Verizon to aim for the smartphone crown
One of our really solid connects just had some information for us and we think you’re going to love it. With the Motorola DROID being Verizon’s hot handset at the moment, you’d figure that the Moto would be it for a while, right? Well, if our guy is right, we could soon be bombarded with a lot more handsets. Apparently if the DROID launch/sales go really well, (it probably will) Verizon will push up handset releases and practically aim for the smartphone crown. Were talking HTC Passion, Motorola Calgary, Curve2, etc.
Apparently the Curve2 or HTC Passion / Dragon will launch on Black Friday, “whatever is ready first.” The second device would be used in a holiday push around mid-December. I asked why Verizon wouldn’t space this out more and he/she said “best network, best smartphones campaign.” Fair enough.
There are also some handsets coming soon that we “don’t know about,” apparently. Could all four Android devices really launch on Verizon before the end of the year, or really close to it? Plus a couple BlackBerrys, and some other stuff that hasn’t surfaced yet? It seems a little crazy, but hey, more power to them.
UPDATE: We’ve also been told that Verizon will release 15 new phones, mostly smartphones, starting with the BlackBerry Storm2 and continuing into the end of December.
The passion will be a beast. No one seems to know anything about it besides a few leaked specs. Screw the droid, screw the eris, Passion all the way.
It will kill every phone on the market.
The question is when, does anyone know anymore about a REAL date??
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sounds like someone has a grudge against HTC
i know how you feel though. The outdated 528mhz qualcomm processor sucks ass =__________+
Its not bad but how about some 800mhz love or some more snapdragon phones.
The HTC HD2 is a little late if you ask me. That snapdragon processor is well over due. The touch pro2 should’ve been humming along to the tunes of a 1GHZ processor or atleast a 800mhz like samsung does with their phones.
Can we please not pretend that there will ever be a perfect phone. The passion, or whatever other false profit you start praising will disappoint in some fashion and then the rumor addicts will hop on the wagon for the next great hope. The HDC2 is snapdragon and if you take a look at some hands-on videos for that you will observe that the interface lags, at least more than I would have expected. No phone is perfect, DROID looks pretty darn good compared to the rest of the pack, don’t hold your breath for some uber phone to end all uber phones.
To tell you the truth. I have a touchpro2. I have Sense UI 2.5 and i see no point in using Sense.
I deactivate it for daily use. The Sense UI is only enabled when i want to use twitter or when i feel like leaving my phone looking pretty.
If i were to get the HD2 i wouldn’t be using Sense UI to tell you the truth, i would be running the WM6.5 Titanium Interface because no matter what anyone says that shxt is beautiful and minimalist.
Microsoft knows what they’re doing and HTC just slows the shxt out of phones with their UI’s as well as everyone else. Sad to say the Xperia Panels runs smoother on my phone than the Touch Flo3D for the simple fact TouchFlo is graphic and RAM intensive.
I’m all for the Titanium UI. Go Microsoft now focus on making my phone run swiftly while use 20% ram, with a sexy task manager. That’s all i’m asking for from WinMo right now.
Boy, a Verizon headlined Monday morning news blurb certainly woke up all the AT&T/Sprint/T-Mo trolls, didn’t it.
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Biggle’s comment was just an observation and judging by your response, an apt one.
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Wow, a Verizon customer posting in a Verizon thread. Imagine that. What’s your excuse? Troll says what?
Everyone bashing VZ will be re-signed in a year. Bet on it!
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Some of the HTC WinMo phones, and BB’s, are world phones. Surprised that neither Android phone released this Friday is world phone capable. Perhaps the Passion will be.
You must be a newcomer here. Read the archives. BGR has always been pushing the iPhone.
the beast has awoken. watch out AT&T…big red is going to own you regardless of the iphone in the near future
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Nate, I assume you have discounts of some sort? I just got quotes on two phones on family share with 700 shared minutes, unlimited text and two data plans, and it was quite a bit more than the $145 you’re paying for everything.
Either Nate has a discount, or he was grandfathered into a plan at that price. Also I think unlimited means 5GB at Verizon, unless like I said he signed up when there wasn’t a limit on data. I just canceled my Aircard that had unlimited MB usage. =\
I think hes has a Basic plan because of the 500 text, maybe one smart data plan a v pack. $90 + $10 + $30 + $15, maybe the text are free
I think every single person here knows the HD2 is running Windows. There were never rumors of HD2 hitting Verizon. He’s talking about the Passion which is a snapdragon Android phone that is suppose to go to Verizon.
by own i mean dominate…not actually purchase..networks arent compatible i know
Forgot to mention we use over 6500 minutes a month and still have about 400 minutes left over.
What exactly is your plan, before any discounts?
