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Microsoft Kin returning to Verizon?

Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Smartphones, Microsoft, Rumors,

kin returning to verizon

A few months ago, Microsoft introduced the ill-fated smartphone called the Kin. The small feature phone was available on Verizon in two different form factors, and was then canceled faster than any other phone before. It became known as the least successful smartphone ever. Yet, a recent leak of a Verizon internal communication suggests that both devices are coming back to Verizon soon. But this may not be such a bad move. There was nothing wrong with a Kin perse, as the device felt solid, and it was fully integrated with social networks, as a modern feature phone should be. The main issue was that it was sold by Verizon as a full smartphone, with expensive data plans, when it shouldn't have been. According to the leaked papers however, it seems that Verizon may be willing to change their tune on that point. Will this make the Kin a success, or is it's time passed already? We'll see soon enough.

Verizon offers unlimited data plan

Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Wireless / WiFi,

Verizon just announced a new plan for mobile users that distinguishes it from it's past offers, as it's the first time in a while that the biggest network in the US offers a truly unlimited data plan. Customers in select areas are reporting receiving the offer by mail. For $70 a month, one would get 450 minutes, with unlimited text and data. According to Verizon, this is a promotion, so there's no telling if this plan will hold for a long time. Still, this is a first move which hopefully other carriers will start following, as we users download more and more data on our iOS and Android phones. If you're already a Big Red customer, this may be worth looking into if you're a heavy data user.

Verizon V CAST coming to Android handsets

Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Handhelds, Software, Wireless / WiFi,

v cast android

According to a Verizon statement, the Droid Incredible will receive an update soon that will include the V CAST apps. Here's the statement:

"Verizon Wireless will begin pushing a software update to the DROID Incredible next week. The update includes software enhancements that will pre-install V CAST Apps on the phone. We said earlier this year that we'd be expanding V CAST Apps to the Android platform, and the DROID Incredible is the first Android phone with the store. Developers continue to submit apps, and as a reminder, V CAST Apps allows carrier billing, so customers who purchase applications through our store will see those charges on their monthly bill. For more information about the update customers can go to www.verizonwireless.com/droidincrediblesupport."

It's worth noting that in the past, the Verizon apps have been unremovable, even though many users consider them to be of little use. It's too bad that such an open system like Android is being forced to host such carrier specific modifications. So look for that update hitting your device soon if you're using a Verizon Android device!

Palm Pre 2 pre-orders begin on November 8th

Posted by Patrick Lambert Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds,

Looks like pre-orders for the Palm Pre 2 will be started on November 8th! After what was an overlooked debut, the Palm Pre and it's new WebOS failed to gain much momentum. Still, HP is hoping that this new revised version will succeed where it's predecessor did not. Very little is known about the Palm Pre 2, but we do know that Verizon documents have it scheduled for November. So for those who liked the Palm device and want an updated version, more info should be coming out really soon, and seriously, webOS 2.0 is looking mighty fine.

iPad coming to Verizon and ATT on October 28

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Corporate News, Handhelds,

iPad Verizon

Not to be outdone by Amazon, Target, and Walmart selling the iPad, Verizon Wireless and AT&T brick-and-mortar locations will begin selling the Apple tablet beginning October 28. This marks the first time that Verizon is carrying an iOS device to date, and likely fuels speculation that the iPhone is coming to VZW in early 2011. They'll be bundling the iPads with their MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, with pricing set at $630, $730, and $830 for the 16, 32, and 64GB models respectively. Users will get 1GB of monthly data allowance for $20, contract-free. On the AT&T side of things, they'll be selling the WiFi + 3G model of the iPad, which connects to the AT&T 3G network, and users there will pay $15 for 200MB of data, or $25 for 2GB monthly, no contracts.

WSJ: Verizon iPhone coming early 2011

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,

According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is readying plans to mass produce a CDMA version of the iPhone 4 that would allow Verizon Wireless to sell the phone early next year. They say their sources are “people briefed by Apple,” and we know that we’ve all gone over this rumor numerous times over the past couple of years, but it seems that 2011 marks the end of the AT&T exclusivity on the iPhone in the US, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see it hit Verizon in the first quarter of 2011.

In other news, WSJ reports that Apple is already hard at work on the iPhone 5. Of course, with it expected to launch in just 8 months, that really isn’t news at all.

Verizon not going to carry Windows Phone 7 until 2011

Posted by John Kilhefner Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Microsoft,

Verizon Wireless has confirmed that they will not be one of the carriers of Microsoft’s product when Windows Phone 7 launches in just a few weeks. While the Kin’s lack of any commercial viability led Verizon to stop carrying the product a mere few weeks after launch, Verizon and Microsoft’s relationship is reportedly intact. This leaves AT&T as the flagship carrier, as no others are known at this point. We’ll see at the launch if Windows Phone 7 can compete with the iPhone on its platform, and whether or not Verizon sitting out of the launch fray will have any negative impact on the success of WP7.

Read More | Business Week via Phonescoop

Verizon Droid smartphone evolution

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds,

With the release of the Motorola Droid 2, what you see above is the complete and current Verizon Droid smartphone lineup. Of course, now that the Droid 2 is available, the original Droid is no longer being sold, although you can find it as a refurbished unit still. The Droid Incredible from HTC is still my favorite Android device, and it’ll get even better once Android 2.2 arrives in a few days on the Incredible. The Droid X is the monster that’s figuring out if it wants to be a smartphone or a mini tablet, and the Droid 2 gives us a powerful (seriously, it’s fast) QWERTY slider that ships with Froyo already installed.

Now here is the interesting thing. The original Droid was Verizon’s first Android device, and it launched on November 6, 2009. A little over 6 months later, the Incredible launched. Three months later, the Droid X arrived from Motorola, and then a month after that, we got the Droid 2. Verizon launched four Droid devices in under a year, and it took Apple three years to do the same. When you look at it that way, it’s only logical that Android phones will outsell iPhone handsets, as there are way more of them to go around (not to mention that they’re available on all four carriers as well.)

Motorola Droid X unboxing

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Features, Galleries, Handhelds,

The Motorola Droid X gets released next week, and we were able to get our hands on the device a bit early to bring you some coverage. In case you’re unfamiliar, the Droid X will be available on Verizon, and sports a 4.3-inch 480x854 display, 8 megapixel camera, and can record 720p HD. It also has the ability to act as a mobile 3G hotspot for up to 8 devices, and can connect to an external display using HDMI. Take a look at the images in our Motorola Droid X unboxing gallery, and look out for our review soon!

Gallery:

iPhone finally hitting Verizon in January 2011?