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TeleNav GPS for the Verizon iPhone announced
TeleNav, the company that brought the AT&T Navigator app and service to life a few years ago, today announced a navigation app tailored for Verizon customers who are getting a new phone soon: TeleNav GPS for the Verizon iPhone. The app isn't currently on the App Store, but it should be available shortly after Big Red's iPhone hits the streets. You can sign up for notification of the app's availability here. The app, like its AT&T sibling, will be free for download from the App Store, and Verizon iPhone owners can use the advanced turn-by-turn navigation system for free for 30 days. After the first 30 days, users can purchase the navigation service for US$2.99 per month or $21.99 per year. If they wish to just use the GPS map and search capabilities, they can do so without subscribing to the service. It's interesting to note that the AT&T version of this app is much more expensive, $9.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Given the new competitive pressure that AT&T will be receiving from the new US iPhone carrier, perhaps AT&T will be forced to drop the subscription prices to match or beat those available on Verizon. As with many navigation apps for the iPhone, TeleNav GPS for the Verizon iPhone provides spoken turn-by-turn directions with street names as well as 2D or 3D moving maps. The app updates routes if you miss a turn or a street is closed, and map updates are automatic. A short video of the major features of the app follows on the next page.
Early access to Verizon iPhone: One guy got his already
9 to 5 Mac has linked to video of someone who managed to finagle his package out of the local UPS distribution center and get a hold of his Verizon iPhone on Saturday. This guy's camera operator flipped between portrait and landscape orientation, so if you want to get a really good look at all of it, do a bit of stretching first. I'm surprised we only have one report of this, honestly. With as long as people have waited, I figured we would see quite a few more videos and reports like this one. The image 9 to 5 Mac posted shows the iPhone in a case, the iPhone 4 box and a Getting Started guide. It appears the case is an OtterBox of some sort; the same user posted a brief video tour of his iPhone titled Verizon iPhone in OtterBox Defender Case, but the OtterBox site says all the Verizon cases are forthcoming, not actually out yet. I also checked the Verizon site, and it didn't show any either. Most people who have tipped us to their shipping status have said that their Verizon iPhones are scheduled for delivery on Monday. Hopefully the crazy weather won't delay too many of those packages, and we'll get to see more of these videos. According to its website, new Verizon customers can go online first thing Wednesday (12:01 AM PST/3:01 AM EST) -- or late Tuesday, depending how you look at it -- and order their own. Verizon iPhones will show up in stores Thursday morning at 7 AM local time.
Engadget Podcast 231 - 02.05.2011
This podcast is so disgusting that #1 Digitimes bestselling author Paul Miller wants to take a shower. JK, not disgusting at all! Lots of cool stuff, actually. Just look at that topics list! It's a real beauty, right? We're not sure we COULD fit any more platforms into a podcast if we tried. Hang out with it. It's the Engadget Podcast, just the way you like it, with especially special guest Chris Ziegler.Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul MillerGuest: Chris Ziegler Producer: Trent WolbeMusic: Sexy Chick00:08:24 - Live from Google's Android event!00:08:37 - Android in-app purchases hands-on (video)00:08:55 - Android Market gets a web store with OTA installations, in-app purchases coming soon00:11:00 - Android Market web store hands-on00:20:47 - Motorola Xoom first benchmark: 1823 in Quadrant00:21:47 - Google shows off Fragments API for Android 3.000:25:00 - Motorola teases Xoom Super Bowl ad: '2011 looks a lot like 1984'00:36:30 - Motorola's Atrix 4G coming to AT&T on March 6th for $200, bundled with Laptop Dock for $50000:51:35 - Verizon iPhone review00:52:23 - Verizon can now throttle top five percent of bandwidth hogs, downres multimedia transfers00:53:12 - Verizon breaks first day sales record with iPhone 4 pre-orders -- in only two hours01:01:43 - Nokia, Microsoft announcing partnership next week, possibly involving Windows Phone 7?01:10:19 - Palm creating palmtop computer with detachable, dockable cellphone?01:12:15 - HP CEO: New webOS products shipping weeks after February 9 reveal, another big announcement March 1401:13:35 - Palm 'Think Beyond' teaser shows off glimpses of... something (updated with longer video)Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @engadget @reckless @zpower
AT&T fires back with latest iPhone ad: simultaneous voice and web more important than you think (video)
We get it AT&T, your iPhone can do voice and data at the same time, and Verizon's can't. Big Red's Test Man proved that calls aren't always doomed to drop on the iPhone, but AT&T's firing right back and saying how you could be doomed in certain social situations, like forgetting to make a dinner reservation on your anniversary. Props for creativity here, but now that both sides have fired a shot across the other's bow, can't we all just get along? Yeah, probably not.
