Mumbai: Motorola, Inc today announced its plans to introduce the ROKR E8 handset model in the market, which allows users a smooth transition from talk to music to imaging device at the touch of a button.

Using the breakthrough ModeShift technology from Motorola, the device presents users with only the controls they need, at the time they need them, instantly transforming from music player to phone with a mere button touch.

When switched off, the surface of ROKR E8 is smooth, with no visible keys. Once the power on the device is activated it presents a virtual numbered keypad on the front surface. With one ''press'' of the virtual music key, the phone keypad disappears and control keys for the music player – play, pause, fast forward and rewind – appear in its place.

Yet, ROKR E8 is more than just a ''touch''-operated device. Using innovative vibrating haptics technology, the device provides the tactile feedback consumers expect from a traditional keypad, providing confirmation they have pressed a virtual key.

ROKR E8 also marks the debut of the new FastScroll navigation wheel from Motorola, a variable-speed touch control that lets consumers easily scroll through all of the content stored on the device. With a gentle slide of the thumb, the wheel quickly scrolls through your music (music mode), contacts (phone mode), calendar (phone mode), or multimedia (imaging mode) content. Information is easily viewed on the landscape 2.0'' QVGA display.

In music mode, ROKR E8 delivers great sound through a three-dimensional stereo feature that enhances two-channel audio and an on-board equaliser. Music can be enjoyed on the built-in speaker, with a compatible Bluetooth® enabled stereo headset1, or through a wired headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack.

ROKR E8 also helps consumers discover new music with a built-in FM radio and support for Song ID2. The 2GB internal memory can store up to 1,600 songs3, and the external memory is expandable up to 4GB with an optional microSD card. Music transfers quickly with USB 2.0. The device is compatible with Windows Media Player 11 on the PC, which also provides access to more than 200 online music stores.

In phone mode, ROKR E8 provides outstanding voice quality using Motorola CrystalTalk technology. The powerful device can receive calls while downloading or playing music, text messaging2, surfing the Web2 or taking pictures. Quality construction and materials help make ROKR E8 durable and reliable, and a high gloss front, aluminium soft touch back, spun metal side keys and engraved banding offer the modern style expected from Motorola.

The ROKR E8 received the CNET Best of CES Award in the cell phones and smartphones category and CNET's People's Voice Award during CES tradeshow in Las Vegas earlier this year.