HTC Ozone comes to Verizon June 29 for under $50
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Jun 25th 2009 10:08AM
posted Jun 25th 2009 10:08AM
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that $50 too much
I totally agree with u fella
Agreed. It's traveling along the fine line between meh and eww.
Hell no. It is ugly but you won't ever find a WinMo Qwerty WiFi phone for free.
One word: Yuck
Any Blackberry or iPhone or Palm device would be superior to this even a 5 year old blackberry would be preferable. Even a Newton Messagepad would be better...
I think its an attractive phone
Windows 6.1 is by far the best they have come out with for Windows Mobile but they can still improve it! I currently have this phone and it is very user friendly and unlike what someone said below its not slow it plays videos without stopping and has never slowed down on me.
I have had the I phone, several Blackberry's including the Storm, Palm Treo's and for my own personal experiences Windows Mobile is my favorite and I will never buy Blackberry or Palm Treo phones again ( JUNK PHONES TO SAY THE LEAST!)
The I Phone and Windows Mobile Phones in my experiences have worked the best and I have also played with the G1 witch is also very good but don't waste your money on Blackberry's or Palm Treo phones! ( YOU WILL WISH YOU DIDN'T)
This is a wonderful device to people who like WinMo's Smartphone edition.
I love my first WinMo Smarphones. Now I'm addicted to the Professional version.
ur not the only one
bout all its worth
I hate T-mobile
yawn...another WinMo device. This OS is so freaking outdated. I think Microsoft has taken a page right out of Palm's playbook and ran a OS for far too long without any significant, game-changing upgrades.
Oh shaddap. Would you have liked it more if they withheld copy and paste and just now implemented it? Would that be game changing enough for you?
Yes i would much prefer they left out copy and paste and gave us a magnificent UI.
I hate Windows Mobile, i use it every day and despise it. HTC have done excellent work trying to cover it up but its like putting a band aid on a severly bruised leg.
The leg is still fully functional but its ugly as shit.
I had a T-Mobile Dash (very similar to this device) for about a year and I loved it. WinMo Standard (no touchscreen) is pretty nice. The professional version has a lot of UI problems with you try to use it without a stylus, but that's a non-issue here.
Granted, you have to replace a lot of stuff (web browser, media player, home screen) with third party alternatives, but the bottom line is that you can buy this phone and end up with a seriously awesome non-touch smartphone. Not bad for $50.
ozone !! why such a name ?? is it a shield or somethng :-)
The prize is always the best part. That's why I dig through the cereal box.
The best part is the prize!!
Finally something new gets announced for Verizon in the smartphone department.
I'm sick of companies announcing phones, but leaving consumers in the dark about release dates and pricing for months. Still waiting for the Touch Pro 2 to be announced for Verizon...
When do we stop calling the new entrants like this "smartphones" and start calling them "enhanced featurephones"?
I guess simultaneous to that we'll start calling dumbphones "phones". Do any dumbphones still exist?
Why wouldn't we call this a smartphone?
Are you requiring a touchscreen for it to be a smartphone?
It's a lot more of a "smartphone" than an iPhone.
So am I. I have e-mailed Verizon, Engadget, and HTC with no responses.
Even the paired down WinMo Smartphone that device uses still gives it awesome flexibility. The full integration with Outlook and company Exchange servers are a big selling point.
And remember, connecting to exchange for email and full integration are two totally different things.
$50 for a Verizon phone w/ wifi, qwerty, and a decent battery? Doesn't sound that bad to me.
Yeah I know, I'm absolutely SHOCKED that Verizon left wifi on a device that costs less than $300. I'd be all over this if it was likely to be any good, but I have a feeling it will be slow or something, and I'd rather just wait until the Pre hits Verizon. Especially now that the Pre has been shown to be a fairly standard Linux machine, it's pretty much the best choice for someone on CDMA.
Hmm, where have I seen this phone before....
Palm 800w :-D
No.
I'm interested in knowing what networks it can work on worldwide? I thought Verizon doesn't run GSM, and GSM was what most of the rest of the world runs.
It has quad-band GSM in addition to Verizon's CDMA bands.
I got the Sprint Snap (almost the same as this one) and I am surprised that for the first time Verizon put out a WM phone with better specs than their competition. The Sprint version doesn't have auto-focus, the lock option on the keyboard, or international capabilities (though I don't need it, I don't why Sprint wouldn't include it) for $100 more. I know I will save 200+ a year with Sprint, but they should have really gotten this version even if they still charged $150 for it.
This just comes down to you liking Sprint (Cedar) or Verizon (Willow). Only difference being Wifi...and Verizon users are gonna love to brag about how theyve been momentarily freed..unfortunately this isnt the phone to do that with
Yay, my contract expires next month
Why even advertise WiFi when it's a Verizon phone, meaning it's tethered to their crappy data setup. Last I checked you have to do hash editing and serious hacking to get a Verizon phone with wi-fi to use a non-verizon wi-fi signal without charge. Verizon has one of the better signals in my area, so I'm handicapped to them, I want a smart phone, and I want WinMo but I don't see why I must pay their increased fees when the functions I want it for outside of phone calls are not anything I need verizon itself for. $50 with a 2 year PDA plan, which you can't opt out of if you want one of their PDA's is a ripoff. Hey Mr. Obama how about regulating cell phone rates to save us all money as long as you're putting your hand into all the other cookie jars.
