motorola heritage

Features

MEMORIAL DAY 2012: REMEMBER

May 28, 2012 : BY Motorola

Semper Fi. Aim High. This We’ll Defend. To all the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have served in any war and given their lives, Motorola remembers. For more than 80 years, we’ve been there too — fighting right beside you. Our Handie-Talkie SCR536 portable two-way radio, developed in 1940 by Galvin Manufacturing Corp. (later Motorola) engineers, was a World War II icon. In 1943, we designed the world’s first FM portable two-way radio, the SCR300 backpack model, for the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Weighing 35 pounds (15.9 kg), this “walkie-talkie” radio had a range of 10 to 20 miles (16-32 km). Yes, Motorola remembers. And we salute you. Learn more about Motorola over the years.

 

Tagged as: memorial day, motorola, motorola heritage, world war 2, wwii

{ 0 comments }

Features

Motorola was there

September 26, 2011 : BY Motorola

Photo credit: Leo Burnett

Remember when Neil Armstrong took that giant step for mankind on the moon? How about when cellphones first came on the scene? What about the first tablet that ran on Honeycomb, Google’s tablet-specific Android operating system?

We remember those milestones because we were a part of them.

For more than 80 years Motorola has been on the forefront of technology, continually developing innovative ways of connecting people to each other and the world around them.

It all started with cars and took off from there. Here are just a few things we’ve done:

  • 1930 – The Motorola radio was one of the first commercially-successful car radios.
  • 1940s – We made remote communication possible during World War II with our Handie-Talkie SCR536.
  • 1969 – It was our parts that made it possible for Neil Armstrong’s famous words to be heard.
  • 1983 – Motorola’s DynaTAC is the phone you remember from the 80s and also the very first commercial handheld cellphone.
  • 2009 – We introduced the world’s Verizon’s first smartphone powered by Android. You know it as DROID by Motorola.

We’re responsible for a number of firsts, and we don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

Be sure to check out the Motorola Heritage site to see more. We have cool photos, videos and even an interactive timeline of accomplishments.

Tagged as: innovation, man on moon, motorola heritage, motorola history, technology

{ 2 comments }

Features

What device debuted in 1996 – 15 years ago?

July 21, 2011 : BY Motorola

The StarTAC Wearable Phone

When introduced in 1996, Motorola’s StarTAC wearable cellular telephone was the world’s smallest and lightest. It weighed just 3.1 ounces (88 grams).

During the year, Digital GSM models were introduced and were expanded into global markets.

Motorola StarTAC wearable cellular phone poster, 1996.

Motorola StarTAC wearable cellular telephone. Simply the smallest, lightest cellular phone in the world! Poster : color ; 28 X 22″. IMAGES: Upright hand, painted with oceans and continents (earth globe) design, holding Motorola StarTAC phone; five small images of people using StarTAC phones.

Credit: Motorola, Inc. Legacy Archives Collection, Motorola Mobility Heritage Services
Copyright 2011 Motorola Mobility, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tagged as: motorola, motorola heritage, motorola history

{ 1 comment }

Features

About Motorola Heritage Services and Archives

March 28, 2011 : BY Motorola

Motorola Heritage Services and Archives group supports Motorola’s global brand and reputation by communicating and preserving company heritage across functional, business and regional boundaries.

We serve as the corporate memory of Motorola Mobility, Inc. We identify, collect, preserve and make available selected records and artifacts that have enduring value in documenting the history and evolution of Motorola. We document Motorola’s iconic products, initiatives, marketing, places, people and events.

We collect records in all formats: textual, audiovisual, photographic, electronic and three-dimensional (i.e., artifacts, such as key products manufactured and sold by Motorola and its subsidiaries and distributors). We collect only those items that are considered to have long-term historical value to Motorola Mobility, Inc. are intended for permanent retention, hands-on use, or loan. All items accepted into the collections become the property of Motorola Mobility, Inc.

Our staff provide reference and research support to Motorolans around the world. Services generally are not available to the public. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances, subject to approval by Motorola Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.

Tagged as: motorola, motorola heritage, motorola history

{ 0 comments }

Features

Frequently Asked Questions

January 4, 2011 : BY Motorola

Q: What is the mission of the Motorola Heritage Services and Archives group?
A: We collect records in all formats: textual, audiovisual, photographic, electronic and three-dimensional. Three-dimensional records include artifacts, such as examples of key products manufactured and sold by Motorola, its subsidiaries and distributors.

 

We collect only those items that are considered to have long-term historical value to Motorola Mobility, Inc., and which are intended for permanent retention, hands-on use or loan.

 

All items accepted into the collections become the property of Motorola Mobility, Inc.
Q: I am a journalist. Where may I find a historic image to use in a story?
A: One of Motorola’s Media Contacts may direct you to the Motorola Collective, where after registration you will have access to thousands of high-resolution photographs of Motorola products and accessories.

 

There are also a select number of images for use at the Motorola’s Media Center.

 

Q: I am a student working on a project about Motorola products or businesses. Where can I find information?
A: There are several resources available online that may help you learn more about Motorola’s past and present products and businesses, including:
Q: I am a collector. How much is my Motorola vintage product worth?
A: We are not able to appraise Motorola’s older products or purchase them, but many resources are available online and in print that may assist in your valuation. Look for help from antique radio and television guides, collectors clubs and online auction sites.
Q: I would like to donate a Motorola product. Where can I find more information?
A: Motorola Heritage Services and Archives group has a large collection of preserved materials; however, some important items are missing from the collection. If you have a Motorola product from the past and would like to transfer or donate it, please contact us via email at history@motorola.com.
Q: Can you fix my vintage Motorola product?
A: Please visit our support centerfor help with many of consumer products; click on the product category and follow the prompts. The Motorola Heritage Services and Archives group does not provide repair services for the company’s older consumer products. Please try your local television or radio repair shop.
Q: Where can I find parts for my antique Motorola product?
A: Places that carry parts for antique products are listed on the Internet. Have your model number ready.
Q: Where can I find the model number of my older Motorola product?
A: The model number can usually be found on the back or just inside the back of the unit.

Q: I have a vintage two-way radio product, can you help me find out information about it?
A: We are not able to appraise Motorola’s older products or purchase them, but many resources are available online and in print that may assist in your valuation. Look for help from antique radio and television guides, collectors clubs and online auction sites.

Tagged as: motorola, motorola heritage, motorola history

{ 0 comments }