Verizon breaks first day sales record with iPhone 4 pre-orders -- in only two hours
It took Verizon only two hours of having the iPhone 4 available for pre-order to break its all-time record for first day sales of a single device. That's in spite of the fact it only opened up pre-orders to its own subscribers and did so in the dead of night. To be clear, between 3AM and 5AM yesterday morning, more people ordered up the iPhone 4 than Verizon has been able to get through its doors on any full product launch day. Predictably, the carrier hasn't bothered to include the actual number of devices ordered up, but judging from the server issues it was having immediately after making the handset available and the subsequent shutdown of advance pre-orders, we'll go ahead and guess it was "a lot."
Verizon iPhone now shipping to select customers: 'it begins'
While pre-orders have been halted for the interim, several readers that got their credit card information in on time have been sent an email from Verizon alerting to an CDMA iPhone shipment en route to their residence of choice. FedEx doesn't seem to be tracking any of the orders just yet, but we'll check back tomorrow to be sure. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: We've seen our first FedEx tracking screen and the estimated delivery date is February 7th, a whole 72 hours before everyone else gets it. Thanks, Richard!
Verizon iPhone pre-orders sold out, new VZW iPhone ad debuts
Contrary to the anticipation of some midnight ramblers (or, to be precise, three in the morning bandits), the Verizon subscriber-exclusive pre-order window didn't close for business before the sun rose on the East Coast this morning. It took all of 17 hours or so for the initial allocation of pre-order Verizon iPhones to get churned through, meaning there won't be any more orders placed until 3:01 AM ET on February 9 (online orders) or 7 AM local time on 2/10 (store purchases). Given that demand for the device is expected to remain extremely high -- AppleInsider cites a uSamp survey finding that a jaw-dropping 54 percent of VZW's Android and BlackBerry users say they're either very likely or somewhat likely to buy the iPhone -- there's not much need for Verizon to stoke opening day demand. That's not stopping Big Red, though, as the company released a new television ad showing the sleek lines of the iPhone 4 and closing on a variation of a very familiar tagline. Video embedded in the continuation of this post. The last time we asked, in January, about 1/4 of you were interested in picking up the Verizon phone (even if that meant making the leap from another carrier). Let's ask again, but this time just current VZW subscribers: ready to buy? %Poll-59615% [hat tip Engadget]
Verizon halts iPhone pre-orders, brings back everyone's favorite technician for new ad (video)
As they say, "Ye who snoozes, something something something, set your alarm for launch morning." Take solace in a new dramatic commercial for Verizon iPhone featuring you-know-who -- it's after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Verizon iPhone orders already shipping
Those of you who placed your pre-order for the Verizon iPhone 4 early this morning may be in for a nice surprise tomorrow, as TUAW reader Cameron from The 9magnets Blog wrote in to let us know that his VZW iPhone has apparently already shipped. A screenshot of his order (and the corresponding American Express bill) shows that the device was shipped via FedEx overnight for delivery by 3 PM -- meaning he should have it in his hands by tomorrow afternoon. Verizon's FAQ's states that "iPhone 4 orders will arrive on or before February 10, 2011," so I guess we'll see if that holds true. Many early AT&T iPhone 4 orders showed "shipped" status very quickly last year, but the phones were actually held for delivery until the official launch date. To Cameron and any other readers who placed their order already -- please be sure to let us know if your phone arrives sometime tomorrow. And while you are waiting patiently by the door, be sure to read up on some Verizon iPhone prep articles about saving your old voicemails and migrating your contacts so that you are ready as soon as the doorbell rings.
