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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.
HTC Droid DNA coming to Verizon on November 21st for $200, pre-orders begin today
It's not much of a secret at this point, but HTC and Verizon have finally made their king-sized smartphone official at today's press event: the Droid DNA, which is essentially Big Red's variant of the J Butterfly released in Japan a few weeks ago, will be offered in stores and online starting the day before Thanksgiving for $200 with a two-year commitment, but early adopters will be able to pre-order their unit today. As you may recall, the DNA is already well known in mobile circles thanks to its 5-inch 1080p Super LCD3 display (which comes out to 440ppi), but there's plenty of other goodies that make this particular handset a rather tempting purchase for the holiday season. For instance, it's helped along by a 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (APQ8064 paired with MDM9615m, to be specific) and 2GB of RAM, and will come running Jelly Bean and HTC's Sense 4+ UI. It will also come with an 8MP f/2.0 rear camera with 28mm wide angle lens, BSI sensor, ImageChip and 1080p HD video capture. On the opposite side of the phone you can expect to see a 2.1MP f/2.0 front-facing cam that features 1080p HD video record and an 88-degree ultra-wide angle lens. By the way, all of these spiffy specs will rely on an embedded 2,020mAh battery for its power supply, but it'll have Qi-compatible wireless charging to help out when it's getting low. HTC continues to highlight its audio prowess, as the DNA takes advantage of Beats Audio and a 2.55v built-in headset amplifier and dedicated rear speaker amp, which is geared to offer minimal distortion at maximum volume; in terms of how much multimedia you can throw on the phone, however, it comes with 16GB internal storage and no microSD slot. Rounding out the spec sheet, the DNA offers Verizon LTE, quad-band GSM and UMTS (we haven't been told if global roaming will be enabled, but we suspect so), Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX support, NFC, MHL, dual mics for noise cancelation and WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n (dual-band). It measures 9.73mm thick and weighs 4.86 ounces (138g). We'll update our post with Verizon's press release as soon as it's available, and our team is at this morning's event getting ready to have some quality hands-on time with the new beaut. In the meantime, you may want to think about revising your Black Friday shopping list.
Nokia Lumia 822 for Verizon hands-on (video)
Now that Microsoft's officially flooded the world with good tidings of Windows Phone 8, it's the turn of OEMs and carriers to get the word out about their own Microsoft-flavored smartphones. We finally got a chance to play with Nokia's previously leaked and recently announced Lumia 822 for Verizon, a mid-range handset similar to the Lumia 820 on AT&T and the Lumia 810 for T-Mobile that will cost $99 with a two-year contract. Availability is slated for sometime in November -- it's been a long time since we've seen a Nokia device on Verizon (sorry, but those Pantech-built models don't count), so this is rather exciting news. Spec-wise the Lumia 822 features a 4.3-inch WVGA ClearBlack AMOLED display, an eight-megapixel autofocus Carl Zeiss camera, a 1.2MP front-facing shooter, a Qualcomm dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB or RAM, 16GB of internal flash, microSD support for additional storage, and optional Qi-compatible wireless charging. Radios include CDMA and LTE for Verizon, GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS / HSPA+ for global roaming, WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, A-GPS and NFC. In terms of design, the Lumia 822 is much curvier than its siblings and the battery cover doesn't wrap around the sides. The camera pod and flash placement matches the longitudinal setup from the Lumia 920 and Lumia 810 instead of the transverse layout found on the Lumia 820. At 142g (5 ounces) it's quite a hefty device, but despite being 11.2mm (0.44 inches) thick, it feels very nice in hand. Build quality is solid, which is pretty much what you'd expect from Nokia. The phone will be available in three colors: black, white and our favorite, a stunning shade of grey. See for yourself in the gallery below, and peek after the break for our hands-on video. Brad Molen contributed to this report.
Verizon officially announces Nokia Lumia 822, coming this Fall (update: $100 on two-year contract)
Ahead of the big Windows Phone soiree later today, Nokia has now confirmed that Verizon will be getting the Lumia 822, which will its 4G portfolio in the coming months. While the fact that a Big Red version of Nokia's second Windows Phone 8 device wasn't the best-kept secret, Nokia's proud press release (after the break) finally confirms it -- although it neglects to mention any prices or dates. The phone will arrive in black, white and grey options -- all LTE-ready, with those interchangeable covers also incoming. That slightly modest 4.3-inch screen WVGA screen will also try to make the most of those colorful tiles -- and we'll likely get play with one very soon. Update: Nokia USA's just updated its site, stating that the Windows Phone will arrive on two-year contracts priced at $100.
