Verizon iPhone Unleashed...and No One Showed Up To Get One?

Verizon finally got what they had been striving for, jumping through hoops and over hurdles with the giants at Apple to gain the fantastic device known as the iPhone...and no one came out to get one. A lot of reports have been circulating that the retail stores that have the iPhone device in stock, didn't have the swarm of crazed iPhone fans and AT&T jumpers that they thought they were going to have. If you think about it though, there are some really good reasons that people would not rush out of their houses to gang up on stores to get the device.

Verizon's First Call Over LTE Successful!

Hooray! Good news indeed to all Verizon/Android users. Now we have another reason to laugh at iPhone users still trapped on AT&T. 02/08/2011 is that date that marks the first successful call made over the Verizon 4G LTE network. The place, Basking Ridge, NJ, is the location. Two Verizon employees in the area placed the call and it was successful!

HTC Thunderbolt Launching with Hotspot Capabilities ? Rumored Release Date: February 24t

According to sources at AndroidGuys, the HTC Thunderbolt release date on 24th February 2011. There are also rumors about an earlier release, on Valentine’s Day but we will have to wait and see if that is true. It is speculated that the price will be around $249 with a contract, which is a bit on the higher side. However, I believe that it is quite reasonable for a phone which offers 4G speed along with hotspot capabilities.

Source : FreePCGuides

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I Don't Know...You Might Want Wake Up At 2:55am (EST) If You Just Have To Have A Verizon iPhone

Verizon is once again reminding their employees and family members to put the customers first and refrain from buying a Verizon iPhone themselves, at least for the time being. An email memo sent out today to all employees says:

Focus on Customer Is Key to Verizon iPhone Launch

To help ensure we meet customer demand for iPhones, Verizon is urging employees and their families to postpone purchases of the popular smartphone, whether online or in retail stores, for the time being.

“Customers and non-customers alike have waited for years to see this product on America’s most reliable wireless network,” notes Verizon Wireless Chief Operating Officer John Stratton. “Demand will be unprecedented.

“Now it’s here. This is our chance to show those millions of people what it means to be a Verizon customer — providing them the best network, joined by the very best customer service and support, all adding up to a world-class customer experience.

“Part of that experience is ensuring we’re able to meet our customers’ needs in the midst of what will surely be unprecedented customer demand.

“I know customers aren’t the only ones who are excited – employees are, too. While I share your excitement, over the coming weeks we all need to do our part to meet our customers’ needs — this means putting our customers first.

“After all, that’s the way we do business. That’s the Verizon Credo in action.

“This is an historic moment in time to rally together and show our loyal customers and new ones what our culture is all about.”

Are you happy Verizon brass is putting your Verizon iPhone first, or are you just wondering how many Verizon employees or family members will sneak off to Apple Retail Stores on February 10 to snag a Verizon iPhone on the sly?

Sounds to me like Verizon & Apple are expecting their to be a shortage of the new iPhone. You might want to set that alarm a few hours early if you're a early adapter, such as myself.


- DezHuez

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HTC Phone Leaked, Headed To Verizon?

Well there looks like another phone is on the horizon for Verizon (see what I did there). Leaked pictures of a button less HTC device started popping up and have been hitting all the major sites. The phone is still nameless and its unclear when the phone will have a release date but it is pretty exciting to know there could possible be another kick butt phone coming to everyones favorite network.....no not Sprint.... I was referring to Verizon.

As you can see, the photo on the left clearly shows the Verizon logo on the top of the phone. Now remember that at the CES event, Verizon mentioned four new phones that were scheduled to come out between the first and second quarters of the year. The HTC Thunderbolt, LG Revolution, the Unnamed Samsung device, and the Droid Bionic were all mentioned at the CES and were said to be released. So whats this device all about? Well we will be on top of this when more information comes out for this device. Excited? I know I am.

