Verizon Launches Motorola's EV-DO Capable E815

Motorola E815

Motorola E815

Motorola E815

Today Motorola and Verizon officially launched the E815 on Verizon's EV-DO data network. The E815, a device we first saw at this year's CES in January, is for the most part an update of the V710 that offers EV-DO data connectivity.

People familiar with the V710 will note the new keypad design, which we found to be much more usable than the old, as well as the updated user interface. The new UI is skinnable, allowing for the graphical elements of the user interface to actually change shape as opposed to just changing color.

Less obvious changes include a new 1.3 megapixel camera that replaces the poor quality unit found on the V710. Another change is support for synching the E815 over a Bluetooth connection by using software available from Verizon, or the mobile PhoneTools app that is available from Motorola and BVRP Software. Dialup Networking support does not seem to have made it to the final device, though, and the press release states clearly that there is no OBEX profile support for sending files from one device to another over Bluetooth. The TransFlash memory card slot is still available for that, though.

The E815 is a rather large handset, but for those familiar with the V710 that want a bit of an upgrade, it likely will prove interesting. It is now available with a two year contract for $99.99 from Verizon after a $50 rebate, making it Verizon's least expensive EV-DO offering.

You'll find more photos of the Motorola E815 for Verizon Wireless on the following page.