Samsung Galaxy Note II for Verizon hands-on
So far we've had the opportunity to review the global edition of the Samsung Galaxy Note II -- as well as get our hands on three of the five variants known to be making their way to the US -- but tonight we got our first official look at Verizon's particular flavor. Not that it's much different than the rest of the crowd: it's loaded with the same specs we've seen on the N7100 model (5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED display at 1,280 x 720, 3,100mAh battery and a quad-core Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz), with the exception of Verizon-specific LTE bands, and have the same button layout that we've come to expect. Of course, there's that hideous Verizon logo on the main button, but that's the only visual difference we could spot. Software-wise, Verizon's version of the Note II contains the built-in apps we've gotten accustomed to with its Android phones: VZ Navigator, My Verizon Mobile, and Mobile Hotspot. The device we picked up was running Jelly Bean, like its counterparts from other carriers. Sadly, no pricing or availability is yet available for the Note II on Verizon, with reps at the Samsung event we're at saying that it's up to Verizon to loose that news.%Gallery-169274% Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Next-gen Casio G'zOne makes it to the FCC, reveals LTE and NFC support
The last Casio G'zOne handheld to come our way was the Commando, a military-grade device that marked the company's first foray into Android smartphones. Now it seems there's another one in the works, at least if a recent FCC filing is any indication. The Casio C811 looks to be a successor to the aforementioned Commando, with its G'zOne branding and features like WiFi and GSM world phone capabilities. Notably, the FCC document reveals the phone has Verizon-flavored LTE plus NFC support, both of which lead us to believe it'll likely be a mid- to high-end handset. Not much else is divulged from perusing the filing, but we're sure that whatever the C811 turns out to be, it'll be just as tough and durable as the rest of Casio's G'zOne offerings.
Verizon reports Q3 wireless service revenues up 7.5 percent, LTE now available to 250 million people
The folks at Verizon are revelling in their third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, having reported a 14.3 percent overall increase in earnings per share year-over-year. Wireless service revenues -- not least from us smartphone users -- contributed heavily to that income, growing 7.5 percent compared to the same quarter in 2011 off the back of a "record high" profit margin. The operator attributes these gains to its "4G LTE network advantage," with its LTE service now available to 250 million customers and potential customers across the US, as well as to its "well-received Share Everything Plans and unmatched product portfolio." It added 1.5 million postpaid connections, bringing its total wireless membership to just shy of 96 million souls.
LG Intuition review: Optimus Deja Vu with a Verizon LTE twist
More Info LG Optimus Vu review LG Intuition officially announced Intuition by LG hands-on It's not uncommon for US carriers to take an international smartphone under their wings, make a few adjustments to hardware and firmware, stamp their fat logos in multiple places and then sell it to the masses. Verizon is no exception: the LG Intuition is its interpretation of the Optimus Vu, a 5-inch phablet we reviewed over the summer. Perhaps calling it an "interpretation" is a bit of an overstatement: aside from a bump in firmware and Big Red's LTE, it is the Optimus Vu. In fact, going into this review, we had a difficult time believing our experience would be much different than our run-in with the Korean version. Our first reaction is that this doesn't bode well for the carrier. If Verizon opted for the Intuition in order to fill a gaping hole in its lineup, we have a hard time understanding why it would choose to greenlight this particular device with the Samsung Galaxy Note II coming within the next two months. The device's quiet launch is a solid enough indication that the network isn't planning on throwing a lot marketing dollars behind it, so it feels as though the Intuition's main reason for existing is to bolster Verizon's rapidly expanding LTE portfolio. Is there something intriguing about the Intuition ($200 with a two-year commitment) that wasn't there when we first played with the Vu? Or will we find ourselves in the Twilight Zone, reliving the same moment over and over again? Let's find out.
Verizon Wireless confirms FaceTime over cellular on all data plans
If you'll recall, AT&T was quick to inform users after WWDC that it would not be supporting FaceTime over Cellular on all of its data plans (you'll need a Mobile Share plan for it to work) when it launches as part of iOS6 on the 19th. Now Verizon has responded, confirming in its iPhone 5 press release that the feature is welcome on any data plan allowance. Of course, your usual data restrictions will still apply so we wouldn't leave those 720p backside illuminated cameras streaming for too long. If you're the type to set your watch by iPhone launches, the press release also mentions Friday at 3AM ET is the time when they'll be available for preorder on the website, check the rest of the details after the break.
