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When this was brought to our attention, the sad truth is that we weren’t really all that surprised by it. For one, it’s not like this is the first time that China and Google have been in the news together recently, so something like this almost seems natural, if not a direct response to those past events. But, is that really even the reason? Should we really be upset that Motorola has chosen to use Microsoft’s Bing as its primary search engine in China?

According to Reuters, this could very well be the reason. It’s a sad truth that politics can come between a great many things, and if this situation is indeed the case, then chalk this one up as another loss. And while many think that an Android-based device isn’t an Android-based device if it’s lacking such distinct features as (Google) search and (Google) maps, that’s simply not the case. No matter how you look at it, the Android mobile Operating System is planted firmly in the open source market. Meaning, once someone decides that they want to use Android on their device, it’s fair game.

We’ve seen such travesties before, naturally. Sure, it doesn’t help Motorola’s case that the last great debacle featuring a missing Google feature happened on another one of their devices, but this just seems to be a case of freedom of choice. The manufacturing company has decided to stake their claim in an open project, and by the result of that, can do whatever they want with the platform once it makes it onto their hardware. (Let’s not forget that AT&T is more than likely also very much to blame for the Yahoo! Search on the Motorola Backflip, the other handset in question.) As much as we all expect, or even need our Google-centric applications on Android devices, the nature of the beast is far more robust, and has a lot more options.

Welcome to the SlashPhone Week in Review. This is where we take a look back at the week we’ve just left behind, and rehash the most important articles. It’s one of the ways we like to make sure that you’re not missing anything, just in case you couldn’t stop by on your busy Monday. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss the launch of a brand new phone, now would you? Of course not. So get comfy, grab a drink and some popcorn, as we dive in.

On the first, which was Monday (just in case you lost track of time), Samsung went on the record as officially launching the Caliber (SCH-r860) for MetroPCS. While this isn’t the highest of mid-range devices, it does offer some pretty good stats: a 3.2-inch (resistive) touchscreen; 3MP camera, Bluetooth, and access to a MicroSD card. Considering it’s a touch-based Samsung, you shouldn’t be surprised that TouchWiz is rocking the User Interface side of things. It also has a full HTML browser, so go ahead and surf away. The MicroSD can be expanded to 16GB, so you can make use of the on-board MP3 player.

Next up, we’ve got a new line of phones from industry heavy Nokia. They introduced the first in their C-Series of devices: the C5. It’s a “smartphone” running S60 3rd Edition, and like most phones coming out these days, it’s a media-centric device with a heavy tilt towards social interation. You can access Facebook status messages through the phonebook, and access to your favorite contacts can be had right from the homescreen. It’s got access to Nokia’s OVI Maps, which means navigation is free for life (or as long as you own the phone), and comes in at EURO 135, so nothing that’ll break the bank. The device is set to launch some time in the second quarter of 2010, so if this something you’re interested in, keep your eyes peeled.

Despite the fact Research In Motion would appear again later in the week, we wanted to make you aware of this story more than anything. Meet what is being called the BlackBerry Storm 3. It’s a slider. Yes, that’s right. Leaked images of a sliding formfactor BlackBerry started making the rounds on Wednesday, showcasing what Research In Motion might be planning for some time later in the week. Nothing was confirmed of course, but as it stands, RIM could use another industry-changer (like the original Storm), and we’re eagerly anticipating anymore images we can get our greedy hands on.

Just past the middle of the week now and we’ve got Samsung on the chopping block again. This time around we’ve got two phones that are seeing shelves around the world, with no plans (as of now) for any State-side sales. We’ve got the Samsung Clutch, which is ridiculously shiny. However, Samsung may want you to think you’re getting a high-end device based on looks, going a bit deeper into the User Interface shows us that TouchWiz is still there in its full glory, with something Samsung is calling a “lady UI.” We’re still not sure what that means exactly, but apparently having applications like a calorie counter and party planner equate to a lady UI. It costs about $520. The Samsung Diva is something less than the Clutch, both in aesthetics and UI. Missing all the flashy “lady” parts (…), the Diva is indeed still aimed at a more female userbase. We’ve got to give it to Samsung: they know how to create phones.

