Motorola today announced the MOTOFONE, a 9mm thin phone.

The MOTOFONE offers a new interface built on icons and voice versus text. Featuring the new ClearVision display, MOTOFONE leverages Electrophoretic Display (EPD) technology to provide users with a large, high-contrast screen that is viewable even in bright sunlight. The ClearVision display combined with a flush-fitting keypad and dust-resistant design makes the MOTOFONE sleek yet durable in active everyday use.

For pre-paid customers, the MOTOFONE automatically reports the status of their pre-paid account after each call or message, allowing consumers to stay in control of use and expense. According to Motorola, the device includes a very powerful loud volume to help ensure callers can hear phone conversations and will not miss calls even in a busy marketplace or crowded street. The MOTOFONE is expected to be available in the second half of 2006 in both GSM and CDMA models.

• Voice prompts in local languages
• Intuitive icon-based user interface
• Stylish thin design
• Extended battery life
• Durable housing for optimal performance despite dust and sun
• High-contrast screen using new ClearVision display
• Large font size for easy readability
• High-volume for call clarity in loud environments
• Automatic notification of current prepaid balance
• Embedded polyphonic ringtones in eight voices
• Ability to download ringtones

The MOTOFONE is expected to be available in Q4 of 2006.