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It’s been three years since the launch of the first DROID smartphone. Since then, 21 other DROID smartphones and tablets have been added to the lineup, along with a number of new features and operating systems, as well as several hardware improvements.
In a short amount of time, DROIDs have changed the wireless landscape. Now, as the three-year anniversary closes in, it’s a good time to look back and remember the devices and features that make the DROID series ground-breaking.
The DROID by Motorola was introduced in October 2009 as the first Android smartphone available on the Verizon Wireless network. Featuring Android 2.0 Eclair, the DROID had a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and offered voice-activated search, seamlessly integrated GPS navigation features.
Subsequent DROIDs expanded on the existing model and introduced hardware, user interface enhancements and updated Android operating systems. The DROID series leapt forward in 2010 when Verizon Wireless launched the HTC DROID INCREDIBLE, which featured HTC Sense and offered an improved 8-megapixel camera. The INCREDIBLE earned a CNET Editor’s Choice and became one of the top Android smartphones of the year.
The biggest development in DROID history, however, was the introduction of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network in December 2010. The DROID CHARGE by Samsung was the first 4G LTE-enabled DROID smartphone. Another breakthrough was the introduction of DROID tablets. The DROID XYBOARD tablets come in two sizes, 10.1-inch or 8.2-inch DROID, and include mobile hotspot capabilities, a Dual-Core 1.2 GHz processor and front and back cameras.
DROID devices continue to be on the cutting edge of wireless technology. The DROID INCREDIBLE 4G LTE by HTC includes near-field communication capabilities and Beats Audio. And, the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX, the first DROID smartphones to be upgraded to the popular Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 operating system, bring KEVLAR bodies, enhanced battery life and Super AMOLED screens to the DROID series.
The recently announced DROID RAZR HD and DROID RAZR MAXX HD continue the evolution with a new 4.7-inch Super AMOLED HD display – the largest HD display on any DROID. The compact DROID RAZR M includes an edge-to-edge 4.3 inch Super AMOLED advanced display, providing the same size display as the original DROID RAZR in a significantly shorter and narrower device.