The primary feature setting the Cliq apart from competing devices is that it is the first (and thus far only) device with the MotoBlur interface. Conceptually, MotoBlur sounds phenomenal. In the real world though there are some kinks to work out.

Integrating information from various messaging and social networking sources into a single interface is a great idea, but it is hard to pull off on a 3-inch screen. The MotoBlur concept would probably make a great application or browser plugin for desktops and laptops, or even notebooks, but it's a lot of information to fit onto such a small display.

Screen size aside, MotoBlur also suffers from being version 1.0. The information overload combined with the you don't want to see illustrate that there is room for improving the MotoBlur experience. I would expect the functionality and customizability of the MotoBlur UI to improve with future releases.

The Cliq will be a relative success for Motorola, but that isn't saying much given that Motorola hasn't had a genuine hit since the Razr debuted in 2004. And like its predecessors, the Cliq's teeny-bopper SMS-esque name is probably indicative of the audience that will embrace it most.

Motorola seems to be heading in the right direction with this handset, though. The Cliq is Motorola's first attempt at a Google Android-based device, and the first device to include the new MotoBlur UI. With luck, Motorola will gather user feedback and learn from the Cliq, but the Cliq itself unlikely to click with the grown-ups who actually buy smartphones.