Preliminary Droid HD details and images leaked

If there's one thing I've learned over the course of Android's history it's that people are always looking to the next big thing. "Forget the phone due out next week, I want to know about the one coming out next quarter!" seems to be the mentality of a majority of Android's faithful followers. Perhaps that is exactly why so many Android blogs are quick to share every single blurry image and detail associated with the Droid Bionic. For all the agonizing and waiting we've endured for the past nine months, it's easily the most talked-about smartphone in Android circles.

But what's next? What happens after the phone arrives on the rumored September 8 launch date? I'm glad you asked!

Engadget has obtained a number of images and early specifications for an as-yet-announced Motorola handset carrying the name of Droid HD that looks to push the Droid line to new territory. According to Engadget, the handset features a 4.5-inch display, 8-megapixel camera (1080p HD video), and Micro-USB and Micro-HDMI output. Additional specifications gleaned from the images include external access to the microSD and SIM card slots. Speaking in terms of form factor, Engadget suggests that the Droid HD could come in as thin as 8.5mm to 9mm, rivaling the Samsung Galaxy S II and its 8.49mm design.

While we would normally expect a screen this size to offer qHD (960x540-pixel) resolution, it's very possible that this Droid HD may boast a 720p display. Motorola's name has been tossed around a time or two when the subject of HD display technology arises. Considering that other Droid products already offer the 1080p video recording, it's tough to imagine any other reason for the HD moniker.

Some readers may recall recently hearing of a Motorola Dinara expected to arrive later in the fourth quarter. Aside from the rumored 13-megapixel camera, the specifications for the Droid HD match up perfectly with the "thinner, lighter Droid Bionic." Assuming these two are in fact the same phone, we can also look for Android 2.3 Gingerbread when the Droid HD debuts.

Turning our focus back to the Bionic for a moment, the latest leaks have confirmed a few hardware and software details. According to the phone's Tips and Tricks manual, the screen size has been verified to be 4.3 inches at qHD 960x540-pixel resolution. What's more, the Bionic will have support for laptop dock connectivity and wireless printing, both of which were found in the Atrix 4G. Rounding out the details in the manual are ZumoCast (remote file access), mobile hot spot for up to eight devices, and a trio of microphones.