Steve Ballmer finally admitted yesterday what some had rumored in the past, that Microsoft was planning an Enterprise version of WM7 alongside a consumer version. It will roll out based on 6.5 to start and then transpose into WM7 later next year. Here’s Ballmer’s quote from PC Magazine’s report:

"Microsoft will soon release a new mobile OS for embedded and enterprise devices based on Windows Mobile 6.5, to be followed by an enterprise-focused version of Windows Phone 7 in 2011, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said by video at the launch of a new Motorola enterprise smartphone on Thursday."

The new phone is Motorola’s  ES-400 phone to be handled by Sprint’s Enterprise Division.

The ES400 runs on a 600-MHz ARM11 processor. It supports GSM HSPA, Sprint’s CDMA EVDO, and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g – yes, that’s "a," which is the relatively unusual high-speed Wi-Fi variant used by some large businesses. There’s a fingerprint reader on the back. Every part of it is rugged, including the keyboard. Making the device rugged greatly prevents failure rates and saves companies $500 per device over three years, Motorola said.

AT&T finally made its jump into the Android pool.  They announced that they will be releasing five Android phones during the first half of 2010.  Three of these phones will be exclusive to AT&T.  First one is from Motorola powered by MOTOBLUR with a unique form factor.  The second phone is Dell’s first smartphone, which is currently only available in China.  Finally, their third exclusive with be an HTC Andorid phone.  The Motorola and HTC are not much of a surprise.  Both companies have expressed a strong commitment to Android.  However, it will be nice to get a close look at the Dell phone when it arrives.

My big question is, what does this mean for the iPhone?  Is AT&T trying to gather more high-end phones in their camp for fear of losing their iPhone exclusivity?  How about their network?  Can it handle even more traffic?

Via phandroid

As a product reviewer, I look at a lot of different items from a number of different genres and vendors.  I’ve looked at everything from beer glasses to PC’s and mobile devices over the last 15 years. One of the things that I learned early on, especially with electronics, if your review is going to be value-added for ANYONE it can’t be done in a couple of days. That kind of "off-the-cuff" review doesn’t nearly give the reader the opportunity to see what the product is REALLY like after the honeymoon period or "wow factor" wears off.

That being said, let’s take a good at one of the newer Android offerings from T-Mobile – The Motorola CLIQ.  The phone is supposed to be a social networking junkie’s dream. Everything that you would be interested in – Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, e-Mail, Text/SMS/MMS, Last.FM, etc., is completely integrated and available to you on one of five different home screens.  Is the CLIQ for you? Does MotoBLUR live up to hype and deliver? Let’s take a look and see..!

Device
As you’ll see below in The Full 360, the device is comparable in size to the AT&T Tilt/HTC Kaiser, albeit a little taller and somewhat thinner than the Kaiser. Interestingly enough, I found that I could carry both the CLIQ and the Tilt in the same pocket in the SeV Quantum Jacket that I am also currently reviewing.

The CLIQ & the Kaiser in my Quantum’s Clear Fabric pocket

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According to an analyst, it is believed that Motorola moved 10,000 Droids in their first weekend of sales.  That’s a pretty good start for Verizon’s first Android smartphone, and really their most anticipated release in quite awhile.  Some people might say the Storm was exciting, but I never saw as much hype with that phone.  Analyst Mark McKechnie at Broadpoint AmTech, also added that he believed Motorola will sell 1 million Android phones in the fourth quarter of 2009.  This also includes the Cliq. 

I am on the fence about the Droid.  At first, I was completely excited, but as a Verizon subscriber, there is really nothing else in their line-up that was of interest to me.  So, a big new Android phone = awesome.  Now, as I look at the details, there are a few things that bug me.  First, is that there is no dedicated phone button.  You need to scroll through the home menu to get to the phone.  This device is primarily a phone, so that should be the main function.  I started to pay attention to how often I hit the phone button on my Centro, and its at least 10 times a day.  Second, the report on the camera is that it is pretty terrible.  If I am going to shell out $199 to $299 on a phone, I want things to work well.  I know I just said it is a phone first, and that’s very important, but I’m just asking for an ok camera.  I want to be able to take fun photo with friends or that random celebrity meeting with Angelina Jolie. 

I am interested to know, if anyone out there has purchased a Droid, let me know what you think.  Am I being too picky?  I am very critical with my electronics purchases.

Via Engadget

Here at JAMM, I am known as the Palm and Zune girl.  (As a side note, I have no electronics related tattoos.)  I am the one that stuck up for Palm and Zune when there was no webOS or ZuneHD.  So, let’s just say I have taken a fair amount of grief about the ancient Palm OS and the lagging behind Zune.  However, I now find myself in an interesting position.  I am lusting after the new Droid phone from Motorola and Verizon.  As a Verizon customer, I have long been suffering with no ‘cool’ phones like the iPhone or Pre.  Android has been gaining ground as more and more smartphones appear, and the first impressions of the Droid have been great.  Check out Cnet’s initial impressions. 

So, with the fabulous screen, happy new web browser, and Google integration, I may need to go sniff out the Verizon Store come Nov. 6.  I especially love the goodness of Google Maps Navigation.  You can search by voice.  Just say ‘shoes’, and it gives you a choice of stores that sell shoes that you can choose to call or get directions.  Plus, there is voice turn by turn directions, traffic, and auto-rerouting.  All of the features in a stand alone GPS at your fingertips. 

Do you think Verizon and Motorola hit a home run or is this just a good first attempt? 

In other Android thoughts, I am also totally loving the Nookfrom Barnes & Noble.  If the internet function works well on this toy, it will be on the top of my Christmas list.

Maybe I just need to support the underdog:  Zune vs. iPod, Palm vs. Everyone, Nook vs. Kindle.  Maybe I am just a rebel or maybe I just like to explore the road less traveled, either way; it looks to me like my new best friend will be a new little green robot.  But don’t worry, I won’t be getting a tattoo…