- FlashSama

(Via Erictric.com via @VerizonNews)

Rumor: Apple Made Verizon Get Rid of the "New Every 2 Years" Discount

Something's should be left alone. Unfortunately, they weren't and the discount Verizon used to offer was one of them. Yesterday, I had to call into the Verizon Wireless Center to check on my available upgrade discount because as most of you may or may not know, Verizon axed the "New Every Two Year" discount effective January 16th. That date was the official cut off date for the discount which means that if you haven't been a customer for more than a year previous to the date mentioned, you would be ineligible to receive the discounted price for your upgrades. I also found out that if you do in fact have a eligible upgrade, you only have 6 months after January 16th to use your discount before it is gone forever.

Hopefully by the time the big name phones like the Bionic and the Revolution come out we all will be able to use our upgrades to get the phone of our dreams. Now I do have to say that even after you use your upgrade, after that, it will be gone forever. No more discounts on top of discounts. But this is where things get interesting. While I was talking to the Verizon Service Rep on the phone, I got the chance to ask them why the discount was being taken away after all this time. Now if you have been following us or any other mobile news channel, you know that Verizon has said that they were getting rid of it to prep for the arrival of the iPhone. Some reasons were stated to possible keep the influx customers in line so that the network wouldn't get hit like the At&t has been getting hit since the dawn of the iPhone on their network. While I was talking to them though, they said something of a little interest.

They said that in order to get the iPhone on the Verizon network, one of the stipulations from Apple was that they had to get rid of their discount plan. Now I know what you may be thinking, "Flash, that doesn't sound right! Why would Apple make Verizon do that? They still have the phone on At&t so whats the difference? Well, if you think about it, normally when Verizon offers a brand spanking new phone, the starting price for the phone for 2 year customers is almost always $199.99. Now if you have a 2 year contract under Verizon you should be eligible for a discount of about $100. Now that $199.99 is the discount rate for 2 year customers, so if you add another $100 to that discount, you end up getting a new iPhone for a cheap $99.99. "But Flash, current customers will already be offered that rate when they use the upgrades they already have?" That may be true but what about the hordes of iPhone fans that may want to change to Verizon? They wont have the 2 year upgrade option.

Now if you think about it, there may be millions more coming from At&t that are willing to come to Verizon for the iPhone 4 instead of a drastic shift inside the Verizon camp itself. That means that millions of dollars will be coming to Apple's way instead of the discounted priced money that they could have received from the Verizon customers if they were able to get the phone at a discounted price. I know this may be a little bit of speculation on my part but it just seems to make sense. Apple definitely is looking to make money in this endeavor with Verizon and what better way to do it then to shut down any discounted rates for the iPhone then to make them get rid of the discount so they can get more money.

It just adds up to me that way, but maybe you think it could have happened for the reasons that Verizon had stated before. But think of it another way. If Verizon had said that they weren't going to get rid of the discount after all the leaks, the statements officials and reps had made about the iPhone coming to Verizon, and then Apple calling off the deal right in the middle would have looked bad. So they had no other choice but to get rid of the discount.

So Steve Jobs managed to screw Android users over right before he went on his exile..... I mean is sick leave. Rats!

The LG Revolution has begun

LG Revolution has a respectfully-sized, 4.3-inch touchscreen, while a front-facing camera will let you do video chats. The main camera unit on the rear of the device has a 5MP sensor with autofocus, HD camcorder, and an LED flash. Data speeds that the LG Revolution is expected to achieve on Verizon's LTE network are as follows: 5 to 12 Mbps for download, and 2 to 5 Mbps for upload. The handset is able to act as a Mobile Hotspot, so it'll allow you to share the data network via Wi-Fi with up to 8 other devices. Other goodies on board include Bluetooth 3.0, HDMI port and DLNA.
My personal view on this phone is that it looks great. I hope the hdmi out is now a standard output for new smartphones. Verizon is now making strong waves in the phone waters and it is refreshing. This phone in my opinion is a great upgrade to get if you do not have a smartphone. But let me know if you have it and if you like it. Thanks

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Kiss Your Verizon "New Every Two" Goodbye

