OpenDevelopmentDeviceConference
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Verizon to embrace Kindle rivals, third party devices
Looks like Amazon may soon be getting some competition for the hearts of the Kindle-loving literati over at the Algonquin. In a pre-CES interview with Reuters, Verizon's Tony Lewis -- the man in charge of their Open Development program -- doesn't see the current state of the economy as halting production of e-readers or other nonessential consumer electronics. "Competitors to the Kindle are out there and ready," the man said. "In 2009 I'd expect them to come to the market." To date, the company's certified 29 third party devices to run on the carrier, a new attitude that seems to have come about when they realized the bucketfuls of cash they could be raking in if they were a little more... well, open to these sorts of things. If you're a vendor, feel free to peep their booth this week at CES. We're sure you'll be more than welcome.[Via Moco News]
Verizon to offer open network details next month
Remember that "minimum technical standard" Verizon promised to detail in early 2008 when it announced its open network initiative last year? Manufacturers, developers, and pretty much anyone else that cares are all finally about to find out what that exactly that means at Verizon's Open Development Device Conference in late March. The specification, creatively titled Version 1.0, may be refined based on input from conference attendees, but it's expected to be largely complete -- enough of a foundation for folks taking the initiative seriously to get started on products that can take advantage of Verizon's goodwill. The show kicks off on March 19 in preparation for a "network-only" plan option that Big Red expects to make available once open access devices start to get real.[Via Phone Scoop]
