Motorola 'Ruth' specs outed, likely company's least interesting Android phone yet
Don't look for it to replace your Droid -- or even your CLIQ -- but Motorola's got another Android phone coming up here that's likely targeting a decidedly different market. The so-called "Ruth" -- model number MB511 -- has been unearthed via Motorola's own user agent profile database, revealing a decidedly HTC Tattoo-like QVGA display, GSM / WCDMA radio of some sort, and Qualcomm MSM7200a processor. What's more, we're seeing a mention of Android 1.5 in the browser specs section of the profile -- so whatever this is, whatever GSM carriers around the world pick it up, let's hope there's already an Eclair-flavored update in the pipe.
























FIRST leaked pics of the Motorola Ruth!!!! This thing looks sexy!!!
http://www.nerve.com/CS/blogs/scanner/2009/02/08-15/dr_ruth_sex.jpg
Somebody already caught it on video too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOU8GIRUd_g
@Engrudget
NOOO!!!
@XciteMe GO TO HELL! BOTH OF YOU!
Meh. We're still getting Android phones with weaker hardware that will continue segmenting the application market.
PCs did just fine with different levels of hardware
Why is this being released with 1.5 when they released the droid with 2.0? This is starting to tick me off that I am still on 1.6 with my G1, google should push the carriers to all update to 2.0 if the phone is capable of it.
Nice! As the "least interesting Android phone yet", it will probably go to AT&T. They have a proven track record of not allowing any innovative devices into their stores that haven't got the appropriate branding. If it weren't for a great corporate discount...
They're probably gonna pay ppl money to get this... there are much better free phones on contract.
Why don't you guys speak for yourselves
... if this phone runs Android, but under-cuts the other Android phones on the market by a decent amount, then you better believe that I am interested in it.
@Hazdaz your grandmother is interested too, wants to set up a weekly bridge game with Ruth
google should put out a release that 1.5 is dead.... I mean really, this is starting to be a problem
@Hydra Actually some ppl still buy phones, not the Android or "version of the platform"... Some buy them for kids, you know.
So there's still a segment of consumers who look at exterior, voice quality and price at first place. And never look at what Android version is there.
And given that Moto has given up all other platforms there's no surprise they're trying to make cheap low-tier Android device to address the segment.
But agree, this one should be a free phone.
@Hydra As long as Sense UI hasn't hit 2.x, who cares about revision numbers?
Sense is the thing that makes Android a real joy to usable. The stock interface, and add ons like the Blur UI just pale in comparison.
Ruth. Sounds exciting! Oh well, back to knitting.
Coming soon... the Motorola Dorothy, the Eleanor, and the Muriel.
Android is quickly becoming way too fragmented - google and the open handset alliance should put some rules that once a new version of android has been out for over 2 months then you can't release phones running on older versions.
@humanerror i completely agree, this is driving me bonkers trying to remember which phone runs which version, as of right now, only 1.6, 2.0 and 2.1 should be out and i say 1.6 because i know SenseUI runs well on it still,screw Blur it sucks, 2.0 on droid..should be bumped to 2.1 ASAP
@humanerror: I'd agree, but forcing device makers to switch over to a newer version has its own issues as well.
Companies like Moto and HTC would need plenty of lead time to make sure all their hardware/software is compatible. Why, for example, should HTC be forced to stop selling the Hero, just because the Droid or the Nexus One has been released?
@Alan Strangis When i said not being able to release phones i meant new models - they'd be fine selling older models to people on the old software, just no more launching new handsets like this one on old versions of the software.
@humanerror
no, that's weird and stifles innovation, they just have to ensure that physical devices are similarly configured so every phone can easily use the same version of Android (like Windows Client)
Basically Android = Windows Mobile at this point, and thats clunky as hell. The actual number of Apps that will run on all Android phones has got to be tiny, whereas the App situation on the iDevices is pure bliss.
@Wesscoast hold on a second - so by me saying they should force hardware vendors to release phones with more features and compatability, you say that stifles innovation. You then go on to compare the rapidly evolving and very well designed android with the dated winmo OS which is in need of a nice overhaul.
You then show you ifanboi colours even more by "presuming" there are only a small number of apps on android (there aren't FYI - i havn't found myself wanting any more apps and you are talking out your arse if you think there aren't many apps) and sing the praises of the sod phone.
You know what stifles innovation and is wiered? locking down an application store to ensure that even if there is some software which is innovative and great for end users, you block it because it competes with what you have released, oh that and not allowing end users to install whatever applications that want without having to hack the phone first.
RDF? Google gets one too?
I posted this once but I don't see my post.
Check some sources, Ruth does not use the 7200A and it will blow Cliq away. It is much closer to Droid.
"revealing a decidedly HTC Tattoo-like QVGA display"
"What's more, we're seeing a mention of Android 1.5"
Clearly, one of these is false:
Range of Screens Supported
Android 1.5 and earlier versions of the platform were designed to support a single screen configuration — HVGA (320x480) resolution on a 3.2" screen. Because the platform targeted just one screen, application developers could write their applications specifically for that screen, without needing to worry about how their applications would be displayed on other screens.
Starting from Android 1.6, the platform adds support for multiple screen sizes and resolutions, reflecting the many new types and sizes of devices on which the platform will run. This means that developers must design their applications for proper display on a range of devices and screens.