iPhone pre-orders slam Verizon Wireless website
After an early start and an easy ordering process, it looks like Verizon's servers have finally succumbed to the throng of Verizon customers trying to pre-order an iPhone 4. The ordering page for the iPhone 4 is not responding, and customers are taking to Twitter with complaints. From the numerous postings, it appears as if things went south around 5 AM this morning. If you are looking to add a new line, you will have to wait for Verizon to up its server capacity or hope things go back online when demand dies down at some point in the day. If you want to upgrade your current line, then point your browser to Apple's website. Apple is taking pre-orders today, and its site is still online. So, Verizon customers, what are you waiting for? Go, go, go and grab yourself an iPhone 4. [Via Business Insider]
Pre-ordering the iPhone 4 from Verizon and Apple
Right on time, iPhone 4 pre-orders went live early on Thursday morning for Verizon Wireless customers. We took both Apple and Verizon for a spin to see how each company is handling the pre-order process. We are happy to report that both Apple and Verizon are handling the pre-order process without flinching. Even after an hour, the two websites were up and running without any sign of overload. While both outlets were prepared, the choice of a 3 AM start time most likely cut down on the heavy traffic and helped them to handle any load. Overall, the Apple pre-order was a smoother and faster process than Verizon. Because Apple is not the wireless carrier, the pre-order skipped over the selection of calling plans, data plans, accessories and insurance options. While you still have to choose these options, you can make your selections during the activation process. At that point, you will have your iPhone in hand, and you will be calm, cool and collected. Most of the billing and shipping steps were the same between Verizon and Apple, but there were a few notable differences along the way. First, Apple only provided an option to upgrade an existing line, while Verizon lets you select from either adding a new line (credit check required) or upgrading an existing line. This is an important distinction for customers looking to add a line for a friend or family member. Also, customers buying the handset at the full retail price should note that Apple was selling the 16 GB and 32 GB iPhone 4 for US$50 less than Verizon. If you purchased a Verizon iPhone in the wee hours of the morning, give us a shout in the comments. If you opted to sleep in, you can check out our gallery of the purchase process below. %Gallery-115626%
Verizon iPhone now available for pre-order
Once the Apple Store came back up, the biggest change was that iPhone pre-orders are finally available through Apple. Oddly enough, pre-orders were available through Verizon's site about 15 minutes before the supposed "switch throw" time of 3 AM Eastern, and we know of at least one customer who had a completely seamless order experience. We have at least one TUAW writer who's been up all night awaiting pre-order availability, and we'll have a post about the pre-order experience later on. Meanwhile, if you've been waiting for the Verizon iPhone, your wait is finally over ... well, the wait to order one, anyway, as the handset will be delivered by February 10. Existing Verizon customers can order now, and everyone else can order starting February 9.
The US Apple Store is down - you'll never guess why
Apple's online store for the US is down (all other countries' stores are still up). If I were a betting man, though, I'd say it'll be back up by 3 AM, when pre-orders for the Verizon iPhone are expected to begin. I'd also say it's a fair bet that a big percentage of people in the US who are still awake at this hour are awake because of the pre-orders. We'll let you know when the store comes back up, though it shouldn't take too long. Update: The store is back up, and the Verizon iPhone is now available for pre-order.
Verizon employees, family members asked to wait before buying iPhone
In a sure sign of expected high demand, Verizon Wireless has sent an email to its employees urging them and their family members to "put customers first" and postpone iPhone purchases. "I know customers aren't the only ones who are excited -- employees are, too," the memo reads. "While I share your excitement, over the coming weeks we all need to do our part to meet our customers' needs -- this means putting our customers first." According to commenters on the linked article from tipb (including a Verizon employee), Verizon actually has enforcement set up to ensure employees follow this mandate. If a Verizon employee activates an iPhone 4 on a business line (which Verizon pays for), the line will immediately change to a personal line, which the employee has to pay for. That part sounds reasonable to me, but telling Verizon employees not to buy the handset at all, even on a personal line, seems excessive, especially since the company is also telling family members not to buy an iPhone 4. If I worked for Verizon, I'd smile and nod at this email, then promptly delete it and tell my family to order whatever they want, whenever they want. As for me, if I was a Verizon employee, I'd follow the mandate and not order an iPhone 4 for myself ... but only because I'd be waiting for the iPhone 5, expected to be released in about four to five months.
Verizon iPhone prep: Save your old voicemail, it's not coming with you
Thinking of picking up a new iPhone 4 for your Verizon account in the coming weeks? Macworld's review is already up, as are Engadget's, Techcrunch's and Wired's (spoiler: it's an iPhone 4!). But if you want to save any of those all-important legacy voicemails during the setup process, be sure to read this tip over at Verizon called Getting Ready for iPhone 4 - Saving Your Existing Voice Mail. Depending on whether or not your old phone supports Verizon's Visual Voice Mail service, there are two sets of directions to make sure you don't lose any of your messages when setting up your new voice mailbox. It's important to note that once your new iPhone 4 is activated, you will no longer have access to your existing voice mailbox, so it's vital that you follow the instructions provided if you want to keep any messages. For those with savvy devices, you can add the US$2.99 Visual Voice Mail service pack, which lets you download voicemails to your computer. If you have a phone that doesn't work with Visual Voice Mail, Verizon suggests contacting a third-party service provider to offload the voicemails ... at which point you might consider whether you really want to hold onto them. You can always play them back into your computer microphone for recording if you absolutely need them. Earlier today, Megan Lavey filled us in on the availability of Verizon's Transfer app for migrating your contacts to VZW iPhones. This free app will make sure your contact list doesn't get lost when setting up your new device. The Verizon iPhone 4 is available to qualified customers for pre-order as of February 3. I already heard from my brother that he's going to get up early to get his order in. How many of you will be doing the same?