@ cj:
Actually, the att plans are not the same price as verizon’s. the $30 data plan for the iphone include support for Microsoft Exchange, so i could (if i could tolerate att’s poor service) sync my business email and calendar instantly. verizon’s $30 plan doesn’t include this, according to their rep. You have to pay for the $45 version. i’ll prob stay w/ verizon since i need service over cool devices, but they do need to become more competitive to attract other customers.
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@ Steel
I am loving the Verizon Android icon man. Very unique.
Nope, the 29.99 data plan includes Microsoft Exchange. The Rep was just trying to get you to pay more for something you don’t need.
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I’ve juss realized how everyone is stepping their game up as soon as we hear that t-mobile is tryin2 flip the industry on its ass.
The unlimited plans are hardly a huge step. I mean compared to metro pcs you’re paying more taxes for better signal.
For some wierd reason i feel that verizon won’t come out on top as the best. Lets get some 4G rollout and stop worrying about phones that won’t be compatible on a 4G network is what i say. Lets go sprint and 3G/4G compatible devices!
=I’m with t-mobile btw & i have the unlimited loyalty family plan for 89.98. unlimited minutes ftw
Why would you need this unless you have an Iphone, which verizon does not have. Why pay anything for exchange support this should be free like on winmo and android.
Miacol says:
November 2, 2009 at 9:44 AM
It amazes me how all these sites have been brought out by VZW. VZW is still a single use network, so all these phones are useless unless they are GSM/3G.
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VZW is CDMA and also GSM with their LTE network. Don’t bash a company unless you know something about them.
Just so you know the Imagio is CDMA and GSM.
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Yes it is. Boston and Seattle are up and going. Release date is the first of december.
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I really don’t think anyone is going to support WiMax and company’s are going to be more focused on LTE. Sprint should have went with LTE, WiMax doesn’t take that long to build which I guess is why they did it. But the benefits of LTE outweigh WiMax no contest.
Catch-up and pass, they will. LTE will be the dominant standard worldwide for 4G, much like UMTS(GSM carriers) is for 3G. WiMax will be small potatoes, just like EVDO (CDMA) is right now for 3G.
please stop spreading mis-information under the vzw tag.
If a company wants to get on the 4G train they will have to go to Sprint/Cleawire or wait on vzw. The one bebefit of LTE is there will be more roaming partners but hey have plans for that too
http://www.xconomy.com/seattle/2009/09/14/clearwire-gets-wimax-partners-in-japan-russia/
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/10/12/deutsche-telekom-cfo-on-t-mobile-usa-we-lost-customers-because/
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/09/16/clearwire-says-its-not-married-to-wimax-for-4g-would-be-easy-t/
I put up a post to help Sonya out but it’s awaiting moderation
Where do you get your information from? CDMA is superior to TDMA/GSM in several ways, why do you think the 3GPP went to a CDMA air interface with UMTS?
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It is up.
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On a trial basis, nobody in those markets can walk into a vzw store ans walk out with LTE
In a trial mode. It isn’t even standards based yet nor certified by ieee. Love all the equipment available for LTE now, lmao
If you switch now to a 2 year Verizon plan you’ll see LTE in I’d guess 60 or so markets with testing setups in Boston and Seattle already (10 cells a piece). Or to translate Verizon’s 4g coverage map at the end of the 2 years contract will look like ATT and TMobiles 3g coverage map as they exist now.
In 2 years, all major cities, highways, interstates, and a lot of rural areas will have 4G in 2 years.
What about right now, WiMax wins. All this “if if was a 5th” talk does no good in the present. You still haven’t admitted that ther is nowhere to buy LTE
VZW is right. In 2 years, LTE will surpass WiMax, but more importantly, you’ll be able to share a wide variety of hardware with, and roam all over, the world. WiMax will be useless unless you stay in the US and even then, you’ll be limited to whatever manufacturers decide to build for Sprint. Not a recipe for success. Enjoy your “now” network. Sprint will probably end up LTE in 4-5 years, if they make it.
This is actually to Biggles but there is no reply option. WiMax is already 20+ markets ahead of LTE with another 2 months for vzw to make the 2 they have live, let’s see them catch up before you declare a winner
Steel says:
November 2, 2009 at 9:50 AM
@ cj:
Actually, the att plans are not the same price as verizon’s. the $30 data plan for the iphone include support for Microsoft Exchange, so i could (if i could tolerate att’s poor service) sync my business email and calendar instantly. verizon’s $30 plan doesn’t include this, according to their rep. You have to pay for the $45 version. i’ll prob stay w/ verizon since i need service over cool devices, but they do need to become more competitive to attract other customers.
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You have to pay for tethering and Microsoft Exchange if you don’t have any idea how to use a smartphone.
I tether wirelessly free of charge and I set up my Microsoft Exchange without help from VZW which keeps the cost at $30.00.
no it doesnt. its 45 on att too
I’m not sure what $45 option you’re both referring to. I access my Exchange data on my iPhone and Storm using the $30 data plan. The $45 corporate plans allow for other uses, including VPN, and VZW’s $45 plan includes syncing with their services (wireless backup).
