Motorola official with GPS-enabled Smart Rider phone

Back in February we saw Moto Smart Rider passing the FCC hurdle, and now, almost two months later it's here. Of course, it was announced at the CTIA where we expected much more from America's struggling handset makers, but "it is what it is," as they say. Anyway, the Smart Rider is everything but an eye-appealing device. Then again, Moto may be targeting a bit older audience who don't like all the mambo-jumbo of the modern smartphones. In that sense, if they pitch it properly, this may end up a success. As for the specs — aside from the built-in GPS which is accompanied with powerful navigation features such as voice-guided directions, real-time traffic reports and automatic re-routing — the Smart Rider also features 2.8 inch screen, Bluetooth, and voice activation. Interested buyers will have to wait till June, when Moto said it will start selling the device around the world… Full release follows after the break. PRESS RELEASE - Motorola, Inc. today announced the debut of the Motorola Smart Rider phone, an innovative in-vehicle solution featuring GPS navigation, interactive voice activation, Bluetooth wireless technology and exceptional audio quality that's sure to make this phone an integral part of every driver's journey. A unique hands-free solution, the Smart Rider phone uses GSM technology to enhance user experience by ensuring that users can converse, navigate and tend to business while on-the-go. The Smart Rider increases convenience and quality of communication:

• Bluetooth technology allows users to move freely from the home or office straight into the vehicle while having active calls, contact information and other personal data automatically transferred from the handset to the in-vehicle device
• Multiple user profiles grant secure access to personalized phonebook settings for up to three drivers on the Smart Rider phone
• Interactive voice activation makes the phone hassle-free for drivers
• A robust built-in microphone and speakerphone ensures an exceptionally clear, sharp sound.

The Smart Rider phone also offers feature-rich GPS services:

• Turn-by-turn navigation and voice-guided driving instructions
• Precise on-screen directions and detailed maps on a 2.8" high resolution, sharp color display
• Real-time traffic reports and automatic re-routing
• Enabling of location based services (LBS) and fleet management applications.

"The Smart Rider is the next generation in-vehicle phone, designed to operate in unison with the user's daily needs and environment. The phone re-defines what communication on-the-go is all about, and the main focus was placed on transforming the user experience. We are confident that the worldwide success of this flagship product will speak for itself," said Golan Haver, business unit manager for Motorola Car Phones. Availability The Smart Rider will be sold worldwide and will be available on the market in June 2008. --- Related Articles at IntoMobile:

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