MINNEAPOLIS - (Business Wire) Best Buy Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy Co., Inc., will pre-sell the highly anticipated Verizon Motorola DROID smartphone beginning October 29. The phone will land in stores November 6. The Motorola DROID is the first Verizon device running on Google’s innovative Android operating platform. Customers who purchase the smartphone at Best Buy Mobile can avoid the hassle of mail-in rebates with instant savings applied at the point of purchase. The phone will retail for $199.99 with two-year activation.
“We’re excited to feature this new device for our consumers, as it represents the latest and greatest in mobile technology,” said Best Buy Mobile President Shawn Score. “Bringing the DROID to Best Buy Mobile expands our already unmatched assortment of smartphones allowing customers to compare high-end devices like the iPhone 3GS, HTC Hero and DROID all under one roof. The fact that customers can purchase the phone first at Best Buy through the pre-sell is an added bonus.”
Best Buy Mobile has become a leading destination for smartphone purchases, in part because of the promises the store offers its customers: better choice of phones and networks; impartial, informed advice; straightforward pricing; and someone to be there for the life of the phone.
The new Motorola DROID comes equipped with a 3.7” high-resolution screen, a 5 megapixel camera with AutoFocus, image stabilization and dual-LED flash, DVD-quality video, 3G internet capabilities and access to thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market™. DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It also comes preloaded with a voice-activated Google search function, integrated Gmail™, Exchange e-mail capabilities, and enhancements to Google services including Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube and Google Talk™.
In addition to the pre-sell and instant savings, Best Buy Mobile offers an array of services aimed at improving the mobile phone buying experience, including:
- Upgrade Checker: A quick and easy in-store service that gives customers the ability to see when they are eligible for their next phone upgrade. When the upgrade time is nearing, customers receive a complimentary reminder call or email.
- Walk Out Working™: Free in-store smartphone setup by a Best Buy Mobile Phone Specialist who will sync personal email accounts, set up Bluetooth® headsets, transfer contacts and activate other services to allow the customer to leave the store with a fully functional new smartphone.
About Best Buy Mobile
Best Buy Mobile features one of the largest selections of carriers, handsets and accessories available anywhere, as well as a highly-trained staff to help customers make the most of their mobile phones. Best Buy Mobile locations feature more than 90 different handsets from nine carriers, and over 130 accessories. Employees undergo at least 80 hours of intensive training, as well as continuing education on mobile phone technology and trends. Look for your mobile phone solution at Best Buy Mobile locations in every Best Buy store as well as in standalone stores nationwide.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, China and Mexico, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $45 billion in annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy; Audiovisions; The Carphone Warehouse; Future Shop; Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star; Magnolia Audio Video; Napster; Pacific Sales; The Phone House; and Speakeasy. Approximately 155,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2009, we donated a combined $33.4 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuy.com.
Media Contacts:
Miguel Sepulveda, 404-870-6810
MS&L PR for Best Buy Mobile
miguel.sepulveda@mslworldwide.com
or
Best Buy Public Relations, 612-292-NEWS
newscenter@bestbuy.com
