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Here’s something I never thought I’d be reporting: Rumors are making their way around the Web that Motorola, now the world’s No. 3 handset maker, is considering dropping out of the cell phone business completely. This would allow them to focus efforts on government projects and big business ventures. Once again, this is just a rumor. It could just be some drummed-up speculation based on the company’s 2007 results, or it could be a leak from internal conversations. In any event, it’s tough to imagine a wireless world without Motorola.

Seriously, how many people do you know with a RAZR? I know a ton. It’s basically the standard for handsets nowadays, with many major carriers offering them for under $50 or even free, depending on your contract status. The KRZR is a neat phone (though it could do without the fingerprint-prone facing), and I nearly bought myself a RIZR recently.

But 2007 was not good for the company. They were dominated — as were all manufacturers — by Nokia, and even lost their No. 2 spot to Samsung. Sony Ericsson is on the rise, so Motorola could be contemplating an exit before things get worse.

From a personal standpoint, I think it makes a degree of sense. As the mobile paradigm shifts towards smartphones, Motorola has been left behind. They only have the Q, of which I’ve heard far more negative reviews than positive. And in any event, it doesn’t stack up with Samsung’s Blackjack, or Nokia’s N-series.

So what’s it gonna be Moto? Step it up, or bow out?

[Electronista]

Posted By : Joe
Posted at : January 30th, 2008 - 11:30 am
Filed under : Prepaid Phones