We're thrilled to announce the return of GamesBeat Next, hosted in San Francisco this October, where we will explore the theme of "Playing the Edge." Apply to speak here and learn more about sponsorship opportunities here. At the event, we will also announce 25 top game startups as the 2024 Game Changers. Apply or nominate today!


Motorola is indeed planning to offer a phone that uses the Google’s Android operating system and closely integrates with social networks, BusinessWeek has confirmed. News of the device leaked out last week, when bloggers discovered a Motorola job board posting looking for a senior user interface designer who could help with a “new Android Social Networking SmartPhone.”

The phone will include a touch screen similar to the iPhone and a slid- out QWERTY keyboard like the G1 Android phone’s, according to BusinessWeek. I’m not totally clear on what its social networking features will be, though — the article suggests that one might be a way to message your friends in a social network from your phone, using your phone’s address book.

More generally, this is a comeback move of sorts for Motorola — the company hasn’t come out with a hit device lately and its stock has been hurting as a result. The article cites sources who say the phone has a nicer look and feel than rival HTC’s G1.

Motorola is expected to subsidize its new device, and is putting $50 million towards its development. It has assigned the team from Good Technology, a wireless messaging company it purchased in 2006, to spearhead the project.

The phone is due out in the United States in the second quarter of next year; it’s not clear who the carrier will be.

VentureBeat's mission is to be a digital town square for technical decision-makers to gain knowledge about transformative enterprise technology and transact. Discover our Briefings.