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VCAST TV adds temporary channel for X Games
If you thought Verizon's launch lineup for VCAST TV was a bit thin, don't fret -- MediaFLO's got bandwidth to spare -- but you might get extra channels spoon-fed to you one special at a time. Subscribers may have already noticed that EXPN has already showed up on that tiny screen of theirs, offering up all the X Games 13 coverage they can handle from July 22 through August 7. The extra channel supplements X Games coverage on ESPN Mobile TV (one of VCAST TV's permanent channels), so between the two, mobile warriors shouldn't miss a minute of the action.[Via mocoNews]
Nokia fires off another patent suit in Qualcomm's direction
If you've been a bit disappointed by Nokia's offerings of late, it's probably because the firm is shifting out of the cellphone industry and into the legal environment. Okay, so maybe it hasn't called it quits in the handset game just yet, but this ongoing battle with Qualcomm is beyond ridiculous. Before Qualcomm even had time to swallow the previous counter-suit filed against it, Nokia is firing away again, and this time it's claiming that its opponent "has illegally used six of its technology patents in its Brew smartphone and MediaFlo mobile TV chipset products." Additionally, Nokia's CTO got vocal by stating that this case was just "another example where Qualcomm has effectively copied Nokia's innovations." While we're sure it's getting difficult to decipher which counter-lawsuit belongs to which original grievance, this particular one apparently links to an April 2nd filing where Qualcomm "claimed that Nokia had infringed three patents." C'mon folks, why not settle this like they do in the Alabama State Senate? [Warning: Read link requires subscription][Via Yahoo]
Motorola's MOTORIZR Z6tv MediaFLO phone outed by FCC
Once again, we tip our hats to the FCC, which today made public Motorola's new and unannounced MOTORIZR Z6tv slider handset. Equipped with EV-DO, a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, 2.5mm jack, and delicious MediaFLO V CAST Mobile TV, if you're Motosexual this might be one to keep an eye out for. More info as we get it.[Via Phone Scoop]
MobiTV closes UK office, cuts off 3 and Orange
The king of mobile television content, MobiTV, has shut down its British office to focus squarely on the burgeoning U.S. market. While mobile TV still is in its infancy here in the U.S., we'd think there was more immediate potential across the pond. Guess not. MobiTV is shuttering services it provides to UK carriers 3 and Orange, along with jettisoning the J2ME app that makes mobile TV possible on the Orange network (according to reports). Hey, at least MobiTV still loves Windows Mobile, right?[Via mocoNews]
Nokia and Samsung working to standardize mobile TV
With DVB-H and MediaFLO both having a presence in the quest for mobile television (which is getting better), Nokia has announced that it will be working with competitor Samsung to further open mobile television standards involving the company's platform of choice, DVB-H. Hmm -- it seems that handset makers are realizing now more than ever that agreement on a standard and moving forward is the best way to eventually land paying subscribers at carriers' doorsteps. With DVB-H, DMB and MediaFLO all competing for the same piece of the pie, both Nokia and Samsung DVB-H handsets will soon work using the OMA BCAST standard for mobile carriers.[Via textually.org]
LG VX9400 unboxed
Well, looky here -- we've come a long way since CES when we scored those up close and personal shots with LG's VX9400, now haven't we? Luckily for us, our friendly parcel carrier dropped off one of these newly released beauties and we wanted to share the (joyful) unboxing experience with y'all. Just to give a quick refresher of the features, here they are: dual band 1X / EV-DO radio, VCAST TV support, Bluetooth with A2DP, expandable memory via microSD, and a 1.3 megapixel shooter. Finally, lets not forget about the 262,000 color, 320 x 240 swiveling display (which, by the by, is quite purty when opened). Check out the gallery for more pics and be sure to keep a look out for our mobile TV shootout! LG VX9400 unboxed
Verizon rolls out LG VX9400, second VCAST TV phone
Sure, Samsung's u620 was the first on the scene when Verizon's MediaFLO-based VCAST TV service launched earlier this month, but the fashionably late VX9400 from LG seems to be the real prize. At least that's the impression we got when we had the opportunity to mess around with both side by side at CES in January, and starting today, Verizon customers can start buying and critiquing VX9400s of their very own (in VCAST TV markets, anyway). Your hard-earned $200 -- plus the standard issue two-year agreement, of course -- will net you the Chocolate-esqe handset with a swivel screen, 1.3 megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, microSD expansion, and naturally, EV-DO data. We wouldn't mind a few more teevee channels, but beggars can't be choosers when it comes to the mobile TV landscape here in the US -- and besides, it's a pretty nifty lookin' handset anyway, right?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Verizon VCAST TV coverage roundup
Just in case you missed it, Verizon launched its VCAST TV mobile television service today. We've had a pretty good idea March 1st was the special day for a couple weeks now, and while those coverage maps leaked yesterday sort of spoiled any remaining suspense you might've had about the launch, we just thought we'd give you one last reminder that you can start getting your MediaFLO on starting now -- if you're willing to fork over $13+ a month, and are lucky enough to live within the minimal coverage area, of course. Previous posts on the topic are below, just in case you missed 'em. Samsung u620, VCAST TV details go up on Verizon's site Verizon's VCAST TV launch maps, pricing Verizon's V CAST Mobile TV going live March 1st Verizon slips pricing details for Samsung U620 VCAST TV launch tentatively set for March 1 MobileESPN lives... on Verizon Verizon's VCAST TV launch in detail Verizon Samsung U620 loaded up with MediaFLO mobile TV
Samsung u620, VCAST TV details go up on Verizon's site
As expected, Verizon has launched its MediaFLO-capable SCH-U620 slider from Samsung today, the first device to support its VCAST TV mobile television service (the arguably cooler LG VX9400 is still waiting in the wings). Besides the productivity-sapping teevee, the diminutive slider offers up Bluetooth, EV-DO (naturally), microSD expansion, 1.3 megapixel cam, and QVGA display (gotta have some clarity while you're watching MTV, right?). Launch markets (see the u620's product page for the full listing) can get their hands on the phone today for $150 after contract and discounts.