Well folks, Android users have something else to gripe about now because Verizon is getting rid of there "New Every Two" program. If you are new to Verizon, the program would allow you to get further discounts on a new phone of your choice when your contract nearly comes to an end. So why would, in particular the Android users have reason to be upset?
Well because of the rumor mills and buzz, then the final announce of the iPhone actually coming to Verizon, Verizon decided to rid the program to counteract all the phone swapping madness that would ensue for the iPhone 4, which is available early next month. The program would give discounts to 1 and 2 year subscribers and extra discount ranging from $30 to $100 going toward the already discounted price of the new phone (Ex: Droid X- $599.99, 2 year contract- $199.99- $100.00 rebate discount= $99.99)
Starting Jan. 16th, the program goes bye bye. Those that are still current customers will still be able to use the credit towards the iPhone and customers under contract before Jan. 16th will be retroed into the credit, but for the last time. So thats it, if you still have your discount then your golden...if not...your up the creek without a boat. Darn iPhone!

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This is going to be a Good Year

With the CES just ending last week, we have so much to look forward to in the new year. From new and more powerful smartphones, to the onslaught of new tablets, to even Verizon annoucing just yesterday that in fact the iPhone will be available under their network in February! And this is only the first two weeks of the new year!
Even AT&T has begun to show some love with Android and has gotten some new and more powerful toys after losing the "exclusive tag" on the iPhone. Verizon making policy changes and all too in prep for the iPhones release and Steve Jobs not showing up to the conference for the announcement (was there any surprise there? I mean come on.)
So with that being said, lets dive right in to this year and hope for the best! Smartphones and tablets and netbooks oh my indeed.

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IPad Heading To Verizon!

Holy whack At&t network Batman! The iPad is going to Verizon! Or at least that was announced today by Verizon and Apple. They mentioned that the iPad will be available October 28th, which is only a few weeks away. This is great news for those that like the iPad but hate the At&t network that its on right now.

Verizon also stated that they will have three bundle packages starting at $629.99. What do you get you may ask? Well within the three bundles you get the iPad and a Verizon Mifi 2200 IMH Device (Intelligent Mobile Hotspot). Each bundle varies in GBs. $629.99 gets you 16gbs, $729.99 gets you 32gbs, and $829.99 gets you 64gbs. The IMH device is small enough to fit in your pocket and allows up to five wifi enabled devices to sync with it as well. Looks like its gonna be a wonderful Christmas for Verizon this year. I wonder what Steve Jobs has to say about all of this?

Source: Businesswire

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Update: Looks like the iPhone is coming to Verizon After All

I guess the secrets out. Now the reports are saying that the iPhone is going to come to Verizon in the first quarter of 2011. Even Good Morning America reported the same thing yesterday. This may come as a shock because about two weeks ago CEO Ivan Seindenburg said that the iPhone was not coming to Verizon in the "forseeable future." Maybe this was a ploy to throw everyone off the trail since the exclusive tag for the iPhone is coming to an end and Verizon has been in talks with Apple since then.

The Wall Street Journal stated that even though the iPhone is on pace to sell 40 million phones in the US, Apple and the iPhone are still facing pressure to keep in the smartphone race with Google and Android. Its been a close race with Android taking a flying leap in August, having added 10.9 million subscribers to Android from a mere 866,000 a year ago. Iphone has made advances too but with 13.5 million subscribers, 7.8 million a year ago, its looking like iPhone will be overtaken before the years end with Android constantly putting out new and powerful smartphones.

Some analysts worry that Verizon may not be able to handle the masses when the data hungry iPhone comes to Verizon but Verizon has been testing their network strength to avoid the poor network issues that continue to plague AT&T, and for the moment Verizon is still offering unlimited data plans, while AT&T still allows users to surf the net and make phone calls at the same time.

