Motorola Flipout gets official announcement; will have enhanced Motoblur, Android 2.1

Motorola has unveiled their latest creation, the squarish Flipout. Doing exactly what the name describes (boasting a squished, slide-out QWERTY keyboard), the Android 2.1-based mobile device has a special focus on social networking with enhanced Motoblur technology.

Motoblur, the company's signature technology paired with Android OS, offers direct access to popular programs like Facebook, Twitter and last.fm straight from the home screen. Speaking of the main menu, users can customize up to seven home screens with live wallpaper on top.

Some of the other notable specs include a 3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth v2.1, Google apps (Gmail, Maps, etc.) and Adobe Flash support. For those who actually plan to talk more than they text, the Flipout also boasts CrystalTalk PLUS, which should work to reduce the amount of background noise when yapping on the phone.

The Flipout will be available in seven tasty shades: Licorice, Fairway Green, Raspberry Crush, Brilliant Blue, Poppy Red, Saffron or white. Given the vibrant choices, geometric package and enhanced social networking support, it strikes me as something targeted towards youth. And it might be just me, but doesn't it remind anyone else of another recently released mobile device? Although, with Motoblur's strong security features (auto data wipe for lost/stolen handsets plus auto back-up) and the point about access to corporate e-mail accounts, Motorola seems to be aiming at a slightly older age group.

The Motorola Flipout will be hitting European shores starting in the second quarter of 2010. No word on a release plan anywhere else yet. Until then, you can check out the promo video and see if this is something worth salivating for or not.