Skip to main content

R2-D2 Droid 2 beeps and whirs to Verizon Wireless

Lucasfilm may have just announced plans to re-release the Star Wars theatrical films in 3D format, but fans who want to hold a bit of the franchise in their hands (and maybe make a phone call or two) will be pleased to know the Motorola Droid R2-D2—basically a Droid 2 in R2-D2 clothing—goes on sale today via Verizon Wireless’s Web site and selected retail locations.

The limited edition phone was announced with the Droid 2 back in August: the phone features a graphic design that helps the phone resemble the iconic robot character, along with custom packaging designed to resemble carbonite—because that way the phone will be safe until it’s thawed out and released by a princess, or something. The phone will come with a Star Wars media dock and stereo headset, along with exclusive Star Wars content, including ringtones and wallpaper, a special clock Widget, a “Best of R2-D2” video, and an exclusive binoculars application.

The Droid R2-D2 will be run $249 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year service agreement, along with subscribing to plans that total up to $68.98 a month in voice and data service, exclusive of taxes and fees.

Verizon Wireless is also planning to launch an exclusive The Empire Strikes Back app—although it won’t be restricted to just the R2-D2 phone, any Verizon Wireless phone with Android 2.1 or later will be able to grab it for $2.99.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Editors' Recommendations

Geoff Duncan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…
Visible just made its unlimited 5G plan better than ever
Visible wireless phones and plans featured

Digital wireless service provider Visible has announced upgrades to its premium Visible+ phone plan. The highlight is a new Global Pass feature that allows Visible customers to use their phones in 140 countries worldwide.

The Visible Global Pass offers unlimited talk and text services, along with 2GB of high-speed data, for a flat rate of $10 per day. Visible+ members can also enjoy a free Global Pass usage day every month. The activation process can be done through the Visible app.

Read more
The OnePlus Watch 2 is the Wear OS smartwatch I’ve been waiting for
Person wearing OnePlus Watch 2 with a green strap on their left wrist.

The OnePlus Watch 2 -- the company's first Wear OS watch -- has entered a market that Samsung dominates. However, OnePlus' popularity as a smartphone brand can be expected to bring small, yet meaningful changes that benefit not only OnePlus users, but all of the Wear OS segment in general.

For almost a decade, Samsung and Apple have predominantly been the default options if you want a smartwatch that is actually useful and goes beyond flashy features. With Samsung shifting gears and migrating from its own Tizen OS to the (relatively) more universal Wear OS platform and Google releasing its own Pixel Watch after struggling with an identity crisis in the smartwatch world, the platform has much more traction than it did a few years ago. As OnePlus carves its way into the segment, it has the opportunity to entice people who don't wish to live within Samsung's limitations when using a Galaxy Watch with another brand's phone.

Read more
Buying an iPad Mini today? You need to know about this deal
The Apple Pencil attaches to the iPad mini magnetically.

If you've had an eye on iPad deals for the latest model of the Apple iPad Mini for a while now, this may be the offer that you've been waiting for -- a $100 discount from Best Buy on the tablet's Wi-Fi, 64GB model, slashing its price to $400 from $500. It's still pretty popular years after its release, so we don't expect stocks of the device for this sale to last long. If you're thinking about taking advantage of this bargain, you better push through with your purchase as soon as possible to make sure that you don't miss out on the savings.

Why you should buy the Apple iPad Mini 2021
The latest generation of the Apple iPad Mini was released in 2021, but it's still featured in our roundup of the best iPads because it's the model that you should buy if you want a smaller and more compact version of Apple's tablets. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is smaller than the screens of its peers, but it's still big enough to enjoy watching streaming shows and browsing websites, while allowing you to use the device with one hand. Unlike its predecessor, there's no Home button, so the Touch ID sensor is instead built into the power button at the side of the Apple iPad Mini 2021.

Read more