Verizon's VCAST TV launch maps, pricing
Yeah, we guess Verizon is technically holding true to its March 1 launch date of its VCAST TV mobile television service, but the coverage leaves... shall we say, something to be desired. A tipster has managed to forward on rather detailed maps of the areas that'll be blanketed in tiny-screen entertainment as of tomorrow, and the list of launch cities reads something like this: Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle-Tacoma, Salt Lake City, Spokane, Omaha, Las Vegas-Laughlin, Albuquerque-Santa Fe, Portland, Jacksonville, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Wichita, Kansas City (Missouri), Denver-Boulder, Tucson, and Colorado Springs. As expected, the service will come in three flavors ranging from the $13 / month "Limited" plan to $25 for the "Select" hookup. "Planned future coverage areas" include Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Orleans, New York City, St. Louis, and Norfolk-Richmond, though no exact date is given; it's possible that Verizon and Qualcomm are hoping to iron out any bugs with smaller markets before jumping to the big dogs. VCAST TV Launch Maps
Verizon's V CAST Mobile TV going live March 1st
Nah, Verizon Wireless isn't snapping up Alltel just yet or anything, but the carrier is formally announcing its plans to launch its much-anticipated V CAST Mobile TV service right on schedule. The March 1st date that's been floating around is purportedly true, meaning there won't be any unforeseen delays in enjoying the mobile TV abilities of your forthcoming SCH-U620 or VX9400 -- if you're in a launch market, that is. Currently, the exact whereabouts of launch capabilities is a bit ambiguous, and curiously omitted are major markets such as "New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego and Las Vegas," but the provider reportedly plans to have a good deal of these "major markets" covered by the "end of Q1," or March 31st. The service will utilize Qualcomm's MediaFLO mobile TV network, which AT&T also plans on eventually using, and will offer up programming from CBS, Comedy Central, Fox, MTV, NBC News, NBC Entertainment, and Nickelodeon. Unfortunately, we're still in the dark in regard to an official pricing structure, but with only T-minus two days 'til kickoff, the remaining minutiae should surface soon enough.
Verizon slips pricing details for Samsung U620
The VCAST TV launch is so close now, we can almost taste the FLO bits streaming relentlessly down to our U620s. Oh yes, about that U620 -- it's not out yet, but it will be soon; the service for which it's designed allegedly hits the ground running March 1, after all, and the U620 slider from Samsung is lined up to be Verizon's one and only handset to support it at launch. Word has it the U620 has now hit Testman, a historically accurate harbinger for handsets dropping in the very near term, so that March 1 date could very well still be a go. Pricing is set for $150 on a two-year agreement, making the barrier of entry to mobile TV nirvana fairly reasonable.
Sprint bailing on VUE, MediaFLO?
Just days after AT&T announced it had selected Qualcomm's MediaFLO to power its upcoming mobile TV network, it sounds like Sprint's moving in quite the opposite direction. Despite a promising (or promising sounding, anyway) trial last fall -- heck, they even had the "VUE" name picked out -- the company is shelving any immediate plans to move forward with a MediaFLO-based service of its own. Though we're always sad to see a promising new tech get pushed back, a part of us is reveling in the fact that Qualcomm might yet fail to secure a lock on the American mobile TV market in the face of its biggest competitor -- DVB-H -- and its stateside backers, Modeo and Hiwire. So for the meanwhile, it sounds like Sprint joins the ranks of T-Mobile in the "watch Lost while you're driving" department: all trial, no action. Does Verizon stand to gain from the chaos?[Via MocoNews]
AT&T selects MediaFLO; US moves closer to mobile TV monopoly
It was no surprise to see Verizon and Sprint both select Qualcomm's MediaFLO to power their mobile TV networks; after all, Qualcomm and CDMA go together like peas in a pod. Imagine our surprise, though, to hear that AT&T has also selected the technology over the more globally-accepted DVB-H. The two companies made the announcement today, promising that a MediaFLO-based network will come through to supplement AT&T's existing video content in the second half of the year, picking up MediaFLO's newest features along the way: multicast video clips, datacasting (for, to use their words, "realtime information and entertainment, and dedicated audio. As for American DVB-H? Hiwire and Modeo have to be down in the dumps this morning, though T-Mobile has yet to make any announcements one way or the other. Admittedly, we're pulling for the little guys -- choice is always good, right?Update: Although it is believed that Sprint's VUE trial is powered by MediaFLO, it should be noted that Sprint is still considering all their options and no announcements have thus far been made regarding its mobile TV offerings. Hope springs eternal, Modeo!
