In case you have missed the recent marketing blitz by Verizon Wireless, the DROID has been released for Verizon phones. Users of these new phones running the DROID platform are in for a brand new mobile phone experience. The big question is, will these new DROID phones really be an Iphone killer?

DROID or AnDROID is a mobile operating system (MOS). Just like most PCs run Windows operating system, DROID runs on mobile phones. DROID has been around for about three years and has come out with three new versions:

• Version 1.5 (Cupcake) – Released April 2009
• Version 1.6 (Donut) – Released September 20009
• Version 2.0 (Éclair) – Released October 2009

The kernel or heart of Android is based on Linux, an open source platform that has been around since 1991. The DROID operating system was created by Google. The popular search engine is now getting into the mobile phone arena and is ready to put up a fight. T-Mobile was the first mobile phone company to come to market with a phone running Android last year. However, the most recent publicity has been around Verizon’s new phones running the new MOS.

One of the real benefits of DROID is that it is open source. This means that anyone with the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) can create applications and widgets for the operating system and have them available for public download. You will need your Google login to access these using a DROID phone. The open source nature of DROID is one of the big benefits a lot of people think will help the DROID rise to the top of the mobile phone market.

Apple has made the term “There’s an app for that” famous. This refers to the ability to download any application to do just about anything on the popular Iphone. However, Apple is very particular about the applications that are created for their phones. In fact, every application available for download on Itunes store has been approved by Apple. Google is looking to take advantage of the “App for everything” mentality without the tight restraints. Anyone is able to develop and sell applications for DROID phones. About a month ago there were about 5,000 applications available for download. Today there are 20,000 and some are expecting to hit the 100,000 mark by Christmas 2009.  Check out some of the most popular Droid applications.

One of the early standout applications is the Google Maps Navigation. This is similar to the standard GPS offerings available in that it will provide turn-by-turn directions. The Google version also takes advantage of Google Street View information to show you what the destination will look like. If it that street has been captured by the Street View car. Early feedback from users is that it is extremely accurate especially if you accidently miss a turn. The re-calculation is quick and precise.

Verizon has recently released two offerings of the DROID. These are the DROID by Motorola and the DROID Eris by HTC. Although both phones are running DROID, each one offers a different approach to usability.

DROID by Motorola

The Motorola Company has been making good phones for a long time. I still remember how great my Star TAC was! The new DROID based phone features a full slide out keyboard and touch screen. Here are some quick specs:

• User interface and navigation – Intuitive Mulitouch screen
• Keyboard –Full keyboard. Both slide out and on-screen
• Phone size – (WxHxD) 2.36 x 4.56 x .54
• Screen size – 3.7” WVGA 854x480 Display
• Weight – 5.96oz
  
• Operating System – Droid 2.0
• RAM Memory – 256 MB
• Pre-installation Memory – 16GB
• Desktop screens - 3

In initial hands on test, the phone responded very well. The navigation from screen to screen was very intuitive. The GPS and voice recognition worked as promised. The camera was little slow to focus and the slide out keyboard keys are flush with the surface. This made typing a little more difficult, but I will take the flush keys over a touch screen only option and day. Having only 3 desktop screens maybe a drawback of the phone. Especially considering these desktops utilize full widgets instead of just icons like the Iphone.

Another really nice feature is the display. Watching a quick video really demonstrated the crispness and clarity of the WVGA display.

DROID ERIS by HTC

HTC is quickly and quietly becoming a powerhouse in the mobile phone market. They are making easy to use, attractive phones. The public in-turn is responding well to the HTC brand of phones. The new ERIS is hoping to build upon the success teaming up with the DROID. Utilizing HTC patented HTC Sense technology, this version of the DROID phone could just be the “Iphone Killer” some are building it up to be.

• User interface and navigation – Intuitive Mulitouch screen
• Keyboard –Full on-screen keyboard
• Phone size - (WxHxD) 2.19 x 4.45 x .51
• Screen size – 3.2” HVGA 320x480 Display
• Weight: 4.23 ounces
• Operating System – Droid 1.5
• RAM Memory – 288 MB
• Pre-installation Memory – 8GB
• Desktop screens – 7

You may notice the phone does not come with as much pre-bundled Memory and it is also running DROID 1.5. Don’t let these specs fool you. The initial price point for this model is going to be a lot more aggressive than the DROID by Motorola. This phone runs just a smoothly as Motorola and the freedom of 7 different desktop screens is also a big plus.

During a trial, I was shocked at the responsiveness of the touch screen and really enjoyed the overall experience. The phone also features a track ball that is very similar to the one found on Blackberry phones. This ball is nice for web browsing or reading through emails. The camera was also extremely responsive.

Google has made its big debut into the Verizon Wireless mobile phone market. With the open source nature of DROID and the ability to download thousands of apps, DROID based phones are sure to give Apple a run for its money.