to install additional applications or games, the V710 supports BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless).

Similar to the other standard, J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition), BREW files are transferred and installed on the V710 through the PC or the web. Conveniently though, Verizon Wireless utilizes its network to bring users games, productivity tools, wallpapers, ring tones, and more with Get It Now. For a minimal fee, users can transfer multimedia at the touch of a button.

getIM, getEMAIL and getBROWSING require a monthly access free, plus airtime. And download charges for getTONES, getGAMES, getGOING, getPIX and getFLIX vary by application and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading, and using certain applications.

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