Verizon may be planning an HTC Desire 4G LTE
Here's an interesting revelation: we just received an image of Verizon's internal device management system that indicates the carrier may be collaborating with HTC on another handset. The smartphone -- dubbed the Desire 4G LTE -- has left us without any details or specs, but it appears to be completely different than the Droid Incredible 4G LTE launched in July. We find the lack of Droid branding slightly curious (and perhaps indicative of a low-end device), though there's no guarantee that this will be the phone's final name. Is this Big Red's version of the Desire X? Perhaps the Desire C? Or is this an exclusive device that won't be offered elsewhere? We'll keep you posted as we learn more. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Verizon CMO confirms carrier will sell a BlackBerry 10 device at launch
This bit of news got a bit buried amid the back-to-back-to-back press events that happened earlier this week, but Verizon Chief Marketing Officer Tami Erwin confirmed in an interview with CNET on Wednesday that the carrier will be offering at least one BlackBerry 10 smartphone at launch. As you'll recall, that launch date now sits at sometime in the first quarter of 2013, following some delays, and it's expected than an all-touch device will debut prior to a more traditional keyboard-equipped BlackBerry. Unfortunately, Erwin didn't offer any more specifics than that, but it looks like RIM's recent push to woo carriers has paid off with at least one of the big three in the US.
Nokia Lumia 822 and 5-inch HTC device found in Verizon systems
The Nokia Lumia 820 is fresh on everyone's minds, and rumors of a 5-inch Android device from HTC are floating around, so why not add a couple more pieces of kindling to the fire? We've been handed images of Verizon's device management system (DMD, for short) showing off a couple new devices: the Nokia Lumia 822 (in Gray and White) and the HTC 6435, which we've seen leaked as the potential Galaxy Note competitor. While this doesn't guarantee a surefire launch in any way, phones typically pop up in the DMD a few weeks prior to launch -- and it's good news for two groups of people: Windows Phone fans anxiously awaiting something fresh on the LTE carrier, and phablet fans looking for a device not called the Intuition. [Thanks, Anonymous!]
Verizon adding suite of Amazon apps to all new Android devices
Most US carriers have been pulling back on the sheer number of pre-installed apps thrown onto the latest Android devices, but Verizon appears to be heading in the opposite direction. An announcement found within the safe confines of Big Red's internal system indicates that the Samsung Galaxy Stellar wasn't the only product in the lineup to get officially introduced to a suite of Amazon apps -- every single Android device gracing Verizon's shelves will also get the same treatment. The suite includes apps for the Kindle, Shopping, MP3, IMDb, Audible and Zappos. There was no word on whether the bloatware can be disabled or uninstalled, but since the policy goes into effect today, we should find out pretty soon. We highly doubt this will be a focal point at Amazon's press event, but we won't skirt over the possibility of it getting some time on Jeff Bezos' teleprompters. As a sidenote, Verizon mentions here that this policy excludes Google experience devices and tablets, which could be cause for speculation that new Nexus devices (including tablets) are en route to the LTE carrier. This wording is pretty open, however, and it may simply be Verizon's way of covering themselves in case such a device comes out in the future. [Thanks, Anonymous!]
Verizon: we will have multiple Windows Phone 8 handsets
Looks like WP8 is going to get a lot more love from Verizon Wireless than WP7 ever did. Big Red's Chief Marketing Officer Tami Erwin informed CNET that several Windows Phone 8 devices will make their way to the network before the end of Q4 2012. That means that the HTC Trophy will no longer be the sole Microsoft-powered mobile, and according to VZW COO Marni Walden, there might even be a Nokia handset or two on Verizon's network in the future -- no word whether the either of the new Lumias will make the cut. As for the hardware slated to show up in the next few months, Verizon's neither telling who's making them just yet nor when they will officially debut. But, it's good to know that folks will have the option of using Microsoft's new super-speedy OS on Verizon's lightning quick LTE network this year.
Samsung Galaxy Stellar available through Verizon beginning Thursday, free after rebate
Samsung's decidedly grounded Stellar smartphone just got the official nod from Verizon, launching on Thursday with a $50 price tag (before a $50 mail-in rebate). The "free" handset packs a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon, Ice Cream Sandwich, LTE connectivity, a 4-inch WVGA display an a rather modest image capture duo -- a 1.3-megapixel camera up front and an autofocus-capable 3.2-megapixel snapper on the rear. There's also 802.11n WiFi and support for microSD cards up to 32GB. As unimpressive as they may be, none of these specs comes as a surprise, following the smartphone's early debut on Best Buy's site last week. Still, if you're in the market for an upgrade with a non-existent equipment budget, this little Galaxy may be just what Big Red ordered.
