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Verizon iPhone Rumored For Early Next Year

Many readers are submitting coverage from around the Net, all based on a Bloomberg piece quoting two anonymous sources who insist that Verizon Wireless will offer a CDMA iPhone in January 2011. No one at Verizon or Apple would confirm, of course, and no one at AT&T would comment. "The iPhone, which has been the sole domain of rival AT&T in the US since June 2007, will give Verizon a boost in its competition for smartphone customers, UBS AG analyst John Hodulik said in an interview. Verizon customers, who numbered 92.8 million at the end of the first quarter, may buy 3 million iPhones a quarter, he estimates. ... 'Apple is going to dramatically increase the number of devices it sells in the US when exclusivity at AT&T ends,' said Hodulik. ... 'It's hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced.'"

251 comments

  1. As Annie once said... by assemblerex · · Score: 5, Funny

    Tomorrow! Tomorrow!You're always a day away!

    1. Re:As Annie once said... by passion · · Score: 1

      I loved the sign I saw in a bar once that said "Free Beer Tomorrow!" ;)

      --
      - passion
    2. Re:As Annie once said... by MogNuts · · Score: 1

      So true. It keeps the sheep waiting so they don't switch to get the other product (in this case to AT&T or for Apple's sake, to Android). This is most definitely a plant story by either AT&T or Apple.

      Thing is, with this new faulty IPhone (bad antannae, bad reception, dropped calls just by holding it, yellow spots on the screen, easily shatterable and scratchable), who the hell would want it?

  2. Can we shut up about this? by nine-times · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I suppose I am an Apple "fanboy" and I like hearing interesting Apple news as much as the next guy, but there is no news here.

    1. Re:Can we shut up about this? by the-matt-mobile · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I am certainly NOT an Apple fanboy, but it's silly to claim that this isn't news, *assuming* it turns out to be true. Apple has the most popular smartphone on the market, and the reason why many people, including businesses and me personally, haven't adopted it is because the iPhone is not available on Verizon. The AT&T exclusivity contract is the biggest hindrance to iPhone adoption - not the tech, not the restrictive App Store, and not Apple's policies. If exclusivity is over and there's a real date on it, this is BIG news.

    2. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Darkness404 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yeah, its been rumored to be coming to Verizon ever since the iPhone 3G came out though. Each time its been proven to be false or terribly delayed. We had these same stories last year with the 3GS and stories the year previous. Until we get actual proof to back it up (such as CDMA hardware company buyout by Apple or something) it has no more credit than the stories 2 years ago.

      --
      Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
    3. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 1

      As a non Apple Fanboy - I had assumed it was already on Verizon because I heard the news a couple years ago that it might be on Verizon soon and I figured I missed the news article saying it was released on Verizon.

      Apparently I've been had.

    4. Re:Can we shut up about this? by nine-times · · Score: 1

      There have been rumors of a Verizon iPhone since before the first iPhone was released. Every time the supposed release date lapses, it gets pushed back 6 months.

      Now of course, sooner or later these rumors are bound to be right. Eventually, most carriers are moving to LTE so you might not even need different phone models for each carrier. But until there's something in the way of evidence or a reliable source, this isn't news.

    5. Re:Can we shut up about this? by tomhudson · · Score: 4, Funny

      It's news when it happens - or when it's imminent.

      "Next year" is forever in mobile phone world. People change phones every 2 years - next year is "half a generation away".

      'It's hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced.'

      'It's hard to ignore the quality issues that the new iPhone has faced.'

    6. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Bobfrankly1 · · Score: 4, Funny

      'It's hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced.'

      'It's hard to ignore the quality issues that the new iPhone has faced.'

      The quality issues aren't with the iPhone, they are with the iPhone customers. They're holding the phone wrong, remember?

    7. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Apple has the most popular smartphone on the market

      WTF? Okay, Android is a variety of phones made by different manufacturers but how can you ignore Blackberry? "It's nbot popular it just sells a lot more" or something?

    8. Re:Can we shut up about this? by DragonWriter · · Score: 4, Funny

      I am certainly NOT an Apple fanboy, but it's silly to claim that this isn't news, *assuming* it turns out to be true.

      If a Verizon iPhone actually occurs, or is announced, that will be news.

      That there are reports from anonymous sources that a Verizon iPhone will happen in the near future is not news, its s pretty regular occurrence.

