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Samsung Saga launches this Friday on Verizon, but don't bother checking stores
One of the more thoroughly-scooped Samsungs of 2008 is getting ready for a launch this Friday -- sort of. It looks like the GSM-equipped Saga for Verizon will arrive through telesales starting this Friday, but the in-store date doesn't follow on for another two weeks -- December 1. Even then, it'll only be on a direct fulfillment basis, with "full" retail availability to be announced later. With that kind of lackadaisical attitude, we can only guess that Verizon's not expecting terribly much interest in the stark blue QWERTY handset running Windows Mobile with a penchant for global roaming, which'll run a $199.99 on a two-year plan after $70 mail-in rebate. The optical mouse is probably going to be a polarizing feature here, but with the i760 on the way out, how else are you gonna get your Sammy smartphone kicks on Verizon? Follow the break for some Saga eye candy! [Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Verizon locks in BlackBerry Storm launch for November 24 at $199.99?
Murphy's Law dictated from the very beginning that Verizon's claim of a November launch for the Storm meant late November (at best), and indeed, it now looks like that's where we're headed. Boy Genius Report has picked up some juicy documentation that seems to suggest that November 24 is the zero day with a $199.99 retail price after rebate; what's more, stores will be opening an hour early to accomodate the throngs of rabid, frothing-at-the-mouth businessmen and businesswomen in Zegna suits looking for their latest BlackBerry fix. It looks like there'll also be a "pre-launch" on the 20th, meaning customers Verizon really cares about -- not us, by any stretch of the imagination -- will have a chance stroll into one of 123 extra-special corporate stores to tool around with a demo unit and place their order in person. Either way, stores are expected to have tons of units available for sale on the 24th, so don't show up at 8pm the night before. Unless you're into that sort of thing.
FiOS HD video on-demand library tops 1,000 title mark
Make room Comcast, Verizon's barged in on Project Infinity territory, staking its own claim of 1,000 high definition video on-demand titles available, two months earlier than it had previously planned. That puts it well ahead in the choices/channels debate, with the latest additions courtesy of Starz, Showtime and Sundance Channel. If you're willing to accept something less than HD for your VOD, there's a total of 11,000 items available every month (8,500 without an additional charge), but we're just settling in as the race to 3,000 high definition watch-anytime choices begins.
MLB Network HD / MLB Extra Innings sliding into FiOS TV in 2009
Way back in February, we heard that Verizon was attempting to cut a deal that would bring MLB Extra Innings to its fiber-based FiOS TV service. Now, it looks as if the Is have been dotted and the Ts crossed. Verizon has formally announced that the baseball lover's most favorite package will be available starting next year, and better still, MLB Network HD will be added on slot 586 (SD version on 86) when the channel debuts on January 1, 2009. For those unaware, the channel will air live games, original programming, highlights, classic games and coverage of baseball events, and it's sure to spark up all sorts of controversy à la NFL Network.[Thanks, Pete]
BlackBerry 9530 Storm pricing revealed on VZW staging server
Ah, now this is a bit more solid pricing information. Verizon's testman pre-launch site now lists the BlackBerry 9530 Storm for $219.99 under a 2 year contract. Not quite below the $199 threshold set by the iPhone 3G as predicted by some analysts. Then again, the fat lady isn't singing yet so maybe we'll see some kind of mail-in rebate before this gets officially official. Without contract, we're looking at $520 according to the staging server. Pretty close the prices we saw hinted at early last week. See that screen grab and another for the $290 one-year contract after the break.Update: It's worth stressing that these prices could just be leftover placeholders. In fact, much of the describing text refers to the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone which currently sells for pre-rebated price of $219.99.[Via Howard Forums, Thanks Paul]
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: November 8, 2008
Not only did Verizon pick up nearly a quarter-million new FiOS TV subscribers in Q3, but it's looking to make sure even more Americans have an opportunity to join in during Q4. This week, the carrier has received approval to light up its fiber-based TV service in several more New York communities -- Port Washington North in Nassau County, the Town of Fishkill / City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, Schuylerville, Throgs Neck and Edgewater Park in the Bronx, and Sheepshead Bay and Gerritsen Beach in Brooklyn. Additionally, it added in 53 new HD channels in Richmond / Hampton Roads, VA, 10 more in Harrisburg, PA and 16 in Rhode Island. We'll see you next week -- here's to hoping your neck of the woods gets covered within the next seven days.Read - New York expansion IRead - New York expansion IIRead - Hampton Roads, VA additionsRead - Richmond, VA additionsRead - Harrisburg, PA additionsRead - Rhode Island additions
Verizon's Touch Pro caught on video
Any festering belief that Verizon's version of the HTC Touch Pro is nothing more than a figment of our collective imagination can probably be put to bed now that we have it strutting its stuff on video, yeah? It looks pretty much like what you'd expect it to, sporting an interface every bit as crimson as we've come to expect from a carrier lovingly (or not so lovingly) nicknamed "Big Red." It'll have 512MB of ROM, TV-out, microSD support up to a purely theoretical 32GB, and an integrated business card scanner to put the 3.2-megapixel autofocus cam to work -- enough to make the Windows Mobile faithful on Verizon drool and give pause before setting their sights on the Omnia, we figure. It's not clear exactly when it'll hit retail, but November 14 is sounding like a possible date for deliveries to begin; in the meanwhile, follow the break for the full video![Thanks, lwright84]
