T-Mobile Motorola CLIQ Preorders Taken From October 19th

Back when people were desperate to get their hands on the first Android phone, the T-Mobile G1, a pre-order event seemed a reasonable way to stoke the hype.  Now that we're a few models down the line, T-Mobile USA's pre-announcement for a pre-order of the Motorola CLIQ smacks vaguely of desperation.  As of October 19th, existing customers of the carrier will be able to order a CLIQ for $199.99 with a new two-year agreement, though they won't actually get their new phone until November 2nd when it goes on sale generally.

As we've seen before, however, that all depends on whereabouts you are in your existing contract.  If you're almost at the end, then T-Mobile will likely be happy enough at keeping you on for another two years that they won't hammer you with early-termination fees; if you're only a few months into a recent contract, however, expect the $200 CLIQ to get a sizeable fee bolted on.

The CLIQ (aka the Motorola DEXT) is Motorola's first Android device, and has both a touchscreen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.  While it runs Google's open-source OS, Motorola have developed a custom UI and social networking sync service called MOTOBLUR which funnels all of your various Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other information into one "Happenings" stream.  More information in the video below.

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Press Release:

T-Mobile Announces Upcoming Availability of Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR

CLIQ Registration Begins Today; Customer Pre-Sale Begins Oct. 19

BELLEVUE, Wash. —Sept. 29, 2009 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the Motorola CLIQ™, the first Android™-powered device from Motorola Inc. and the first device to feature the innovative MOTOBLUR™ solution, will be available for pre-sale for existing T-Mobile customers starting Oct. 19 at http://www.t-mobile.com/CLIQ.

Customers who order the CLIQ during the pre-sale period, Oct. 19–Nov. 1, will have an opportunity to be one of the first in the U.S. to experience T-Mobile's latest Android-powered phone, which automatically syncs and streams social messaging updates, text messages, and work and personal e-mail directly to the home screen. Devices ordered during pre-sale will be shipped to customers as orders are received and will include a complimentary car charger. The CLIQ will be available exclusively to eligible T-Mobile customers for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement.*

Beginning today, customers can visit http://www.t-mobile.com/CLIQ to register for CLIQ updates, learn more about the phone and check out a demo of MOTOBLUR. Those that register to receive CLIQ updates are entered into a grand prize sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip with five friends to one of four select destinations. In addition, those that register before Oct. 19 will also have the opportunity to instantly win a new CLIQ.

"T-Mobile customers text message and access social messaging on mobile devices more than those of any other carrier," said Wendy Piñero DePencier, vice president of brand marketing, T-Mobile USA. "That's why we're excited to give them the first opportunity to purchase the CLIQ, and then in early November offer the CLIQ prominently at T-Mobile stores nationwide in time for the holidays."

About Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR

CLIQ is Motorola's first Android device and the first to feature the innovative MOTOBLUR solution that manages and integrates communications — from work e-mail to social messaging activity — all to your home screen. Updates to contacts, posts, messages, photos and more are streamed together and synced from sources including Facebook®, Twitter™, MySpace®, Gmail™, and work and personal e-mail. MOTOBLUR automatically delivers these updates to the home screen in easy-to-view streams so there is no need to open and close different mobile applications to keep up with the latest content.

In addition to the unique MOTOBLUR experience, the CLIQ features a premium design with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a 3.1-inch HVGA full touch-screen display. The phone delivers a powerful mobile Web experience by harnessing the strength and speed of T-Mobile's 3G network and Wi-Fi. Additional CLIQ features include a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture, a 3.5mm headset jack, a music player with pre-loaded Amazon MP3 store application, Shazam, iMeem Mobile, AccuWeather, MySpace Mobile, Quickoffice and a pre-installed 2GB microSD memory card with support for up to 32 GB of removable memory. TeleNav GPS Navigator is also preloaded on the device with a free two-week trial, including voice-activated turn-by-turn directions.

With integrated Google technology, CLIQ brings one-touch access to the popular Google™ mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search™ by voice, Google Maps™ with Street View, YouTube™ and Picasa™. CLIQ also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. E-mail is also supported by Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, and other POP3 and IMAP e-mail services.

T-Mobile's 3G network is currently available in 222 cities nationwide and covers more than 160 million people. By the end of 2009, T-Mobile USA expects its 3G network to be available to approximately 200 million people across the U.S.

Pricing and Availability

Motorola CLIQ with MOTOBLUR will be available exclusively to T-Mobile customers in both Titanium and Winter White beginning Oct. 19 at http://www.T-Mobile.com/CLIQ or by calling customer care. CLIQ will be available in stores nationwide and online beginning Nov. 2 for $199.99 to eligible customers with a two-year agreement.* Customers can visit http://www.T-Mobile.com/CLIQ to learn more about CLIQ and MOTOBLUR and register for updates.

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* Price may vary depending upon customer upgrade eligibility requirements. Plus taxes and fees. Qualifying T-Mobile voice and data plans required. 3G coverage is not available everywhere. For information where T-Mobile 3G service is available or to see T-Mobile's Personal Coverage Check tool, please visit http://www.TMobile.com/Coverage.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Sweepstakes rules and details are available at www.T-Mobile.com/CLIQ.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The MOTOBLUR logo is a trademark of Motorola.

Android, Gmail, Google, Google Search, Google Maps, and YouTube Picasa are trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.