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Verizon debuts the Droid Maxx, the successor to the RAZR Maxx HD (updated)
Fans of Kevlar and long battery life will be happy to hear that Verizon unveiled its latest Maxx, the Droid Maxx, this morning in New York City, and it sports a massive 48-hour battery life. It's apparently 9 percent thinner than last year's counterpart, the RAZR Maxx HD, and it starts at $299 (with the standard two-year contract, naturally) on August 20th. Specifics about which CPU and GPU being used weren't given, though the latest Maxx is reportedly 24 percent faster in the CPU department and 100 percent faster in terms of graphics processing (all on a single SoC, it sounds like). It also features a 10-megapixel camera out back that's capable of shooting 1080p HD video. The new Maxx was unveiled alongside the Droid Mini and Ultra, effectively replacing the RAZR line that debuted last fall. All three new phones come pre-loaded with Google's VR game Ingress, and seemingly all run on Motorola's newly announced X8 computing system. We're still waiting on more detailed specs, but we'll have a hands-on directly from the NYC event coming up shortly. Update 1: Reps at the event tell our on-site staff that the Maxx has a 5-inch screen, and a press release from VZW says it has wireless charging and a 3500mAh battery. Additionally, it can apparently be woken on voice command by saying, "Ok Google Now." Update 2: And now we've got full specs: a 1.7 GHz dual-core CPU with quad-core graphics powers the Maxx, with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory rounding out the list. It's an LTE-enabled phone (naturally) and weighs just under five ounces. Software-wise, it runs Android Jelly Bean 4.2.
Verizon activates 7.5 M smartphones in Q2 2013, more than half were iPhones
Verizon today announced its earnings for Q2 2013. As expected, the carrier reported strong results with $5.2 billion in profit and $29.79 billion in revenue. Verizon added 1 million new customers and now has 100.1 million retail connections. The carrier also confirmed it activated 7.5 M smartphones, over half of which were iPhones. This brings Verizon's quarterly iPhone activations to approximately 3.87 million units, which is up from the 2.7 million it activated in the same quarter last year. It is right on par with the 4 million activations it reported in the opening quarter of 2013. [Via CNET]
BlackBerry Q10 available for pre-order on Verizon, $200 with a two-year contract
For those of you who wouldn't touch a tactile screen if we gave you one, Verizon's just put a smartphone up for pre-order that might be preferable: the Blackberry Q10. Big Red will carry the regular black model and has exclusive dibs on the dapper white Q10 we saw earlier, both of which are on pre-order for $200 with a two-year activation, or $600 sans commitment. On top of real QWERTY chiclets, you'll get a 3.1-inch, 720 x 720 Super AMOLED touch display, dual-core Qualcomm CPU, 2GB of RAM and Blackberry 10.0. As a bonus, Verizon's estimated ship date of June 6th might even line up nicely with the imminent arrival of a certain new version of the OS, too.
Survey says Verizon is best at customer satisfaction... among the big four, anyway
The results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index are in, and parroting a recent study by Consumer Reports, Verizon Wireless is named the front-runner with the most happy subscribers among the big four carriers. The survey takes a number of factors into account, such as call clarity, dropped calls, network coverage, data speeds, helpfulness of in-store staff, diversity of plans and the quality of the carrier's websites. As the dust settled, Verizon notched a three-point gain to chart a score of 73 (out of 100), whereas ACSI's previous front-runner, Sprint, held steady with a score of 71. AT&T is portrayed as "in a statistical dead heat with Sprint," which climbed one point to chart an ACSI score of 70. Meanwhile, satisfaction among T-Mobile customers fell a point, which caused the carrier to pull up the rear with a score of 68. On the whole, ACSI suggests that subscribers are generally more satisfied with regional providers and MVNOs, as the little dogs hold an aggregate score of 78. Speaking in broader terms, the ACSI reports that the wireless industry has reversed its two-year trend of sliding customer satisfaction to hit a benchmark score of 72, which matches the industry's 10-year high. Naturally, improvements still need to be made across the board, but at least things seem to be moving in the right direction.
