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Specifications of Verizon's LG Voyager outed
Counting down the hours until the Voyager makes an appearance on Verizon? If so, here's something sure to tide you over. Apparently, the handset's datasheet has made its way onto the intarweb, and it's got just about every detail you could ever want -- save for a price and pinpointed release date, of course. Highlights include a 2.81-inch external touchscreen, VibeTouch tactile feedback support, V CAST Mobile TV, dual integrated speakers, a two-megapixel camera, microSD expansion slot and VZ Navigator preloaded. If you've undoubtedly got this one on your must-have list, hit the read link and eat your heart out.[Via MobilitySite]
Motorola Z6tv gets detailed and priced by Verizon
After having been through the indignity of an outing by the FCC, a roadmap slip, and subsequent roadmap correction, the Motorola Z6tv finally looks good to go. Verizon has let it slip that the handset will land for $279 on one-year agreement and $229 with two-year -- both feature $50 mail in rebates, to boot. So, there ya have it, look for this handset to be in your local bricks and mortar in the coming weeks, if not sooner. Oh, and hit the read link to pop on over to the Verizon site where all the nitty gritty details are posted for your geeky pleasure. [Via phoneArena]
Sprint BlackBerry Pearl to support Sprint TV?
It appears that Sprint has let the bag again and allowing some clever readers to comb through the same spec sheet. It looks like Sprint will launch the BlackBerry 8130 supporting both their Mobile TV and Music Store services. Nothing sounds more enticing than streaming audio and video via EV-DO on our BlackBerry. Now only if Sprint can get their mobile TV offerings in line with VCAST TV or maybe Verizon will follow suit and enable another Smartphone for their music service.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Verizon gets new premium calling plans, mobile email
Verizon Wireless is rolling out some new additions to its lineup of America's Choice calling plans. Dubbed "Premium" plans, the new offerings start at 450 minutes for a smidge under $80 per month and range up to 6,000 minutes for about $240 per month. What does that 'premium' price get you? Try this: unlimited messages and VCAST's VPak, Verizon's GPS Navigator and unlimited mobile email thrown in for good measure. In other words, just about the full suite of Verizon's handset-based offerings outside the smartphone arena. At the same time, Verizon announced its 'Mobile Email' product that connects to Yahoo! Mail, AOL Mail, AIM Mail, Windows Live Hotmail and others right on that mobile screen. Apparently, Verizon figured out that 2007 would be the appropriate time to launch mobile email access. Excellent, guys.Read - new Verizon PlansRead - mobile Email launch
Verizon launches Local TV Video on V CAST
So, the Song ID application a bit too frivolous for your attention? If so, Verizon Wireless is hitting V CAST users up with a solid dose of local news, weather, and sports clips via the recently launched Local TV Video channel. Reportedly available to subscribers in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and nearly 50 markets across the country, the channel enables "select V CAST-enabled phones" (read: newer ones) to have easy access to news from local television station affiliates. Of course, we're sure you're eager to know if your handset is capable of tuning in, and moreover, if you're in a market where this is actually available, so be sure and hit the read link for the full skinny on the what's and where's.[Via mocoNews]
Verizon launches VCAST Song ID
If you're like us and are forever scribbling sticky notes or text notes on your handset when you hear a song you like -- provided you actually get the title from the radio announcer -- Verizon now has you covered with VCAST Song ID. This free download (yeah, free!) for supported VCAST handsets lets you identify a song by clicking a button, holding it up to the speaker, and then viola! The software will automagically tell you the name of the song, the artist, and even the album name. Of course, this is where the cost bit comes in, if you wish, you are then able to download the track to your handset over the air, or, of course, armed with this free info you can zip home and fire up whatever P2P software makes you happy. [Via mocoNews]
Mobile TV popular in the 25-34 male crowd
That chased-after demographic of 25 to 34 year-old males just found a new fan: mobile TV. ComScore states that 46 percent of current mobile TV subscribers in the U.S. are below the age of 35 and 65 percent are male. To us, that's an obvious conclusion from the research company (who supplied the stats). The research firm concluded that younger males are earlier adopters of newer technologies. Umm, yep -- we had our suspicions. Apparently, that same group is responsible for the spread of newer mobile tech, as comScore added "once the early adopters have had a chance to fully engage with the technology and share their experiences with friends, relatives and colleagues, Mobile TV is substantially more likely to reach a critical mass in the marketplace." Cool. Additionally, the top-recognized "brands" in mobile TV were Verizon's VCAST, MobiTV and Modeo. The research also showed that U.S. consumers wanted a high level of quality on a chosen mobile TV service. We're not sure it's there -- yet.
LG's VX8700 clam launches with Verizon
Prepare to get your shine on VZW customers -- the LG VX8700 is up, pretty, and ready for purchase. As a wink-wink, nudge-nudge in the direction of LG's Shine branding, Verizon calls the new clamshell a "shiny new addition" to their LG lineup. No surprises on the specs: V Cast support, stereo Bluetooth, microSD expansion and 2 megapixel cam. Ink a 2-year deal and she's yours for $179.99 after $50 online discount. Now go get it, the first Shine has arrived Stateside and is exclusive to Verizon.[Thanks, V-Doc and everyone who sent this in]
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.
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]
Boy Genius exclusive with the Motorola MAXX Ve
First we were teased with the marketing photos, then there was the instruction manual, now our good friend Boy Genius gives us a hands-on with the Motorola MAXX Ve for Verizon Wireless. From the pics of the larger outside display to the redesigned keypad, it's looking so svelte. Let's not forget the lovely Verizon UI and the 2 megapixel shooter with auto focus. Too bad The Network and Motorola left out VCAST TV because we'd love to watch it on this QVGA!
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!
