Motorola RIZR Z8

Infobox Mobile phone
name = RIZR Z8

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manufacturer = Motorola
carrier = flagicon|UKO2
available = July, 2007
screen = 240×320 pixels
16 million (32bit) color TFT LCD
240 x 320 pixels
exterior_screen = N/A
camera = 2.0 megapixel, 8x zoom, LED Flash
2nd_camera = VGA for videocalling
operatingsystem = Symbian OS v9.2, UIQ v3.1
input = Keypad
cpu = ARM11 [ [http://www.arm.com/markets/mobile_solutions/armpp/17764.html ARM Limited products: Motorola RIZR Z8] ]
ringtone = Polyphonic, MP3
memory = 90 MB internal memory
memory_card = microSD, microSDHC (TransFlash) cards (up to 32 GB)
networks = GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (quad-band)
connectivity = mini-USB, Bluetooth (Class 2), GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA
battery = Li-ion 1030 mAh
size = 109 mm × 50 mm × 15 mm
weight = 112 g / 3.95 ounces
form = Kick-slider (slider with extra hinge to conform to face)
music = MP3, streaming music via internet or A2DP
predecessor = Motorola ROKR Z6
successor = Motorola RIZR Z10

The Motorola RIZR Z8 (pronounced "riser") or MOTO Z8 is a smartphone manufactured by Motorola. Until the release of its successor, the RIZR Z10, it was Motorola's flagship mobile phone. [ [http://www.mobilechoiceuk.com/artman/publish/article_436.shtml Mobile Choice UK review: Motorola RIZR Z8] ] The successor to the RIZR Z3 and ROKR Z6, it was released in the United Kingdom on July 9, 2007. Although it was released throughout Europe and Asia shortly thereafter, the phone was not released in either the United States, Canada, or Australia.

Basics

The RIZR Z8 is a UIQ 3 "kick-slider" 3G phone based on Symbian OS. [ [http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/features/item/Motorola_Z8_Preview.php Allaboutsymbian.com preview of the Motorola Z8] ] This means that it is a slider-type phone but with a hinge allowing it to bend so as to conform better to the user's face while in use as a handset.

The phone features a 2 megapixel camera, a 16 million color QVGA display, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, a 3.6 Mbit/s HSDPA connection, an EDGE class 10 connection, and 90 megabytes of internal memory. The internal memory is expandable to 32 gigabytes using High Capacity microSDHC (TransFlash) cards, although currently only cards up to 12 gigabytes have been released by SanDisk. [ [http://www.sandisk.com/Corporate/PressRoom/PressReleases/PressRelease.aspx?ID=4079 "SanDisk Announces the 12-Gigabyte microSDHC Card - the World’s Largest Capacity Card for Mobile Phones", "Sandisk.com", January 7, 2008] ]

Release

United Kingdom

In the UK, the RIZR Z8 was available exclusively on Vodafone for the first few weeks of its launch; O2 began offering the phone later; Currently Orange UK is testing the handset in preparation for the Christmas rush of new handsets, they claim if successful it will be available late November. Additionally, both Motorola direct and resellers offer a SIM-free, unlocked version of the phone for use on other networks. All versions of the RIZR Z8 released in the United Kingdom come with a free microSD card containing a copy of the motion picture "The Bourne Identity". [cite web
title = RIZR Z8 - Motorola UK
publisher = Motorola, Inc.
url=http://europe.motorola.com/uk/motoz8/
accessdate = 2007-10-05 "Discover the complete in-box entertainment experience with the new MOTO Z8 with MOTOROKR S9 Bluetooth Stereo Headset and The Bourne Identity feature film on microSD card to start your entertainment collection."]

United States, Canada, and Australia

Motorola did not release the phone in the USA, Canada, or Australia, but it did register the phone with the US FCC, thereby approving it for use in the USA. As a result, many American specialty phone stores carry the phone, and Americans, Canadians, and Australians can order unlocked versions of the Z8 from a variety of websites, including both Motorola's UK website and eBay. An unlocked Z8 purchased outside the USA, Canada, or Australia can be used on any GSM network in those countries simply by inserting the user's SIM card. Z8s with foreign SIM cards also are capable of roaming on any those countries' GSM networks.

RIZR Z8 Specifications

The complete Motorola RIZR Z8 list of specifications are: [ [http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_rizr_z8-1863.php GSMArena.com Motorola Z8 specifications] ]

References

External links

* [http://direct.motorola.com/hellomoto/motorizrz8/ Official Motorola RIZR Z8 page]
* [http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/02/12/motorolas-motorizr-z8-a-symbian-kick-slider-with-hsdpa/ Z8 at Engadget]
* [http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/video-of-the-motorola-z8-in-action-weird-curved-design-235854.php Video of the Motorola RIZR Z8 in action]