Verizon gets behind Android, still iffy on Open Handset Alliance

While it's still not clear if it's actually going to go so far as to join the Open Handset Alliance (as previously rumored), it looks like Verizon Wireless is at least getting behind the Android platform, marking a fairly significant shift from its previous position on the matter. According to Business Week, Verizon Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam now says that the company is "planning on using Android," adding that, "Android is an enabler of what we do." It seems that Verizon's embrace of open access won't include the same level of support that it offers to its current handset lineup, however, with the company only promising to "to ensure the wireless connection is working for customers who buy those devices" (although it will test all phones developed to run on its network). According to McAdam, customers will have to "talk to their handset provider or their application provider if they have particular issues." That, Verizon says, will allow it to offer far more devices than it's previously been able to, which should, in turn, attract customers it's previously been unable to lure in -- or so it hopes.

[Via Phone Scoop]

[Andrew @ Dec 4th 2007 3:21PM]

"Android is an enabler of what we do."

I am glad they are taking this on...but it appears to be exactly opposite of what they have been doing.

[McCracAttack @ Dec 4th 2007 4:02PM]

Actually, it sort of is. You know how all Verizon phones come with that same Verizon OS? I'm told they do that so it's easier to trouble shoot and service the phones. An industry standard phone OS like Android will do much the same thing.

[me @ Dec 4th 2007 10:36PM]

This actually makes me happy that I'm a Verizon customer and a developer.

[Jesse S @ Dec 4th 2007 3:59PM]

Fuck yeah. Best network in the US is going to get (hopefully) the best pdaphone software yet.

I hate Windows Mobile, but Palm OS doesn't run on any good devices (and isn't that great, anyway) and the iPhone is useless to me.

[Jesse S @ Dec 4th 2007 3:59PM]

Err, replace software with OS.

[Grizz @ Dec 4th 2007 4:32PM]

This will only work if they leave the OS OPEN!! They have every right to 'cripple' android, and they still can....

[Michael @ Dec 4th 2007 9:44PM]

Don't worry, hopefully they aren't stupid enough to cripple phones on android because of the consumer backlash...


Hopefully...

This kinda makes me wonder whether I should get the VX10000 I was planning to get for Christmas or wait for an Android phone.
Any one have any thoughts?

[John @ Dec 5th 2007 10:12AM]

I don't think we'll see the Verizon Android until 2009. It seems like it'll be midway through '08 until the first Android phones will be appearing anyway, and I expect a CDMA version for Verizon to be a decent amount of time behind that, based on things like how long it takes to get the pearl and other phoens that appear on other phone networks.

It's a great step for Verizon, I just expect it to be very slow. So it really comes down to how soon you want a new phone vs possibly having to wait a year after android comes out to get one.

[Joshua Walters @ Dec 4th 2007 7:00PM]

Glad I wont be stuck without an Android phone for the remaining years that my contract lasts.

[CaptSaltyJack @ Dec 4th 2007 7:16PM]

I misread that as "Verizon gets behind Android, stiffy on Open Handset Alliance"

[Generic @ Dec 5th 2007 9:42AM]

a cliche but "I told you so":
http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/verizon-wireless-opens-network-to-any-apps-any-device-in-2008/comments/8994956/