Microsoft may have wowed the world with their upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series Operating System, but apparently they’ve also got something else being worked on in secret. Well, it hasn’t been much of a secret for awhile, but now we’ve got pictures! Microsoft’s Project Pink is apparently meant for the more teenage-age range of customers, with media, messaging, and social networking the focal point. They’re bringing two devices –the Turtle and Pure– to Verizon Wireless in April, if we are to believe the rumors. While the pictures may not speak to everyone, at least we can say the Turtle is one of the most interesting devices we’ve seen in awhile. And that’s saying a lot.

Speaking of Windows Phone 7, LG was nice enough to show off their first device running the mobile Operating System of the future. While everyone has been focusing on the top of the parameters for the hardware, LG wanted to show off what’s been called the second chassis. A slider, with a full, physical QWERTY keyboard, and a touchscreen. There wasn’t much else to go on at the time, but the codename did come out a bit later. LG is going to (according to further rumors) call the new phone the Panther. (Yes, they could have chosen a better name.) But! Even better than an LG slider-phone, is what Eric Rudder showed off at TechEd in the Middle East. He walks us through playing an Indie game on his computer, and then moves the same game over to his Windows Phone 7 Series-based device, and finally moves it over to the Xbox 360 to finish the experience. Rudder (and subsequently Microsoft) have shown what the convergence of the three screens will finally look like, and it looks awesome.

And finally, we’ve got Motorola. They’ve gone ahead and launched their latest Android-based device, but that’s not really the big news. Instead of hitting T-Mobile, Sprint, or even Verizon, this one’s heading to AT&T. That’s right, the second largest carrier in the States has finally received their first Android device, and, well, it’s interesting. It introduces a very intriguing form factor, and one that you’ll have to see to believe. We’ve got a review of the device over at SlashGear, which you should definitely check out, even if you’re not on AT&T or want an Android device. Just go look at it.

That ends this week. Be sure to stop by next week for another wrap-up.

This year Motorola has been putting in more effort in Android platform. The new Motorola Backflip comes in an unique reverse flip design with a QWERTY keyboard at its back. SlashGear took a look at its unusual design, read on the full review here (http://www.slashgear.com/motorola-backflip-review-0376567/).

Our good friends over at SlashGear got their hands on the Motorola DEVOUR and after playing with it for a while they have the full review of the handset. Vincent loves the sturdy aluminum casing and likes the way the new Android device looks but he gets a little frustrated with the spacebar.

Apparently the build quality of the DEVOUR is on par with the DROID but you can easily tell the hardware is budget minded. The DEVOUR comes with Android 1.6 and Motorola’s MOTOBLUR with integration to various social networks, there’s a 3.1-inch capacitive display at HVGA 320 x 480 pixels.

After taking several pictures with the DEVOUR’s 3-megapixel camera Vincent noticed that the images tend to have muted and washed out colors resulting in mediocre images. There were other shortcomings found, so if you like to read the entire review and check out the Motorola Devour unboxing and hands-on video along with more pictures, go ahead to SlashGear.com and decide if you would buy this new Android handset.

[Via SlashGear]

Motorola announced today that it has successfully deployed a TD-LTE network at the Expo Center for World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, and completed the first indoor over-the-air (OTA) TD-LTE data sessions at the site. Motorola will provide an end-to-end TD-LTE solution and a TD-LTE USB dongles.

“Following the successes in 2009, we are vey excited about the progress that has been made at Shanghai Expo,” said Dr. Mohammad Akhtar, vice president and general manager, Networks, Motorola Asia Pacific. “Motorola is the leader in TD-LTE through LTE trials and engagements with various operators around the world. We are pleased that our high quality technologies and services can support CMCC in bringing a TD-LTE experience to Shanghai Expo, which provides many possibilities for a new media mobility lifestyle.”

Dr. Akhtar added, “Motorola has once again demonstrated the reliability and advancement of our TD-LTE solution and our ability to quickly deploy live mobile broadband networks in a real world environment. Motorola’s more than 10 years of OFDM experience, award-winning LTE solutions and accurate network planning are three key factors in helping operators lower the total cost of ownership of deploying and operating a TD-LTE network.”