Motorola has now launched the newest addition to its ROKR family, the ROKR E8, which is an advanced audio player mobile device that offers access to Motorola's new music portal MOTOMUSIC through GPRS.

MOTOMUSIC is a result of the company's recent acquisition of Soundbuzz, an online and mobile music retailer. The Web site offers a range of down-loadable digital content (music and other) including full song tracks, ring tones, and music videos. Users can download the content directly on their mobile phones or PCs.The ROKR E8 includes ModeShift technology, a FastScroll navigation wheel, and haptics technology. ModeShift technology, as the name suggests, transforms the device from a phone to a music player with the touch of a button. The FastScroll navigation wheelallows scrolling through songs with the slide of a thumb. Meanwhile, haptics technology provides tactile response on pressing a virtual key.

The new ROKR features a virtual numeric keypad, which disappears when the phone is turned off, displaying a smooth surface with no visible keys. With pressing any virtual music key once, the numeric keypad disappears and control keys for the music player offering functions such as play, pause, fast forward, and rewind appear in place. Users also get a tactile feedback confirmation when they've pressed a virtual key.

In music mode, the E8 offers a three-dimensional stereo feature with two-channel audio and on-board equalizer. The phone packs a built-in speaker and FM radio. In addition, it has 2GB of internal memory, while external memory can be expanded up to 4GB. The phone features CrystalTalk technology for call clarity, and is compatible with Windows Media Player 11 on the PC.

Specs of the ROKR E8:
Dimensions 115x53x10.6mm
Band Quad Band; GPRS/EDGE class 12
Weight 100 grams
Battery 970mAh
Display 2.0-inches QVGA 240 x 320 262K TFT
Connectivity Stereo Bluetooth Class 2, USB 2.0 Hi-speed,
GPRS Class 12, EDGE Class 12

The E8 (Premium) pack also bundles a Motorola EQ3 Portable Speaker, which is a sleek pocket-sized device that can be connected to an MP3 player, PC, or mobile phone through a wired 3.5mm jack. The ROKR E8 is available at Motostores and retail outlets; the Premium pack is priced at Rs 15,455 while the Deluxe pack at Rs 13,999.