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Review: Motorola Droid Bionic

Form Basics Dock Extras Video Wrap-Up Comments 2

Media Camera Photos/Video Browse/Customize Extras

Apps

The amount of software stuffed onto this little device borders on the insane. There were 61 out of the box. None of them can be deleted. First, it has ZumoCast, which is a file-access program for consumers that allows people to reach through Verizon's 3G/4G network and stream/access music, video, and picture files on their desktop back home (not to mention Word documents, spreadsheets, and the like). In other words, the Bionic's storage is only limited by the size of your hard drive at home. This feature didn't work that well, however, and music streaming was hiccup-y at best.

The same goes for the VideoSurf app, which is meant to help identify movies in the same way that SoundHound or Shazam do for music. It was only about 50% successful in my tests.

The Bionic also has enhanced security, Citrix GoToMeeting and Receiver, and other business software on board, such as MotoPrint (which lets you print via Wi-Fi to networked printers), and QuickOffice.

Bluetooth

The Bionic's Bluetooth radio connects to phones, headsets, PCs, and speakers. I had no trouble pairing it with half a dozen different pieces of equipment. Phone calls placed through mono headsets sounded very good, as did music played through Bluetooth stereo speakers. Sending files between phones and PCs, wasn't a problem, and I was able to connect the phone to my car and see my address book just fine.

Clock

The Droid Bionic has a large digital clock that's easily seen when the power/lock key is pressed. Reading the time outdoors, though, can be hit or miss. The Droid Bionic also has a clock widget for use on the home screen panels. This widget is widely customizable, but the lock screen clock is not.

GPS

The Droid Bionic includes both Google Maps and VZNavigator. Both are capable applications at providing voice-guided driving directions. The latest version of Google Maps supports 3D city views (in select cities) and map caching for offline use. VZNavigator doesn't do that, and costs $10 per month to use. VZNavigator's GPS performance is a little bit better and more accurate in my experience.

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Motorola Droid Bionic

4.3" display 540 x 960 pixels
TI OMAP 4430 processor 1 GB RAM
1,735 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Headphone Jack (3.5mm)

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