Reuters: Verizon lining up $100 billion bid to buy out Vodafone's share of VZW
Word that Verizon would like to buy out Vodafone's 45 percent share of Verizon Wireless is hardly new, but Reuters reports it may finally be financially ready to take that step. According to unnamed sources, it's hired bank and legal advisers to prepare the bid, raising $50 billion in bank financing plus $50 billion in its own shares. Friendly discussions are said to start "soon," but if Vodafone is not interested it could take its bid public. It's probably no coincidence that the news is leaking just before Verizon's board meets to discuss a buyout before its regular shareholders meeting, but there are some potential complications. One holdup has been a potential hefty tax bill, but the Verizon CFO has been quoted saying he thinks that can be avoided, giving it more flexibility based on the cash generated by the wireless business.
Verizon expanding San Francisco Innovation Center, currently working on cross-carrier HD Voice support
2011 sure doesn't feel like that long ago, but it's evidently long enough for Verizon to realize that demand for innovation is booming in Silicon Valley. Not quite two years after the company cracked open the doors to its San Francisco-based Innovation Center, it's already looking to expand. During a briefing today at its other Innovation Center -- the one located just outside of Boston -- we were told that plans are underway to expand the SF facility. Presently, the Waltham, Mass. center is the vaster of the two, and it's Verizon's goal to stretch the California edition to (roughly) match the original location. We were also told that the company has looked at a variety of other cities where potential Innovation Centers could be planted, and while "three to four" undisclosed metropolises are in play, the company wants to nail the execution of its first two before hastily expanding into new locales. According to Praveen Atreya, director of Verizon's Innovation Program, there's just too much involved in the incubation and launch process to not devote the proper amount of manpower to it. In other words, there's more to launching a product than just design and manufacturing; a lot of TLC goes on in order to make something have a successful shelf life.
Verizon activates 4M iPhones in the quarter, split evenly between 3G and 4G models
Verizon reported its earnings for the opening quarter of 2013 and announced that it activated 4 million iPhones. This figure is up year-over year, but down from the previous quarter which saw 6.2 million iPhone activations. This decline is expected as sales generally fall in the first quarter of the year. Within the 4 M iPhone activations, Verizon confirmed that 2 million were 4G LTE models (iPhone 5) and 2 million were 3G only models (iPhone 4/4S). Overall, the wireless carrier activated 7.2 million smartphones in the quarter, 5.9 million of which were 4G LTE compatible. Smartphone ownership has reached an all-time high with over 61 percent of the carrier's postpaid subscriber base now using smartphones. You can read more about Verizon's earnings on the carrier's investor relations website.
TWC TV iOS app updated for TV streaming away from home
As we revealed a few days ago and Time Warner Cable announced yesterday, its iOS app has been updated with the ability to stream video even when away from subscriber's home networks. There's video on-demand available from 10 networks, and ten live TV channels ready for streaming. While the company's blog post only referred to access over WiFi, its about page confirms our initial information that 3G / 4G access is limited to Verizon Wireless customers. Our tipster indicted this exclusive would run out later this year, and the feature is also coming soon to the company's Android app and web portal for PC / Mac users. Today's update on iOS also tweaks the app's guide, with a new ability to filter by category, as well as sort alphabetically by network or show title. Subscribers can grab it at the link below -- let us know how well it works and if you've run into any unexpected restrictions. Update: Time Warner Cable has also published a few videos to go along with the launch, check after the break to see SVP and GM of programming Mike Angus discuss the latest update.
