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AT&T steps up Android push: Devices start to blend together

AT&T's fall Android line-up features an aggressively-priced Motorola Atrix 2, but the devices are starting to blend together in a hurry.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

AT&T rolled out five new Android devices including a Motorola Atrix 2 that will go for $99 with a two-year contract.

For AT&T, the handful of Android devices will bring its grand total to 12. In January, AT&T said it would launch a dozen Android devices in 2011, but now has 19 smartphones powered by Google's mobile operating system.

Among the devices, Motorola Mobility's Atrix 2 stands out largely based on price. The device is available Oct. 16 for $99 and a two-year contract. The Atrix 2 has a 1 GHz dual core processor, an 8 MP camera and various perks that will appeal to both consumers and the enterprise. The Atrix also connects to a Webtop and full Firefox browser.

The Great Debate at 2 p.m. ET: Android Growth vs Stagnation

Also: CNET: AT&T releases five new Android handsets

AT&T's new Android phones for Fall 2011 (photos)

Other Android smartphones in the line-up include the Samsung Captivate Glide, Samsung DoubleTime, Pantech Pocket and the AT&T Avail, a prepaid device.

AT&T's Android line-up is a microcosm of the broader Android issue for smartphone makers. The reality is that these Android devices all blend together after a bit. Is the Atrix 2 all that different than Samsung's offerings? Is HTC all that different from Samsung and Motorola? Not really. In the end, these smartphone players are competing on price.

Android is spurring a race to commoditization and the bottom. As a result, I'm betting that smartphone makers will be looking to diversify with Windows Phone and other operating systems.

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