      As an analogy:

      While it would be significant news if Judgement Day occurred, it would not be significant news that there was a man with a hand-lettered sign on a sidewalk in a major city announcing that Judgement Day was imminent.

    9. Re:Can we shut up about this? by mjwx · · Score: 1

      I suppose I am an Apple "fanboy" and I like hearing interesting Apple news as much as the next guy, but there is no news here.

      Not only that, this isn't even new.

      Every year (now every few months) you get the same "OMG Iphone N+1 will be on $TELCO". I had an American friend who is switching to Verizon (because he was moving out of another telco's service area, how quaint) and was looking at my Milestone (GSM variant of the Droid) in comparison to the Iphone yet all the Itards kept saying "there are strong rumours that Iphone4 will be on Verizon". Well we all saw how that one ended didn't we, Apple rumours are less trustworthy then normal rumours and people tend to forget that Apple likes excursive contracts and AT&T have one for 5 years.

      --
      Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
    10. Re:Can we shut up about this? by blackraven14250 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Blackberry isn't nearly as popular for personal use.

    11. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ... it's silly to claim that this isn't news, *assuming* it turns out to be true.

      do you even read what you write?

    12. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Richy_T · · Score: 1

      Grr. Slashdot lost my comment.

      Basic point is that the AT&T exclusivity contract has also apparently been a hindrance to AT&T getting decent android phones. I'd love a Droid but not on Verizon. I'm probably going to end up going t-mobile and buy an unlocked GSM droid.

    13. Re:Can we shut up about this? by stewbacca · · Score: 1

      People change phones every 2 years - next year is "half a generation away".

      Um, "next year" is "six months away".

    14. Re:Can we shut up about this? by mdwh2 · · Score: 1

      but it's silly to claim that this isn't news, *assuming* it turns out to be true.

      Well that's the problem isn't it - shall we have every rumour about every company, that would bbe news "assuming" it turns out to be true?

      Apple has the most popular smartphone on the market

      Not this lie again. Apple are somewhere about third, behind RIM, and way behind Nokia. (Not sure what the latest figures are - maybe they're better than RIM now; but maybe Android has overtaken then, and Nokia are still first.) Not to mention that "smartphone" is ill-defined (can you give me a definition that includes the original Iphone, but not most "feature" phones?) In the phone market, Apple are less than 5%, behind Nokia, Motorola, LG, Samsung, RIM. Yes, Apple have a higher share if you restrict it to only a few companies - but third, out of three companies, still isn't exactly satisfying the claim of "most popular".

      But wait, I know - you're going to redefine "popular" to mean something other than how many people buy it. Like, "what me and my friends use" or "gets most media hype", or redefining "smartphone" to mean "the Iphones".

      Other more popular phone companies don't get news stories for an actual product release. This is a mere announcement of a future release, and only a possible rumour at that too.

    15. Re:Can we shut up about this? by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1

      By the calendar, yes.

      By the marketing department, "next year" is 6 - 18 months away.

      --
      Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
    16. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Pandrake · · Score: 1

      "People change phones every 2 years"

      Motorla Razor 3G still going strong here, as a phone. If I had more than a phone in my phone I might need or want to change phones every 2 years, but it's just a phone that continues to be a phone whether or not it's X years old.

    17. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Beyond_GoodandEvil · · Score: 1

      I'm probably going to end up going t-mobile and buy an unlocked GSM droid.
      I wouldn't bother, the milestone as the gsm droid is called has a signed bootloader so it isn't nearly as open and overclockable as the droid is. That and due to the strange 3G freq used by Tmobile in the US you might be hard pressed to find a milestone that does 3G on Tmo.

      --
      I laughed at the weak who considered themselves good because they lacked claws.
    18. Re:Can we shut up about this? by tomhudson · · Score: 1

      I know - I've got a Motorola v635 that's got 4 years and 4,796 hours of talk time on it.

      The things it's been through (including someone else intentionally smashing it on a concrete sidewalk), no other phone would have survived.

      I'm coming up for contract renewal time ... I've only owned Motorola all these years - I'm loath to change.

    19. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fanboy qualifier. Numbers are numbers.

    20. Re:Can we shut up about this? by ArsonSmith · · Score: 1

      Aliens rumored to land in Georgia early next year.

      Many readers are submitting coverage from around the Net, all based on a random speculation piece quoting two anonymous sources who insist that aliens will land in Georgia in January 2011. No one at any authority office or alien civilization would confirm, of course, and no one in Georgia would comment.