Verizon intros new $35 prepaid plan for basic phones, for those not keen on the 'smart' era
For some time now, Verizon and other carriers have slowly but surely shifted focus from "dumb" handsets to ones that are much more intelligent, with data-driven shared plans being one of the strategies that corroborate this move. Today, however, Big Red's gone back to basics, announcing a novel prepaid plan for folks without a smartphone -- which will go alongside the company's existing $50, all-you-can-have offering. With the new Basic Plan, Verizon's giving would-be customers a $35 option which serves 500 anytime minutes (sorry, no mobile-to-mobile) as well as unlimited mobile data and text messaging. Hey, don't be ashamed, there's definitely nothing wrong with keeping it vintage -- and, above all, saving cash.
Daily Update for April 11, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Verizon CEO: I sold Jobs on LTE for iPhone 5
Tuesday at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam spent some time touting his company's investment in its LTE network and the fact that 4G LTE makes it possible to stream video. McAdam also relayed a story, recounted on Fierce Wireless, about how he was able to convince Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs to build LTE into the iPhone 5 To quote from the article: McAdam was trying to convince Jobs to make the iPhone 5 compatible with LTE. "I was really trying to sell him and he sat there without any reaction. Finally, he said, 'Enough. You had me at 10 Mbps. I know you can stream video at 10 Mbps.' And Apple's next phone was LTE," McAdam said. Part of the reason for McAdam's appearance at NAB was to allay the fears of broadcasters who are concerned about Verizon's plan to use LTE Broadcast technology to broadcast the 2014 Super Bowl and similar live events to its customers. McAdam reassured the crowd, saying "We don't want to get in the way of broadcasters," but noted that there are some events where Verizon could "add a dimension and it becomes better." Photo by Stuart Isett, Fortune Brainstorm TECH. CC BY 2.0
Verizon Messages extends unified SMS and MMS to Android, iOS and the web (video)
As you begin juggling more and more devices in your daily life, running all of your text and picture messages through your smartphone can become a real chore. To help subscribers keep up with the times, Verizon Wireless has introduced a unified messaging solution known as Verizon Messages, and unlike services like Google Voice, it works through your primary number. The free service is accessible via Android smartphones and tablets, iOS tablets (but not the iPhone) and an online web app, which keeps all messages in sync and stored in the cloud for up to 90 days. As another nice touch, the app offers an auto-reply feature for times when you need to disconnect, and it also allows you to archive messages to an SD card. You'll need to enable the service within your Verizon account, but for a peek of the new Verizon Messages, just hop the break for a video tour.
Verizon to update the Droid 4 with Jelly Bean 4.1 starting tomorrow
It's always a good day when we can report on older handsets getting updated with some fresher software. If you happen to have bought the Droid 4 when it came out on Verizon last year, then today's your lucky today: the carrier has confirmed it will begin updating the phone to Android Jelly Bean (4.1) starting tomorrow. As always, this is more of a rollout than anything else, so try and stay patient if your phone doesn't immediately show an update prompt. And as ever, do hit us back and let us know how the upgrade goes.
Daily Update for January 22, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Verizon announces 9.8 million smartphone activations, more iPhones
Earlier this week. AT&T announced it had activated 10 million smartphones in the holiday quarter. Not to be outdone, Verizon chimed in with own figures in an SEC filing that suggests it activated 9.8 million smartphones during the last three months of the year. Though Verizon has an Android-dominated lineup of smartphones, the carrier did say it activated a "higher mix of Apple smartphones" this time around. This boost is likely due to the iPhone 5 which hit retail shelves in the second half of 2012 and a price-reduced iPhone 4S. [Via The Verge and ZDnet]
Verizon Selects brings targeted ads to VZ wireless customers, induces more holiday shopping
We've grown accustomed to the creepily context-aware ads in our Gmail inboxes and we've seen targeted ads come to game consoles and printers, so naturally, it's no surprise Verizon's bringing such advertising to its mobile customers. Called Verizon Selects, it's a program rolling out to some Big Red patrons, who, should they choose to opt in, will receive tailored offers and marketing messages on their phones. It works by using myriad user info, including location, web browsing and mobile app usage data "to create specific insights" -- i.e. VZW figures out where you go and what you like in order to shoot you appropriate ads. In order to get folks with the program, Verizon will offer those who opt in a coupon or "some other form of reward," and the company is assuaging privacy fears by allowing users to control their privacy choices on the Verizon Selects website. What say you, dear readers -- will you be opting into Big Red's new mobile marketing scheme? Sound off in the comments below.
