Motorola unveils Droid Razr, world’s thinnest smartphone

By Andrew Couts Published October 18, 2011

Droid RAZR teaser image — Image used with permission by copyright holder

At a press event in New York City today, Motorola officially announced the new 7.1mm-thick Droid Razr, which the handset-maker says is the thinnest smartphone available anywhere in the world. The company also unveiled the fitness-centric MotoActv, a music player and workout monitoring device that aims to compete with Apple’s iPod nano.

Droid Razr

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With a thickness of just 7.1mm, the super-thin Droid Razr — available later this year exclusively through Verizon — packs a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and a 4.3-inch super AMOLED advanced qHD display, which is protected by durable Gorilla Glass. Encased in Kevlar fiber, stainless steel and a water-resistant splashguard, the 4G LTE-capable Droid Razr is powered by Android 2.3 Gingerbread mobile operating system, which has an overlay of Motorola’s Ninjablur user interface.

The Droid Razr’s 8-megapixel rear-facing camera can shoot full-high-definition 1080p video. The device has the ability to download full-HD movies from Netflix, the company said, and can port video out via HDMI. Included with the Droid Razr is 16GB of internal storage, plus a 16GB microSD card.

Motorola claims 12.5 hours of talk time and 8.9 hours of video playback thanks to the Droid Razr’s 1800mAh battery and the help of software optimization and task-automation functionality, called “Smart Actions,” the use of which Motorola says can increase battery life by up to 30 percent.

Extras for the Droid Razr include Motorola’s MotoCast app, that enables users to stream music, video and photos from their PC to their Droid Razr. Also included in the accessory lineup are a 14-inch and a 10-inch laptop dock, an HD dock, a gesture touchpad, powerpack and wireless keyboard.

Pre-orers for the Droid Razr begin on Oct. 27, and the device will be available in-store “early November.” The Droid Razr will cost $299 with the signing of a new two-year Verizon contract.

MotoActv

Measuring 46mm by 46 mm and weighing a mere 35 grams, the MotoActv allows users to better keep up with their workout regimen. Built-in GPS allows the MotoActv to track users walking, running and cycling rates and distances, calorie burn rate and wirelessly monitor heart rates. And a voice feed lets users know how their workout is going.

To help users pick up the pace, the MotoActv automatically analyzes songs in its library to determine which tracks get users’ motivated, then plays those songs. Wireless headphones come standard. And Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to automatically sync workout data with their PC.

The wearable MotoActv will be available starting November 6: 8GB model for $249, 16GB for $299.

Check back with DT later today for hands-on impressions of the Droid Razr and MotoActv.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…

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