      --
      Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
    21. Re:Can we shut up about this? by Doctor+Memory · · Score: 1

      But what if "two highly-placed officials within the Vatican" announced that Judgement Day was imminent? Don't you think Solarcaine would rush out tubes of "Rapture-Ready" sunblock (extra-large, of course, since you'll need full-body coverage)?

      --
      Just junk food for thought...
  3. Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting ... by perpenso · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I was in business school recently. Lots of classmates purchased iPhones. An equal number wanted to but did not want to switch their family plans from Verizon to AT&T. If and when Verizon becomes an option I expect a spike in sales like we are seeing with the introduction of the iPhone 4. When I think about it, maybe its good for Apple to add Verizon in between phone updates and not at the same time. It would just be more strain on a new supply chain trying to get ramped up.
    --
    Perpenso Calc for iPhone, scientific and hex calculator, RPN, fractions, complex numbers, 64/32-bit modes, signed/unsigned modes, IEEE FP encode/decode, UTF-8, RGB

  4. I Want by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    If Apple wants to lock down the iPhone...

    And Google wants to remotely install and delete software from my droid...

    Then I want a N900 + MeeGo.

    I also want a pony.

    1. Re:I Want by tacroy · · Score: 1

      You could get a pre which is an open linux box. Palm is actively supporting! homebrew and does not even require rooting to play with.

    2. Re:I Want by Kirin+Fenrir · · Score: 1

      You can install MeeGo on the n900. Having control over your own hardware is nice. :)

      --
      Caffeine is my anti-drug!

      Duranin - A NWN2 Roleplaying Persistent World
    3. Re:I Want by Stonent1 · · Score: 1

      How about a MetroPCS iPhone? Metro already can "metroflash" most Verizon (including droids) to run on their 50$ unlimited everything plan.

  5. Two Anonymous Sources, huh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Well, I insist that Microsoft will be releasing Windows 2008 under GPL in Q2 2011.

    One more, and I can get a press release!

  6. AT&T....can you fear me now? by d474 · · Score: 1

    Muwaaa-haa-haa-haaa!! --Verizon

    --
    Authority questions you. Return the favor.
    1. Re:AT&T....can you fear me now? by pauljlucas · · Score: 2, Funny

      Steve to AT&T: "I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further."

      --
      If you reply, do so only to what I explicitly wrote. If I didn't write it, don't assume or infer it.
    2. Re:AT&T....can you fear me now? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yup. That's why when the iPhone 4G launched they allowed anyone to sign up for one, even if they weren't near the end of their contract. Now AT&T has locked in everyone who was an Apple fanboy or early adopter, and probably the majority of iPhone upgraders. When (if) it hits Verizon in January the only people who will be interested are the (relatively) few people who wanted an iPhone but who didn't want to leave Verizon for AT&T AND who didn't already shell out for a Droid X, Droid 2, or whatever Droid device launches this fall that includes everything the iPhone 4 has.

      What would be interesting though is if the Verizon iPhone 4 were an LTE handset. Verizon has been rolling out LTE but has said that they won't launch a handset until 2011. An LTE iPhone launch would be a real head-turner, providing the simultaneous voice and data capability that AT&T likes to tout along with 4G bandwidth.

  7. Steve would never do this... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 4, Insightful

    But it would be unbelievably hilarious to imagine what would happen if Verizon announced that they would be carrying the iPhone and, once all the eager little pre-orderers had plunked down their US Treasury gift cards, revealed the horrible truth: that the ViPhone had had the same ghastly Verizon software makeover as most of the other phones Verizon sells, unbelievably unintuitive red interface, V-Cast music store, and all.

    It would certainly calm fears at AT&T about subscriber loss...

    1. Re:Steve would never do this... by d474 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Are you trying to say you aren't TOTALLY excited about using the VZ Navigator on the viPhone? What is wrong with you.

      --
      Authority questions you. Return the favor.
    2. Re:Steve would never do this... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      Verizon's not doing this to their Android phones, so I see no reason why they'd do it to their iPhone (not that Apple would ever allow that to happen).

    3. Re:Steve would never do this... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'll hold out for the emacsPhone

    4. Re:Steve would never do this... by kefler · · Score: 3, Informative

      Uhhh what? I have a Droid with verizon and there's no trace of V-anything. Unless you go to the market and install the basic verizon stuff. I think you are livin' in the past.