Consumer Reports: Verizon ranked the best major US carrier, AT&T ranked the worst
Nothing much has changed in this year's mobile carrier satisfaction survey from Consumer Reports, with Verizon again being rated the best of the major providers, netting good scores for voice and data service quality, staff knowledge and issue resolution. The other big players also ranked in the same order this time around, with Sprint and T-Mobile following behind Big Red, and AT&T staying in last position. None of the bottom three scored particularly highly, especially in relation to voice service quality, and only four points separated them in the ratings. While AT&T had the worst value and data service quality scores, its LTE network was ranked the best of any carrier, and the least problematic. MVNO Consumer Cellular, which piggybacks on AT&T's network, didn't disappoint after last year's overall first place finish, keeping the top spot and receiving great scores all round. Full results of the survey, which polled 63,253 subscribers, will be available in Consumer Reports' January 2013 issue.
Verizon confirms Droid DNA on its Droid Does portal, promises 'unboxing' on November 19th
Last we checked, there are about six days between Verizon / HTC's press event in New York City and November 19th. Which, by most counts, should be just enough time for the two companies to properly announce a phone, get it out to sales channels, and start moving 'em into the hands of consumers. HTC's Droid DNA has been leaked to death at this point, but a new mention of the product on VZW's 'Droid Does' portal all but confirms the true nature of Tuesday's event. For those willing to wait until November 19th, the carrier's promising an internet unboxing through its Google+ page -- for those who tune into our site, we'll get you one much sooner. Hit up the source if you're intrigued by intrigue, but don't go poking around for pricing or confirmed specifications.
Bluegrass Cellular starts rolling out 4G LTE network with a bit of help from Verizon
LTE. LTE. More LTE. That's what's currently roaming the minds of wireless carriers in the US of A, and while Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are at the forefront of it all, smaller networks are also looking to get a piece of the "real 4G" pie. The latest one to flip its own Long Term Evolution switch is Kentucky-based Bluegrass Cellular, which was accomplished in large part thanks to Verizon's LTE in Rural America program and is a culmination of an agreement inked back in 2010. With the initial rollout phase, Bluegrass Cellular's expected to cover more than 348,000 folks in cities such as Bowling Green, Glasgow, Radcliff, Bardstown and Elizabethtown, offering subscribers in these areas speeds of around 12Mbps down and 5Mbps up. Naturally, Bluegrass plans on bringing LTE to more of its covered markets, with the outfit noting that it "will continue to expand 4G LTE to additional areas in 2013."
Verizon App Store begins closure in January 2013, pulled from all compatible devices by the end of March
The Verizon App Store will begin the process of shutting down for good starting in January 2013, US cellular carrier Verizon Wireless says, with plans to be fully off "all compatible Android and Research in Motion devices" by March 27, 2013. No specific reason is given for the closure, but Verizon does detail, "a whole new tech landscape" shaping its decision, and that the company is "evolving" strategy in accordance with said "new tech landscape." No doubt that the new landscape Verizon speaks of involves the dominance of Google's own Play store for Android, as well as RIM's BlackBerry App World. If you're a developer worried about what's gonna happen to your app, the company says you'll retain all your app metrics, reporting, and payments throughout the closure. We're also reassured that the developer community's support won't be going away in the future, post-closure, with Verizon's David Sandberg telling Engadget, "The developer community -- that website and the folks who work with developers -- they'll still be there. We'll still be providing them with support." The closure also won't affect any employee positions, Sandberg says.