What might have caught some people off guard is that no one has actually come up and said anything about Verizon getting the iPhone. Executives and Presidents from both sides have not uttered a word about the iPhone or Verizon in the same sentence. The manufactoring companys Qualcomm and Pegatron have remain tight-lipped as well. In my opinion, seeing is believing. I would hope that even if this move does happen, that Verizon doesnt forget about Android and continues to make that its flagship smartphone. What do you think about all of this as a consumer?

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Verizon's New Trade-In Deal

Verizon has launched a brand new program for those that want to either jump ship from there current wireless provider or get a brand new phone from Big Red. If you go to www.trade-in.vzw.com, you will have to get your phone appraised based off of the questions they provide (does your phone still make calls, damage to the phone, buttons still working, etc.)
Once you finish a series of questions, your phone is appraised, giving you the total worth of your phone.




The money is used towards your next phone purchase or you can get a VZW gift card for the worth of the phone. Sounds pretty cool huh? Thanks for Droid-life and Boygeniusreport for breaking the story. Options are always a great thing to have.

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Why The World Doesn't Need Iphone on Verizon?

While the thought of having the Iphone on Verizon would be kind of cool (in a Mr. Sinister takes over the world kind of way) it seems that there may be no Iphone coming to Verizon after all.
I was kind of shocked when I started hearing news about a CDMA Iphone being made overseas, and it seemed to fit with all of the other rumors and suspicions that have been floating around the last couple of months. A few days ago though, a friend of mine sent me an article that would change my perspective on the idea. Kevin Maney, the man that wrote the article, gave alot of points that made alot of sense as to why the Iphone wouldnt be needed on Verizon.
One reason he gave, was that there would have been no avenue for new and innovative concepts that wouldve been brought to the table if Verizon already had the Iphone on their network. Look at it this way, Iphone was the giant of the mobile world from the beginning. Now if the Iphone was everywhere, new concepts like Google's Android would have been lost to the wind because there would be no need to bring them in if Verizon already had Iphone.
Competition would have also been lacking in the mobile world if Verizon had an Iphone. Because of the success of the Iphone, it forced other company's like Verizon and Sprint to come up with an alternate phone that could go toe to toe with the Iphone. Kevin mentioned in his article that just this past August, "Android grabbed 27% of recent smart phone subscribers, pushing it ahead of Apple's Iphone in the US market shares." These kinds of moves also forced Blackberry and RIM to step up production on their phones in order to not be completely run out of existence. Networking improvements also stir up competition too such as the rise to 4G status with Sprint and Verizon leading the way forcing At&t to play catch up.
Also to benefit the consumer, we have a variety of choices to pick from when selecting a phone. Had the Iphone never had the exclusive tag, everyone would own one and the pace of new features and devices would be slow (like watching a snail cross a three lane highway.) Also, if Verizon had acquired an Iphone after sealing the deal with Google for Android, it would disrupt all the good flow the Android models had given to the company, cutting its growth short. The mobile world would thrive at a better pace without the Iphone being on Verizon, but thats not to say that it cant happen in the future. As of right now it doesnt seem so and thats coming from Verizon's CEO Ivan Seindenburg. Fortune Tech reported the CEO saying, "There is nothing in the works to bring Iphone to Verizon in the forseeable future."
Maybe thats a good thing. Allowing the mobile market to constantly challenge each other allows the consumer to really come out on top. We get the best out of every carrier and company when they compete in this way. Why change a good thing?

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New Rumor Info on CDMA Iphone 4 for Verizon

So many rumors, so little time. As you may know, there have been numerous rumors circulating about the Iphone jumping ship and going to Verizon, but now it seems to be gaining momentum as the year begins to come to a close.

CnetNews reports that Apple has ordered millions of CDMA chips from Qualcomm for a possible start of production sometime in December, and if this is true, it would coincide with the possibility of a January release that was mentioned earlier this year. CnetNews went on to report that there might even be a possibility that the Iphone might even be placed under the LTE 4g network that Verizon is suppose to be releasing by the end of the year. So thats an CDMA Iphone 4 with possible 3g/4g capabilities, and on the Verizon network! Sounds good?
Let me know what u think....

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