And Nate, there’s no free tethering – there’s only free stealing. Tethering is a $15/$30 dollar option, and I pay for it. Abuse of the carrier’s networks is screwing over the people that pay for services!
thats awsome news. i was waiting to hear info on the dragon/passion before i decided on anything. but theres no way im going out on black friday…
Steel,
You should be able to sync everything own your own and theirs apps to tether without Bug Red knowing. If you need help I will post the info.
@ Nate,
thanks for that info. Are you using 3rd party software for the tethering? So, if I simply set my exchange info up myself (which i have done on an ipod touch), it will sync over the air?
Here is my dilemma. I hate AT&T the coverage outside Pittsburgh stinks (25miles east). I like the iPhone, but it has a few things that put me off. I was going to get Sprint and a Pre but, after looking at the build quality, I punted- too cheap. I have been waiting for a good smart-phone from Verizon for a LOOoooong time. Verizon needed a phone that had many features, wi-fi. etc. and also on the BEST Network. Enter the Droid.. I pre-ordered it on Friday, got the $50 off for a new contract, so it will cost me $150. I am now getting COLD FEET, hearing about all these new phones coming out. I really wanted a touch only HTC with either Android 2.0 -or- Win-Mo 7. NO Apple and NO Blackberry.
Should I wait or just keep the Droid?? Does anyone see a phone with better features, touch only and better than the Droid before Christmas??
Any input would be helpful…
you will have 30 days to return it after you get it…and it looks like a pretty rocking phone. my advice, get it and if you dont like it you have 30 days to switch over to a new one. winmo 7 launches on phones late next year so dont wait on that. and id also stay away from the HTC phones until they go with a new processor. the moto is probably one of the best android 2.0 phones out right now or for the near future
If rumors of the HTC Passion/Dragon come to any fruition, then you’ll have a touch only, Android 2.0, 1GHz Snapdragon (aka Orgasmaphone). As of now the Motorola is your best option.
Personally, as a broke med student I’ll prolly go for the Eris or something similar. If I could, then I’d go for the Passion (if it exists)
your post does not make sense. if you had wanted a touch only htc, then you should have gone with the droid eris or hero from sprint.
He wanted a touch-only phone “better than the droid”. Given the Droid’s clock speed, screen size, battery life and Android version, the Hero/Eris seem inferior. An HTC snapdragon based phone, however, could be a real contender.
@ mrwirez
I’m with you on not wanting a physical keyboard (or gold bling!). with this news, i’ll be waiting. I’ve been looking for a phone on verizon for a year and a half now, so what’s another month and a half?
I think Motorola’s droid will serve as a flag for where the industry begins to change, but it’s not all that i’m looking for, esp. design-wise.
There was a leaked roadmap showing a “Sholes Tablet” (aka keyboardless Droid) in Q1 2010, I believe.
I Really Hope one of the phone is gonna be the Tour2. That’d be GREAT!!!!
It will be the Curve 2. The Essex may be out at the end of December, but it will be more like the first week in Jan. Curve 2 will be out on Black Friday.
How about some insight on the Passion? Will we hear some news come Thursday’s conference?
Yeah, we should. I don’t even know all the phones we are getting. I told BGR we are getting 15 new phones because thats what corp told us. We are getting phones that no one has hard about… well, from what Corp thinks… lol
Steel,
http://www.samsung-omnia.org/how-to/how-to-synchronize-microsoft-office-outlook-calendar-with-omnia-calendar/?topicseen
These are the steps for the Omnia but will work on any Windows phone.
This is the cab you need to install for the wireless tethering along with ICS. I attached two links to download them below.
http://www.4shared.com/file/34251344/77e957df/WMWifiRouter.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=71729&d=1203551314
For the second link you might need to create an account for xda which is free.
Why are people excited about the Passion? Is it the name? Nobody knows a dang thing about this phone except its rumored to have a Snapdragon processor. For all anybody knows, its a clamshell with a stylus! Please don’t get drunk on the smell of your own fantasies. Wait for some facts!
Potential not before seen in Big Red??
Ah…….all these damn phones at one point were all rumors, if your not into rumors of new tech maybe you should be chatting on Cnet. I remember the Leo/HD2 was merely a rumor, but guess what now it’s not, along with countless others get a clue.
Mrwirez,
Try it out for 30 days and if it’s not up to standards then swap it out for the Omnia 2 if it’s ever released.
Even if you don’t like the Droid and can’t find another phone to swap for at the moment you can always return the Droid and still be able to upgrade whenever you want.
I personally am waiting it out for the Omnia 2. I just returned the Imagio which was a huge disappointment and I am back on my old Omnia which is better the the Imaguio.