Vodafone sez November 14 for Storm, Verizon offers new global plans for it
As promised, Vodafone has officially announced a November delivery order date for its BlackBerry Storm -- November 14, to be specific. Pre-orders are being taken (as they are in the States), so if you want to be in the first batch of Brits to rock this thing, it might be a good idea to go ahead and get on a list lest the throngs of humanity trying to get one on launch day end up harshing your chances. On a related note, Vodafone's better (or worse) half Verizon has come forward with a surprisingly affordable data plan -- GlobalEmail -- that'll allow unlimited web browsing, MMS, and visual voicemail both in the US and a laundry list of countries around the world for $69.99 (or $64.99 when tied to a voice plan). Speaking of voice, Verizon's also announced a new Global Value Plan that hooks you up with discounted minutes abroad for $4.99 a month. Seeing how the Storm is Verizon's first handset with global 3G, this new action should see some serious play.[Via Phone Scoop]Read - Vodafone release dateRead - Verizon's global plans
Verizon cans ads that batter Sprint's push-to-talk network
Man, what's up with Verizon and its ad department? Just a few months back, the carrier was thrashed by PETA for running a controversial spot involving two pit bulls chained up in a junkyard, and now it's being fingered for making questionable remarks toward Sprint's push-to-talk network. For those unaware, the spots (one hosted after the break) included lines such as "We all upgraded to Verizon Wireless. Got push to talk and the reliability of the network. That old service is useless now." Sprint argued that the subtle drops could wrongfully influence people to believe that Sprint's PTT network was non-functional or that it would soon be discontinued, and eventually, NAD (an ad watchdog agency) recommended that VZW nix the ads. As it stands, the commercials in question have indeed been dropped, but Verizon asserts that it did so as a normal part of business. Ah well, it's the end result that matters, right Sprint?
Verizon promo hints at possible BlackBerry Storm pricing
It's a little absurd that Verizon Wireless still hasn't come out of the woodwork to announce an official price on its BlackBerry Storm, but it seems an approximate sticker has been found in a most unusual place. If you peruse the absolutely enthralling fine print in the carrier's NYC Storm Hunt contest, you'll notice a disclosing line that details the grand prize. 50 individuals will win a BlackBerry Storm 9500 handset and a $50 Verizon Wireless gift card with an approximate retail value of $549. After consulting with our trusty abacus, we're left with a retail Storm price of $499. In other words, the 2-year contract price on this could theoretically be mighty delicious. Care to comment, VZW?[Via Boy Genius Report]
Best Buy taking BlackBerry Storm pre-orders starting tomorrow?
We're getting mixed results here, but the word on the street is that Best Buys around the colonies will start taking pre-orders for the BlackBerry Storm tomorrow for a stiff $50 deposit -- a pretty good indication that they're expecting elevated (if not outright insane) demand when it finally launches this month. At least one store we've called has corroborated the claim, so you might want to drop by your friendly local big box tomorrow and see what's what if you're keen on being the first kid on your block with one of these monsters.[Thanks, Thomas]
FCC approves Verizon's Alltel buy, deal all but done
Following the DOJ's approval last week, the FCC has voted unanimously today to approve Verizon's acquisition of Alltel, promising to create a CDMA network of insane proportions that'll eclipse AT&T to become the US' largest wireless carrier. Like their fellow feds over at the DOJ, the FCC guys attached some conditions to the approval, including a requirement that Verizon continue to honor Alltel's existing roaming agreements for four years -- presumably in an effort to protect and appease rural carriers who've been solidly against the merger all along. This'll almost certainly lead to some job losses in the Alltel camp, but look on the bright side, guys: you just might have a crack at that wild LG VX9600 now.[Via Phone Scoop]
Mystery Verizon phone features 3-inch touchscreen, attachable function modules
Not long ago we uncovered a VX9600 brought to the FCC's attention courtesy of LG, and naturally, whenever we hear about an LG model that starts with "VX," we think but one thing: Verizon. That's not too interesting -- LGs pass through Verizon's lineup all the frickin' time -- but what caught our eye with this one was the mention of a game pad and a detachable keyboard. Meanwhile, a tipster of ours recently received a survey from Verizon asking what they thought about a purely hypothetical phone with a 3-inch touchscreen and a series of detachable modules, including a keyboard, game pad, stereo speakers, and an "internet module" with integrated WiFi. Coincidence? Doubtful; if we had to guess, the VX9600 is this very device, for which Verizon is apparently considering the names "Phenom," "Clip," and "Versa." We've got to admit, they've managed to stumble across a pretty unique concept here, and we're curious to see how it actually works in practice. We'd seen some intel indicating that Verizon had been targeting a November launch for this thing as recently as September -- but launch windows change insanely fast, so there's really no telling when we'll see this Frankenstein of a phone at this point.[Thanks, Marcus]