What are you talking about? "Verizon's wi-fi signals". They don't exist. You can use any wi-fi you want with a Verizon phone with wi-fi. I have an XV6800 and I can connect to any wwi-fi hotspot I want, and I did no hacking whatsoever.
Sean, I think Verizon will let you connect to any wifi network you wish with the device and you won't be required to have a data plan. BUT, if you elect to skip the data plan, you don't be able to send/recieve txt/pix messages.
Can someone confirm that?
Sean, what the hell are you talking about?
Verizon will add 30-30 per month to my contract if I go to any smart phone, now if this wi-fi as you've said can connect me at hotspots, and I'm not using the smartphone features that require the Verizon network, why must I pay a monthly fee just for the privilege of using a phone I've paid for and it's inherent capabilities?
Dumbass,
The $30-40 is so you have data capabilities when you don't have Wi-Fi available. All cell phone companies in the US (except maybe for T-Mobile) require this with smartphones.
These phones are primarily intended for business use. That's why they do the force charge for data.
Who in the hell cares about the htc snap/ozone and the htc HEROE.
Why wont they tell us about the the most popular htc phone the HTC TOUCH PRO 2.
I'm really getting sick of waiting HTC, its come to that the next really hot looking smart phone that has a touch screen and is not on at&t im jumping on it , I can no longer wait for the HTC TOUCH PRO 2.
Side question- what's the best place to get WinMo apps?
Unfortunately...until the marketplace launches...google em.
Pocketnow usually has great reviews on WinMo phones and applications for WinMo:
http://pocketnow.com/
Other than that, you'll just have to wait for Windows Marketplace for Mobile to come when Windows Mobile 6.5 releases. Or you can just do a Bing search for em.
Anywhere!
You aren't locked into a marketplace. Anywhere that sells or allows them to be downloaded for free.
XDA, Modaco, and freewarepocketpc.net are probably my top three for free apps (I've rarely ever bought an app, except for Kinoma). There's tons of other sites and developers offering there wares out there as well, so until the marketplace comes along your best friend is google. Are you looking for anything in particular?
my old samsung blackjack had the extended battery pack that was like 1800 mah
I used to go at least two days between charges.
This phone has more efficient radio chips i would imagine and better battery tech sooooo.
its probably win.
whoa wifi on a Verizon device?? what's the world coming to??
Uhh, you're joking right? The Ozone now joins the Sammy Omnia, Sammy Saga, Sammy i760, Sammy i830, Sammy i730, HTC Touch Pro, HTC Touch Diamond, HTC 6800, HTC 6700 devices that ALL had WiFi.
don't you think it looks like a Palm Centro?
I may just want :) I've been holding out for the Blackberry Niagra (or w/e it's called now), but I'm broke and tired of waiting! Is free tethering possible?
Read that as Blackberry Nigra.
Free tethering try PDANet ( do a search )
try also junefrabric.com or junefrabricS.com
@Sean
Uh.. what? WiFi is WiFi.. if a phone has it you can use it where ever you want.
At $50, this phone pretty much owns everything in Verizon's lineup as far as bang-for-the-buck goes. WiFi, global roaming, a good battery, and a decent processor on WinMob? I'll take it as long as the build quality or signal reception isn't utterly terrible.
I'm overdue for a new phone. At $50 it seems well worth it, given the WiFi, qwerty, and battery.
winmo + Big red :(
Umm hello dont be happy about the htc crap i mean snap.
Demand info on the htc flagship phone the TOUCH PRO 2.
i just need it on verizon or sprint , please oh please htc.
Why not be happy not everyone wants to spend $100 or more on a phone. Clearly this phone is not for you so get lost.
@MacBandit, $100? please I'm prepared to be spending at least $300 before NewEvery2 when the Touch Pro 2 comes out. I think the HTC Titan was $350 before incentives when I got that a year and 1/2 ago. I too eagerly await the TP2. I will definitely be looking at this phone for our corporate replacements for the Motorola Q and Q9c. We have been getting Samsung Saga's recently and they are a bit too cumbersome for some users. Although they released the MR1 update which unlocks GPS 2 days ago.
You know what? I am all in for this.
1) The package isn't that bad
2) Price is right
3) Verizon coverage (much better than AT&T here)
4) CDMA & GSM - I travel overseen a bit and this is key
5) WinMo - Many of us are forced (mandated by corp policy) to use WinMo for mobiles
6) HTC rather than Sammy and it's funky headphone jack/chargers
7) Basic - Don't need/want a hiptop (N97 or ATT Fuze) for size or wallet swallowing
This will compete very nicely against the ATT Jack ($99 at that)... and might just win on the details.
