BEIJING, December 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The Motorola Milestone, also known as the Motorola Droid in the U.S., has sold out within 3 hours of its UK launch.

    According to eXpansys, the online retailer that owns exclusive rights to sell the mobile, all stock had been sold two and a half hours after being listed ‘in stock’ on 10th December.

    "Today (Thursday 10th December) the first shipment of the Motorola Milestone was delivered into the UK, to be sold exclusively by eXpansys.com. Within 3 hours of the product being listed as 'in stock' on the eXpansys site it sold out. This makes the Motorola Milestone the fastest selling gadget in the website's 11 year history, even more successful than the iPhone", eXpansys CEO Roger Butterworth said.

    A second shipment would reach them in time for Christmas orders, Butterworth said. Popularity of the Motorola Milestone could already be seen even before it went on sale with more than 1,000 pre-orders placed in just one week before the handset made its debut.

    The smartphone has a hi-resolution and pinch and zoom 9.3 cm touch screen, 32GB memory, slide out QWERTY keyboard and runs on Google's Android 2.0 software. It also features built-in GPS and electronic compass and MOTONAV spoken turn-by-turn directions.

    A suite of Google mobile applications including Google Search, Google Maps, Google Mail and YouTube are integrated onto the device. Additionally have access to thousands of apps and widgets from Android Market. Ralf Gerbershagen, vice president and general manager of Motorola Western Europe, said of the device, "Milestone joins DEXT in our evolving Android portfolio and is further proof of our vision for Android as the platform to unleash the power of mobile internet."

    "As an Android 2.0 device, Milestone does what other smartphones don't. It was designed to enhance consumer experiences and its full screen web browsing experience, ability to juggle between multiple apps, and suite of Google applications deliver. We have been delighted with the anticipation and demand for Milestone across Europe."

    By today (14th December) the device appeared to be available once again from the eXpansys website. The phone retails at 449.99 pounds (728 U.S. dollars) SIM free or 49.99 pounds (80 dollars) on a 35 pound (56 dollars) a month contract with T-mobile for 18 months.

    (Agencies)