Deutsche Telekom found to own too much of T-Mobile USA, paperwork likely in order
Tsk, tsk, Deutsche Telekom -- there you go making trouble again. After the FCC took a good, hard look at the prospective Verizon-Alltel merger, it also took a peek at foreign-controlled assets in other wireless phone companies. What it found was that Deutsche Telekom AG actually owns 10% more than the US legal limit of T-Mobile USA; as it stands, DT has a "30%, non-controlling interest in a common carrier license," while the limit here for such a scenario is 20%. The company has 30 days to respond with how it plans to come into compliance, but reports are suggesting that simple reshuffling / paperwork could probably clear things up. If only life were so easy for the rest of us, huh?[Via phonescoop]
Verizon's Palm Centro receives ROM update, minor improvements promised
Don't cancel your election party to get to this or anything, but Verizon Wireless' Palm Centro has just received a teeny, tiny update. The newly released v1.03 ROM update is dubbed "a minor tune-up that may improve device usability in certain situations." That's about as indistinct as it could possibly get, but you know you're still going to pull the trigger. It's ready to be installed right now via Hotsync or SD card, and as always, we'd recommend backing up your interoffice love letters just in case something goes awry.[Via Palm InfoCenter]
Verizon's Glyde drama quickly resolved with software update
We still don't have our heads wrapped entirely around the code-red issues that brought the Glyde to its knees on Verizon last week (we've heard reports of touchscreen and network problems affecting only certain parts of the country -- nothing's been confirmed there), but it looks like we can already put the whole dang thing to bed. We've received reports from deep inside a Verizon call center that the carrier has given the green light to Glyde upgrade sales again thanks to a pending software update that should be released this week, and anyone calling in to report problems with their phones should be informed that the update is coming to the rescue. As QWERTY sliders go we'd still rather have a Touch Pro now that we know it's on the way, but we guess that's sort of comparing apples and oranges, isn't it?[Thanks, Carter]
Verizon killing pay-as-you-go data plans, making other changes
Rumors on this one have been flying in the VZW world, but now it looks like we've got some confirmation on the matter -- and chances are, some folks won't like it one bit. According to a leaked document from within the company, every new PDA / smartphone launched on or after November 14th will "require a data feature / plan of $29.99 or more." Additionally, Pay As You Go, 1X Block and the 10MB data plan / feature will be unavailable for those very phones on the same day. Ready for more? In 2009 (vague, right?), "select" Mobile Web 2.0 devices will also require a data feature / plan. We are told that those who have one of these soon-to-vanish plans can keep it so long as they stick with their current phone, but as soon as the upgrade bug bites, be ready to pony up for data, too.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Verizon adds 233,000 net new FiOS TV customers in Q3, up to 1.6 million total
Man, this is just downright eerie. If you'll recall, AT&T managed to add 232,000 net U-verse subscribers in Q3. Lo and behold, its biggest fiber rival (that'd be Verizon) added 233,000 net new FiOS TV customers in the same quarter. Coincidences aside, Verizon's pretty proud of its current position in the market, now claiming 1.6 million FiOS TV subscribers and offering the service for sale to 8.2 million premises in the United States. Just for comparisons sake, the outfit only had 700,000 subs at the end of Q3 2007, and it added just 176,000 newcomers in Q2 2008. In related news, it also managed to acquire 225,000 net new FiOS internet customers, and with cable companies jacking up rates left and right, we wouldn't be shocked at all to see even more frustrated pay-TV users make the leap to fiber in Q4.
Verizon's FiOS TV expansions: November 1, 2008
Yet again, it's been a busy week for the folks in Verizon's FiOS division. Aside from sliding politics into its FiOS1 local TV coverage and bringing hamstrung ABC HD video-on-demand content to all FiOS TV subscribers, the outfit also rolled out more HD channels in the Washington metropolitan area and Massachusetts. Additionally, Shoreline and Mill Creek, Washington decided to grant the carrier a cable franchise, and a new wave of interactive DVR features were launched in southeastern Pennsylvania / Delaware. We'll see you next week -- here's to hoping your neck of the woods gets covered within the next seven days.Read - Washington, DC metro channel expansionRead - Massachusetts channel expansionRead - Washington expansionsRead - Southeastern Pennsylvania / Delaware expansions
Verizon considering crazy cheap Storm pricing?
Any Storm hopeful in the colonies who's taken a gander at Vodafone's pricing scheme this week is probably strongly considering packing a couple duffel bags with the bare essentials they need to survive and moving to the UK to strike out on a new life -- a life filled with cheap Storms. Not so fast, though -- is it conceivable to think that Verizon could go the same route? At first glance, you might think that the Storm's cachet as RIM's flashiest, highest-end device to date would be enough to lure in customers by the droves at any price, but with the enormous price pressure placed on the industry by a $199 iPhone 3G in a heavily-overlapping target demo, rumor has it that Big Red's looking at a severe subsidy to meet or beat its crosstown rival. Analysts are thinking (wishfully, we suspect) that a $99 Storm isn't entirely out of the question if Verizon wants to sell an insane number of 'em through the holidays, but just how long would it take to recoup that kind of loss?