IRL: Mailplane, Verizon Wireless iPad and the Samsung Galaxy S running CM9
Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment. Do we like the stuff we bought? You betcha we like the stuff we bought. This week, Darren tells of giving Mailplane another shot three months after deciding it was crap. Steve loves his aging Galaxy S all the more now that he's upgraded it to CM9. As for Edgar, he thinks his new VZW iPad is okay.
LG Intuition 4G LTE may become available on Verizon September 6th
The day of September 6th is gearing up to be a rather hefty one for Verizon: earlier we reported that the Samsung Galaxy Stellar is slated to launch on that date, and it's also the day after Motorola unveils its latest lineup for Big Red. Why not throw in another device that we've heard so much about, such as the LG Intuition? Indeed, docs detailing the CDMA-clad Optimus Vu is now beginning to make the rounds in Verizon's internal system -- and its intended launch date is among the trove of treasures to be found within. According to the docs, we should expect to see the 5-inch device available online in time for the 6th, while all channels won't be ready to go until the 10th. We can't imagine that too many people will be upset over having to wait another four days, however. In terms of specs, here's what we can anticipate from the Intuition: Ice Cream Sandwich, a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm MSM8660 (Snapdragon S3) processor paired with MDM9600 LTE modem and 1GB RAM, Gorilla Glass, a 5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1024 x 768, 15 hours of talk time, 8MP rear camera with 1.3MP front-facing cam and no microSD expandable storage option. Ultimately, the Intuition is Verizon's variant of the Optimus Vu, and boasts that commonality right down to the components and design -- you won't find much difference in specs, weight or dimensions between the two. We've compiled a few images for your enjoyment, so head below to see. As before, we had to be creative in how we treated these images to protect the identity of everyone involved. %Gallery-164101% [Thanks, Anonymous]
More Samsung Galaxy Stellar details spill, September 6th launch appears likely
More details about the Samsung Galaxy Stellar 4G LTE, Verizon's upcoming budget offering, are now surfacing from the midst of the carrier's internal systems. Our source has confirmed that the Stellar is now expected to launch on September 6th, and has provided some documentation that reveals the vast majority of the phone's spec sheet. Starter Mode once again gets mentioned here -- according to the docs, it's a "new, simple way to interact Access apps and control device settings with ease." As far as specs go, these docs back up the details leaked on Best Buy's website earlier: Android 4.0, a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 3.2MP rear camera and 1.3MP front-facing cam and 800 x 480 WVGA display. Additionally, Amazon Kindle, Audible and Zappos apps are mentioned, as well as Bluetooth 4.0 and 4GB internal storage. Dimensionally, the phone will weigh 4.73 ounces and measures 121.92 x 63.75 x 11.94mm (yes, that last measurement is for thickness). Given the lower-end specs, the Stellar likely won't launch to a grand amount of fanfare -- especially if the $100 price point is accurate. Check out our gallery below to see a few more images of the crucial docs. As a sidenote, many of the images will have creatively blurred-out sections in order to protect the identity of our source. %Gallery-164042% [Thanks, Anonymous!]
Exclusive: Motorola Droid RAZR M 4G LTE gets hands-on treatment (video)
There's no stopping the torrential downpour of information coming out about the Motorola Droid RAZR M 4G LTE (codenamed Scorpion Mini), but we finally have some real pictures showing off the device that, this time last week, was nothing more than a mere rumor. Our source had the opportunity to play with the RAZR M for a solid amount of time, and told us that the Snapdragon S4 processor is "fantastic" and the lithium polymer battery resulted in a full day of heavy usage. We've got a few more images of the unannounced device below (it appears the top back panel experienced a run-in with a hard surface before the images were taken), and we also have a video showing off the boot-up process and settings menu after the break. %Gallery-163887% [Thanks, Anonymous!]
Verizon Turbine 7.0 in the works, likely to be ZTE V66 tablet
What you see above isn't a whole lot to go off of in terms of details, but it's still a bit significant for tablet fans regardless. The image, which displays a page hiding deep within Verizon's internal system, offers the first confirmation of the ZTE V66 tablet's destiny: it shall ride onto Big Red's LTE network as the Verizon Turbine 7.0. We guess the latter name is the catchier of the two. Few other details are known at this point -- hence, the incredibly bare product page -- but the tablet was originally rumored to sport a 7-inch (1,280 x 800) display, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and a 4,000mAh battery. We'd venture to guess that an OS jump to ICS or Jelly Bean should be in the works as well, unless Verizon wants its brand new slate to be dead in the water before it even launches. [Thanks, Anonymous]