Oh snap, I missed the GSM part. That's pretty handy. Is this a sudden outbreak of niceness at Verizon? There's got to be a catch... I guess they have mandatory data plans on smartphones now, right? So the monthly plan on this is what subsidizes it to $50. Still, it seems like a really good deal, especially if you travel overseas.
Gotta ditch my LG ENv
interesting phone
well, well.
I like the industrial look, but WinMo is crap. Sorry.
Seems pretty nice. Hopefully there'll be an upgrade to...
I don't wanna hear about this shit, I wanna hear about your android phone verizon
Sean,
i think what you are trying to say is you dont want to have to pay the mandatory price for data service. however, that is the 3G data plan, not WiFi. WiFi is universal and you can get on it wherever you want, we have it in my camper. And for 50 bucks the ozone is not a bad buy. Granted, it doesnt have TouchFlo UI like the Touch Pro or Diamond, but it is still an HTC, so it wont be a turd phone. but im just an 8 year old kid who is in the 9th grade, so what do i kno? :-)
I am giving this phone some real consideration. The Snap has gotten excellent reviews so far, and it's QWERTY is apparently top notch. I know there is plenty of WinMo hate out there, but it's an extremely capable system provided you install the right software on there. I prefer to customize my devices anyway.
Since when does a phone have to look good to be considered? I would think people would be happy to get all of the features on this phone for $50. This isn't here to compete with the iPhone or the Pre. This is for first-time smartphone buyers. Mentioning any other type of touchscreen smartphone is akin to comparing a BMW 328i with leatherette to a M5. You buy this phone for the same experience you get in touchscreen phones (email and attachment viewing capabilities) and if you want something that will also massage your butt, then go spend a couple hundred bucks plus higher monthly fees on the iPhone. The only question I have with this phone is that will it be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5 like the Samsung Jack? I would buy the Blackberry Tour but without Wifi and having to spend 40 bucks a month to get corporate email, I'm not quite sure its multimedia enhancements justify the price difference. If anybody knows about the upgrade ability to WM 6.5 or why waiting for Blackberry Tour or Storm 2 would be better (I don't consider if a device is better looking or camera options in my phone decisions), please let me know. Thanks :-)
Looks like an actually nice phone is making its way to Verizon. Love their service (would never switch) but their choice of phones is the worst of the big 4 carriers.
As much as i loathe windows Palm-esque rollouts i have had nothing but great times with my XV6700. Yeah 6700. I am able to tether for free over wifi, bluetooth, and USB (Gasp!) for free with ICS controll which i expect to work with my OZONE that will be coming in tommorow morning, i expect. I got this phone with the expectation of using it for at least 4 years. something that i have never been able to do. My most pertinent needs were the wifi connection so i could use tethering and ICS. i was seriously about to get an Omnia last week till this came out. I do wish it had the optical mouse though. The GSM roaming with preinstalled sim card is a big plus as well. Plus if your a verizon customer the free every two plan makes it a free phone. Also, the OZones specs are pretty in line for what should be required to run 6.5 so the adventurous ppcgeekers are not not gonna have any trouble customizing roms.
----------TarheelBandB
I am pretty sure this phone is not just for the first time SmPh buyer. i think First time smart phone buyers buy Motorola Q. This phone is definitley a consolidation of the features i need. WinMo, Wifi, Sync, small form factor and especially battery life. The life of my ppc-6700 is about 12 hours. Phones like the Touch and Touch Pro are for first time smart phone buyers with such feature rich specs like touch flo and full media integration are clearly geared to a group of buyers that don't need the features but find them convenient when the time comes to use them.
Sad news: You do need a data plan to even get this phone. I was going through the process of purchasing the phone on Verizon's site and after selecting a voice plan, it required me to select one of two data plans (Unlimited Data Usage, $45, or Email and Web for Smartphone, $30) on the Select Features page. You cannot proceed without doing so. If I can't get a smartphone with Verizon without a ripoff data plan, I'm planning a difficult switch (difficult because the rest of my family and relatives are on Verizon) to AT&T, simply because they have smartphones with Wi-Fi that don't require you to subscribe to a data plan. You got that, Verizon?
The only reason Verizon doesn't care about removing WiFi access from phone now is because you have to pay for their stupid data plan anyways. Regardless of whether you use it or not. The data plan might be great and all but I would rather have a choice in the matter. I've already got a WinMo phone, running WinMo 6.1, on Verizon that has never used a data plan and it works just fine.
All complaining aside this phone looks like it has a lot of good features for only $50.
Well ok naysayers...
I am stuck on Verizon (just signed on 18 other lines under contract), Sprint isn't an option here.
Stuck with Activesync (corporate IT decision, not mine)
Put one phone on AT&T and get the I Phone with half the speed (AT&T not high speed in this area yet).
Or
Put this one a 1 year contract (only $119) and get the PRE when it comes it comes to VZW next year?
is there any difference between the snap and the ozone?