CLIQ: Motorola’s SMART Device Shows Interesting Potential

Motorola Inc. (MOT) announced it will release a new line of SMART mobile cell devices based on Google’s (GOOG) Android software. Over the past year, it’s been a bumpy ride for Motorola stock. However, the new Motorola CLIQ SMART networking device shows interesting potential with a wide range of productivity features built into a touch screen smart-phone set for release this holiday season. It will be introduced at about $350 each.

The CLIQ boasts a 5-megapixel digital camera, video recording, Bluetooth, USB connection, standard headphone jack and expandable memory up to 32GB.

Motorola is also rolling out the software-as-a-service (SaaS) Android based application MOTOBLUR that it intends to integrate with several other new social networking SMART devices set for release next year. The service will allow users to perform administrative tasks accessing personal and work calendar applications or data remotely including if the phone is lost and/or stolen.

The CLIQ device will feature the new proprietary system called MOTOBLUR that organizes workforce and social network information. Upon creating a MOTOBLUR account, users may automatically get updates from sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace live-streaming video on the home screen of the CLIQ device. It also has built in applications for YouTube access.

The new CLIQ SMART device will feature a 3.2 inch touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Additionally, users may customize their status on each separate social media site. Contact lists are integrated to show a person’s Facebook profile photo and most recent information. CLIQ users also have the ability to manage multiple email accounts and address books.

The CLIQ device is an innovative tool for the growing virtual corporate workforce trend known as “crowd sourcing or community based design” that uses Internet forums and mobile networks to leverage mass collaboration for input of new ideas and innovations by group intelligence. Crowd Sourcing also related to cloud computing is the process of releasing a defined project or challenge to an undefined number of voluntary members of social media networks that collectively produce a solution. This cost effective process instantly expands employers' talent pool, builds brand awareness and dynamically increases productivity. For example, new online workforce resources such as Innovation Exchange.com offer small businesses unique competitive tools enabling them to reach productivity levels equivalent to that of much larger companies.

Initially, the upcoming Motorola Android-based device is available exclusively for T-Mobile (DT) networks. Future models may be available on Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T) among other networks. Based on market success models, Motorola ultimately aims to sell about 2 million smart-phones per quarter in order to become sustainably profitable in its Mobile Devices business. Further, Motorola expects significant growth from its Motoblur service with plans to incorporate future voice technology applications.

Outside the U.S., the CLIQ will be sold as the DEXT also available through wireless carriers Orange Global Communications in the U.K. and France Telecom (FTE), Telefonica (TEF) in Spain and America Movil (AMX) in South America. The CLIQ’s unique focus on convenient management of social new media resources stacks up well with the latest phones released by Nokia (NOK), Sony Ericsson (SNE), upcoming HTC (HTC) Hero, Samsung (SSNLF.PK), LG Electronics (LGLD) and other manufacturers which focus more importance on internet oriented applications.

Perhaps the new Motorola CLIQ product lines will give Apple (AAPL) a run for its money. As industry data shows about 29.4% of iPhone 3G buyers were upgrading from Motorola devices, according to Nielsen's Q2 2009 Mobile Insights Survey. About 11% of iPhone 3G buyers were ditching Samsung phones, and 9% were getting rid of RIM (RIMM) BlackBerry devices. About 9% were upgrading from older iPhones.

DISCLOSURE: NONE

Comments

[HereAndNow:]

It's great to see Motorola back in the game!

Both HTC & Motorola are demonstrating just how powerful & flexible Android is, for delivering unique & innovative user experiences. It will be interesting to see how Sony Ericsson's Rachael UI pans out.

Sep 14 02:27 AM

[Philly Jim:]

The CLIQ and MOT's software, seems to focused on social networking, rather than usability and functionality. I'd buy the HTC Hero with the Sense OS over the CLIQ/Android, but I really like the looks of the pop-out keypad on the CLIQ, and it's a healthy alternative to the MyTouch on T-Mobile right now, which may help retain some customers for T-Mobile and help MOT gain some market-share on handsets.

Sep 14 09:21 PM