VCAST TV launch tentatively set for March 1
It looks like the wait's just about over for mobile TV this side of the pond -- if you're in one of Verizon's seemingly randomly-selected launch cities, that is. According to a super-secret screenshot we've been leaked from deep within Big Red's hallowed halls, the Limited, Basic, and Select flavors of its VCAST TV service seem to be tentatively set for March 1. Our tipster points out that the chosen date gives them wiggle room to slip a week or two and still stay well within their Q1 launch target, so let's not clear our calendars on March 1 to run down to the corporate store just yet -- but the news is encouraging, is it not?[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
MobileESPN lives... on Verizon
MobileESPN is back from the dead sheriff, only this time as a zombied version of its former self. No longer an MVNO, the service for sportos is now limited exclusively to Verizon Wireless subscribers under a new multi-year deal. According to the AP, the deal is not yet finalized but should be announced sometime today with a service launch in "the coming months." And it's free for those of you already ponyed up for VZW's VCAST service and compatible phone. Verizon is also expected to announce later today that the ESPN channel on their MediaFLO-based VCAST TV service will feature much of the same programming you're already familiar with -- albeit, presumably in bite-sized chunks more suitable to TV on the go. This must be what the execs at Verizon had in mind when they passed on the iPhone. Braaaaains, give us your brains![Thanks, unfuccwittable]
Verizon's VCAST TV launch in detail
As we rumble and stumble toward a sometime-in-Q1 release of Verizon's MediaFLO-based VCAST TV service, details are starting to filter in regarding the three most important questions: "what," "where," and "how much." First up, it looks like VCAST TV will be offered in three flavors: Limited for $13 monthly, Basic for $15, and Select at $25. Limited will include CBS Mobile, NBC Mobile, NBC News, and Fox Mobile, while Basic (anyone a little confused with the naming convention here?) adds Comedy Central, ESPN, MTV Mobile, and Nickelodeon. Select, meanwhile, is nothing more than a bundle of Basic plus traditional VCAST and mobile web for a princely $5 discount over the unbundled price. Launch cities should include Jacksonville, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Omaha, Wichita, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Colorado springs, Denver, Dallas, Las Vegas, Portland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Tucson, Atlanta, Richmond, New Orleans, New York, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Long Island, Philadelphia and St. Louis -- whew -- not bad, though we're kinda hoping more get added post haste. And while you're at it adding cities, beef up that channel lineup, will ya, Verizon?[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Verizon's VCAST TV launch plans!
Psst, we have a secret to tell you: Verizon has a service coming out where you can watch TV on your cellphone. OK, well it's really not a secret thanks to a few friends of ours but we have some more details on the launch for you. The Network intends to launch their own branded MediaFLO product (aka VCast TV) March 1, 2007 with the Samsung U620 instead of the LGVX9400 due to the device having trouble in testing. It's expected to cost $15.00 per month and will initially launch in such cities as Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Chicago. Word on the street is that Verizon even has an exclusive on the product through October. [Thanks, HTC Kid]
Hands-on with the Samsung SCH-U620 for Verizon
Yeah, MediaFLO support is cool and all, but the SCH-U620 definitely felt like the "me-too" handset at today's Verizon press event; it just couldn't hold a candle to the LG VX9400's drop-dead good looks. 'Course, it was quite a bit smaller than the LG, and folks partial to the conventional slider form factor will feel more at home on this one. As with the VX9400 (and the service itself), pricing and availability are to be announced at a later date. Click on for some more shots.
Hands on with the LG VX9400 for Verizon
It may not be Chocolate -- but in terms of style, the VX9400 isn't very far off. From the pictures, we'd thought that this was going to be one heavy, wide, unusable disaster of a handset, but we were dead wrong on every count. The phone can be used against the ear whether open or closed (obviously crucial for easy access to the keypad and quick taking of a call while watching TV), the pivot is smooth, and the glossy black top contrasts nicely with the silver bottom. The MediaFLO-based VCAST TV service, announced during the press conference today, is fully functional on the phone; we caught wind that Vegas and Seattle are fully live (among other markets) so it seems reasonable for Verizon to meet its goal of launching before the quarter's out. The video was smooth and quick to load, and the interactive guide (which loads via the FLO link) seemed well laid out. Click on for more pictures!
