Latest cell and satellite phones: much more functionality offered.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: TECHNOLOGY

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As the demand for wireless technology steadily increases, Alaska communications providers are offering more advanced cell and satellite phones to help business users enhance their mobility and productivity.

One of the latest cell phones from AT&T is the Motorola Backflip. Released in March, the Backflip is a revolutionary smartphone powered by Google's Android operating system for mobile devices. Android gives users access to built-in Google applications, including GoogleTalk, Google, Maps and Gmail. The Android operating system is used to power a variety of mobile phones and is becoming an increasingly popular operating system. In the first quarter of 2010, Android-based phones accounted for 28 percent of all smartphone shipments, according to global market research firm NPD Group.

Patrick Fraser, director of sales at AT&T Mobility Alaska, says AT&T is excited about adding the Backflip to its portfolio.

"The Motorola Backflip was our first device on the Android platform, and we will be launching more Android devices throughout the year," he said.

Besides offering Google connectivity, the Backflip comes with Motoblur, which is an online social networking service. Motoblur automatically delivers and organizes conversations, friends and favorite content from multiple sources directly to the phone. It brings together contacts, e-mail, messages, photos and status information from Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other accounts. Then it instantly updates all of the accounts whenever a change is made.

"You get all of your updates on the screen," Fraser said. "It's really fascinating."

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Backflip is its unique design. It merges a reverse-flip design with a full touchscreen on one side and a qwerty keypad on the other, making it easy for business users to send messages. The phone's rear navigation pad simulates a PC experience, allowing users to view Web pages or photos without having their fingers get in the way. Also, the phone's exclusive design can be used in a tabletop, multimedia mode for watching presentations, movies and other content on its 3.1-inch display.

According to Fraser, the Motorola Backflip has been a very popular device for AT&T. Features include:

* Wi-Fi support

* Access to thousands of apps

* A home screen that provides access to all the user's information in one place

* Full HTML Web browser

* Dynamic phonebook that automatically populates and updates contacts from the user's Social networks, including status and pictures

* GPS capability with AT&T Navigator

* 5 megapixel, autofocus, LED camera with built-in flash and video

* Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology

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