@ Nate: I, too, am waiting for the Omnia 2 to drop. I have the current version Omnia and have loved it so far, but from what I’ve seen and read about the supposed Omnia 2 it looks like a damn sexy phone.
@ VZW: You seem to have a lot of good inside knowledge on the phones coming out (how I miss working for VZW, which was ages ago). Can you fill us in on a possible release date for the Omnia 2??
The guys at my VZW store said they will have a lot of their phones out by the Friday before Black Friday… so Nov. 20.
Take it or leave it… that’s how I’m approaching their comments. I still thought I should share that info with you folks.
Have a great day!
typically reps at the retail level know nothing. they hangout on the forums and everything they get is from there.
id put little faith in what they are saying.
after a rep told me there was no way the winmo omnia would sync with outlook, and that contacts could only be transferred at a store between winmo phones, i realized they do in fact know absolutely nothing. that and my dad has had them mess up 4 of his blackberries trying to set up email. absolutely clueless are the reps/support ppl at the retail stores.
Tour 2?! Please come out sooner than later!
since this thread has wandered off of the main topic into a carrier vs carrier flame war–as all bgr threads do–i may as well say that the one thing i’m kind of annoyed about with sprint is that i’ve been getting telemarketing calls since i joined. i don’t know if this is the previous number’s owner’s fault (i also get calls from non-telemarketers who think i’m someone else) or sprint’s, so i’m curious if other sprint owners get telemarketing?
*previous owner of this number’s fault
I’d love to pay T-Mobile prices and have a N900. So I bought a $20 prepay T-Mobile phone to check coverage here in Rochester, NY. In going about my daily routine, I encountered something I never (and I mean *never*) see with Verizon: “no network coverage”. This is in parts of the urban core and in a couple places in the near-in suburbs. (In other words, not the sticks.)
I was surprised. I thought T-Mobile could at least provide decent voice coverage. Never mind 3G, which is a joke on T-Mobile. Rochester is “live” for 3G, but they only have a few towers lit up. The area where I live would be EDGE, if I were able to get service.
Verizon was at least a couple of bars of 3G in all the T-Mobile dead spots.
That’s why people pay a premium.
not really. sprint’s “unlimited” plans are the best value on the market, and they offer free roaming on verizon. so there’s no reason to pay a premium at least for the issue you’re citing.
Except when you ROAM you don’t have the Unlimited stuff. It’s all caped. If you go over that cap like on Data, you get charged.
There is no cap for phones, quit confusing Sprint with vzw. Is this wher you come back with the famous “50% of Sprint calls are roaming”?
Verizon doesn’t have a cap. Sprint has a cap. 800 mins is it.
Learn more about what you are talking about. Not on handsets! And oh yeah, Verizon caps also, and when you go over the cap, they don’t charge, they just shut down the service and cancel you as a customer. BTW, not many people go over the 5g mark, unless they are streaming video
Nope. Verizon doesn’t have a cap at all. We also don’t limit you to roaming. Please show me a link where it says we do, oh wait, there isn’t one.
Maybe YOU should do research before you open your mouth? eh?
If the free roaming on Sprint is like free roaming on T-Mobile, they lock you out of roaming in areas where Sprint has towers. So you could still drop calls in your home town if Sprint doesn’t have good coverage there.
That said, after I return the T-Mob phone, I might get a Sprint prepaid and give it a shot. Sprint just isn’t as interesting because there’s no phone as exciting as the Droid or N900 on their network. The Pre is looking like a fizzle, and it looks like VZW is getting all the cool CDMA Android phones for at least a little while.
You are confusing Sprint with vzw, they do proritize the roaming partners but they don’t stop you from roaming. I’ve read that vzw locks out roaming if there is any native signal no matter how weak
Wrong. I can really tell you have no idea what you are talking about. Sprint is more like this now. If there is even 1-0 bars, you won’t go into roam. And now that Sprint phones don’t have the “Roam Only” feature, you’re screwed.
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I hope you know most of us on here find you a joke.
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All my information is true. I work for Verizon, I know this first hand. I have had Sprint and AT&T. I can talk crap about them if I want. I have delt with them all. I know how they run. Don’t tell me what you think I should know from what I DO know.
have a good day
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VZW, any time I post something you get flustered, maybe that is the joke? I post on here because I know for a fact, tools like you actually get bent out of shape when I (or anyone, in your case) is negative about the company you work for. It’s hilarious. I mean come on, if you could only see from my point of view. I am upsetting you to some capacity from hundreds of miles away. Now that is funny.
You don’t upset me. I just find you a joke. Your post always get disliked. You seem immature.
The thing is VZW, you don’t state facts all the time and just based of the username you know there is a tinge of bias involved. You dismiss anything another carrier does in just about all related articles while tossing unnecessary praise toward yours, that’s the joke