Verizon Wireless announced two new Android 2.2 phones, led by HTC's four-inch, global-roaming Droid Incredible 2 phone, which features dual cameras, including an eight-megapixel model. The ruggedized Casio G'zOne Commando, meanwhile, offers a 3.6-inch WVGA display, a five-megapixel camera, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, as well as special field-ready apps linked to the phone's sensors.

Tipped in February, HTC's Droid Incredible 2 is the heir to the Droid Incredible, which debuted in April 2010 and went on to be a strong seller. The Incredible 2 still runs on a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, but it boosts the Android OS to 2.2, up from 2.1, and offers the latest HTC Sense UI skin. The phone also expands the display size from 3.7- to four inches, says Verizon.

HTC Droid Incredible 2
(Click to enlarge)

The original Incredible was one of the first smartphones to offer an eight-megapixel camera. This is continued here in the new version complete with dual LED flash, automatic face detection features, and "unique camera effects and filters," according to Verizon. The Incredible 2 also adds a second 1.3-megapixel front-facing webcam.

The phone is capable of 720p HD video capture, and offers DLNA media sharing, says Verizon. SRS WOWHD surround sound and integrated noise-cancellation technologies are also available, says the company.

The Incredible 2 is a "global-ready" smartphone, enabling wireless voice and data service in more than 200 countries, with more than 125 with 3G speeds, claims Verizon. A 3G mobile hotspot is said to connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Software features listed for the phone include Adobe Flash Player, advanced personalization options, and consolidated email capability.

The Droid Incredible 2 appears to be a U.S. version of the Incredible S, which is destined for the U.K.

Casio G'zOne Commando

Verizon also announced the rugged, Android 2.2-powered Casio G'zOne Commando smartphone. Said to be "deployment ready" with a suite of specialized software and security features, the phone is designed for construction, transportation, manufacturing, utilities, and healthcare, with a special emphasis on workers in hazardous environments.

Casio G'zOne Commando
(Click to enlarge)

Casio does not list the processor, but says the device offers 512MB RAM and 1GB flash memory. There's also an 8GB memory card for a microSD slot that can hold 32GB cards, says the company. The phone is equipped with a 3.6-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen.

The G'zOne Commando is a CDMA phone that supports EV-DO Rev.A 3G cellular communications, says Casio. A mobile hotspot option is available for sharing bandwidth with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices, says the company. The phone is also said to provide stereo Bluetooth, 802.11b/g/n, and GPS wireless communications.

The G'zOne Commando is further equipped with a five-megapixel autofocus camera, supporting video capture. A 3.5mm audio jack is said to be available, along with sensors including direction, acceleration, and temperature.

Measuring 5.1 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches and weighing 5.4 ounces, the G'zOne Commando meets 810G military ruggedization standards, says Casio. Protection is said to be offered for immersion, rain, shock and dust, vibration, salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, and altitude, as well as low and high temperature storage.

The Android 2.2-driven software includes secure, encrypted corporate email, as well as Bing Search, Bing Map, YouTube, and Skype, says Casio. Verizon services are said to include V Cast Music and Video, as well as VZ Navigator, offering audible turn-by-turn directions. Also included is XT9 and T9 trace input for efficient typing, and a snap-out menu for customized access to high-use applications, says the company.

The phone features Casio's G'zGear software, which operates in eight modes, some of which are linked to the phone's embedded sensors. These include a compass, walking counter, and adventure training guide. There are also modes for trip memory, tides, temperature, the stars, the sun, and the moon.

Availability

The HTC Droid Incredible 2 and Casio G'zOne Commando will both be available on April 28, with each phone priced at $200 with a two-year contract, says Verizon Wireless. A bit more information may be found on the Verizon news center, and much more on the Commando may be found on the Casio G'zOne site.

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