We all know that Verizon Wireless is sinking some major Benjamin’s into the launch of the highly anticipated Motorola DROID, including an interactive Times Square experience among other things. Formerly known as the Sholes, the Motorola DROID is quite drool-worthy – especially for an Android device. I learned today that Droid isn’t just a device from Verizon Wireless, but the name of Verizon’s entire Android line. In laymen’s terms, DROID = phone; Droid = brand. Still confusing? Stick with me as I try to explain.
We first saw the HTC ‘Desire’ or ‘Hero’ in the hands of Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the Verizon/Android announcement. This HTC Sense UI running device, which is now being referred to as the HTC Droid Eris, will launch alongside the Motorola DROID on Nov. 6. You might be asking yourself, “Why didn’t Verizon officially announce the Eris with the DROID?” Obviously this device is far inferior to the DROID as it runs the outdated Android 1.5, but Verizon is making up for that with a $99 ticket price. This is an aggressive move for Verizon as Sprint is offering the HTC Hero for $179.99. It’s nice to see Verizon is making a range of Android devices available for customers with varied budgets.
Looking into the future I’d say it is smart for Verizon to build an Android brand under the Droid name, as it easily identifies a device no matter the manufacturer as both an Android and a Verizon device. Speaking from the present with all the hub-bub over the Motorola DROID and confusion concerning code-names for specific devices that are individual to each carrier, I’d say it’s downright confusing.
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