Verizon iPhone review
The Verizon iPhone 4 is an interesting product for Engadget to review. Firstly, it's not exactly a new device (not in any outwardly noticeable way). From design, down to its CPU, RAM, and even cost, this iPhone is the same as the AT&T model... save for that one small but really important thing: it's got a CDMA radio inside. The device is also somewhat tricky to review based on its software, since we've all been using (and even took a deep look at) iOS 4.2 for quite some time. So for us the task is to make clear the differences between these two devices and their networks. Now that's a little easier, because we're sure you have the same questions as us. What are calls like? How are the data rates? Is service notably improved or different than AT&T's? Most importantly, if you're currently a frustrated iPhone 4 owner, does it make sense to make the switch? We're going to answer all those queries (and more), so read on for a full review of the Verizon iPhone 4! %Gallery-115613%
Verizon Transfer app for contact migration to VZW iPhones already on App Store
In preparation for the upcoming Verizon iPhone launch, you may notice the VZ Transfer app on the App Store. The free app only works on Verizon iPhones, which means it doesn't do anything yet. But that doesn't seem to be stopping some exceptionally clever people from downloading it, discovering it does nothing on an AT&T phone and then giving it a one-star review. VZ Transfer will transfer contacts from legacy phones (via Verizon's Backup Assistant) to the new Verizon iPhone. The transfer service will be verified via an access code sent through text message to your Verizon mobile number. As confirmed earlier, qualified Verizon customers will be able to pre-order the iPhone in a little under 12 hours. Pre-orders for all qualified customers will take place February 9, and the device will officially go on sale at retail on February 10 at 7 AM. [hat tip TiPB]
Verizon iPhone will go on general sale at 7AM on February 10th, you can reserve one on February 9th
Apple has just announced that tomorrow morning's early Verizon iPhone pre-orders will be available through its online Store as well -- starting at 3AM, available to current VZW subscribers only, and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. More pertinent news, however, can be found deeper in the company's press release, which states that pre-orders will be opened up to the general public on February 9th, when you'll be able to reserve or have one delivered on launch day, February 10th. Shops will open their doors early, 7AM -- matching AT&T's early opening for the iPhone 4's original launch way back in June -- and availability will be broad, encompassing Apple's brick and mortar Stores, Verizon's 2,000+ retail locations, select partners, and even a zany 1-800-2 JOIN IN phone number you can call. So, really, the only people left without a Verizon iPhone on February 11th should be those that don't actually want one.
Verizon turns on iPhone 4 pre-order countdown, existing customers can order on February 3rd at 3AM
The grapevine did already hint at the timing of the Verizon iPhone 4 pre-orders, but now, to be absolutely sure nobody misses them, we have a countdown! Eager iPhone bandwagon jumpers will have to stay up till 3AM EST on February 3rd to get their orders in from a "reserved quantity" of handsets, which will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis -- presumably to be delivered on that February 10th launch date everyone's been anticipating for so long. Sadly for Verizon newcomers, a contract with the network will be a prerequisite for signing up when the countdown expires. [Thanks, Jarrett and Anthony]
Verizon confirms iPhone pre-orders for 3 AM on February 3
Verizon is sending out emails to its customers confirming the details on the iPhone 4 pre-order. As rumored, pre-orders will begin promptly at 3 AM on February 3 for existing Verizon customers. The email points customers to an ordering page that is not yet available. The official iPhone page on Verizon has also been updated with a countdown timer and an invitation for customers to come back in five days to join the iPhone buying party. Details on the purchasing process are not provided, but you will most likely have to log into your My Verizon account to confirm your eligibility as a Verizon Wireless customer. If you do not have a My Verizon account, you may want to sign up for one beforehand. You don't want to miss the pre-order because you were fumbling with the account setup. The quantity of iPhones available for Verizon's customers in this pre-order is limited, so you better get your game face on and prepare to do some early morning ordering.
