Verizon Wireless to launch special 'Star Wars' edition of Droid 2

Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) will introduce a limited-edition version of its forthcoming Droid 2 smartphone modeled after R2-D2, the iconic droid from filmmaker George Lucas' Star Wars franchise. Available exclusively online in September, the special edition Droid 2 will feature external hardware evoking R2-D2's character design--the handset also will ship with exclusive Star Wars content. Verizon said it will preview the device at the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando. Device manufacturer Motorola licenses the Droid trademark and related properties from Lucas' production company Lucasfilm Ltd.

Verizon Wireless will offer the standard Droid 2 edition for online pre-sale on Aug. 11. The Android 2.2-powered device (priced at $199 after a $100 mail-in rebate) promises a new keyboard, improved processing power, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, as well as access to the Android Market application storefront and solutions like NFL Mobile and Blockbuster On Demand, presented by Verizon's V Cast Video.

For more on the R2-D2 Droid 2:
- read this release

Related articles:
Verizon Wireless launches Inception promotion on Droid
Verizon rolls out V Cast Apps to more BlackBerry smartphones
Verizon Wireless launches V Cast Apps storefront
Verizon Wireless premieres BilltoMobile payment service