    5. Re:Steve would never do this... by brentrad · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Yep, Verizon seems to have realized that if they gimp their Android phones (which are marketed to geeks), they would end up repelling those very geeks that they are trying to woo. I know I would not have got my Droid if Verizon had blocked all the fun stuff that comes stock with Android.

      Tech companies must know by now that a lot of non-geeks ask their geek friends and colleagues for tech advice - including what new smartphone to buy. Piss off or disappoint the geeks, and they will talk trash about your product - remember Vista?

      Case in point: Because I liked my Droid so much, we bought my wife a Droid Eris. I've convinced two of my friends to drop their iPhones when their contracts are up and jump ship to Android (not that it took much convincing - they were getting pissed off about all the things you can't do with an iPhone - no Flash, no ability to have a spare battery, no USB drive access to the phone's memory or SD card) and another non-iPhone-using friend is upgrading from a feature phone to a Droid X soon. Seems like their new policy of not hobbling their phones is working out for Verizon so far.

    6. Re:Steve would never do this... by spire3661 · · Score: 1

      The only jerk move Verizon did to the Palm Pre is try to tack on turn by turn and aGPS for $10/mo.

      --
      Good-bye
    7. Re:Steve would never do this... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your living in the past. My Incredible has no trace of V-crap on it.

    8. Re:Steve would never do this... by edmicman · · Score: 1

      2005 called, they want their ant-Verizon rant back...

    9. Re:Steve would never do this... by cawpin · · Score: 1

      Yes, he is in the past. But don't let that stop him from spewing FUD.

    10. Re:Steve would never do this... by Grishnakh · · Score: 1

      I want an apology from Verizon for their 2005 antics before I go back to them.

    11. Re:Steve would never do this... by Wovel · · Score: 1

      Where they really "pissed off" about those things? I hope they enjoy swapping out there battery every few hours :)

    12. Re:Steve would never do this... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      With normal to heavy use, the battery in my Droid lasts 12-14 hours minimum, usually more. I've had it off the charger for 14 hours today, and it's reporting 50% charge, but I haven't surfed the web with it much today.

      That's with push Exchange email, all radios (3G, bluetooth, gps) on 24/7 except wifi, several background programs and widgets running.

  8. Too bad by Darkness404 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Its really too bad Apple didn't go with multiple carriers from the beginning, I think they've already tarnished their phones reputation by keeping it on AT&T's crappy network, not to mention now bandwidth caps, how am I supposed to use Hulu's Iphone app if I only have 2GB of data to last me a month?

    Really, Apple should have gone multi-carrier from the 3G(S) onwards and probably from the first iPhone... But, this is Apple, after all, AT&T's terrible network is just part of the experience! Now you can be complaining about it like the masses!

    --
    Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
    1. Re:Too bad by caerwyn · · Score: 2, Informative

      They didn't have a choice in the matter. AT&T was the only one willing to let them do what they wanted with the phone, and without that freedom it wouldn't have been the iPhone. Now that it has completely changed the direction for smartphones, everyone's willing to play ball, but that exclusivity was almost a requirement early on.

      --
      The ringing of the division bell has begun... -PF
    2. Re:Too bad by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      You forget that no one would accept Apple's level of control they wanted over the iPhone. Remember the ROKR? This is why JObs vowed never to be at the mercy of a phone company ( provider or handset maker ) ever again.

      Lets also rememeber that Verizon was offered iPhone first *and* so was AT&T ( who also turned it down ). It was Cingular that said yes, and AT&T just happened to get to the deal by taking over Cingular.

      Remember as well, that Apple was preparing to go it alone with wholesale subscriber minutes a la boost etc if no one would commit. What a different future that would have been

    3. Re:Too bad by Rockoon · · Score: 1

      not to mention now bandwidth caps, how am I supposed to use Hulu's Iphone app if I only have 2GB of data to last me a month?

      What makes you think that Apple doesnt have a hand in these bandwidth caps?

      Apple doesnt want users to go to any HTML5-based alternatives that Apple doesnt get a cut from, for their music/etc. They were against Flash and now that the alternative is picking up some steam, the device cant even be used as a media outlet because of unreasonable caps.

      Coincidence? Just sayin'

      --
      "His name was James Damore."
    4. Re:Too bad by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 1

      Not just that, Apple was asking for the phone company to upgrade their servers for visual voice mail.

      Back in 2006 this was a HUGE gamble, Apple had never done a phone before. The iPod was doing well but this was new territory.

      Jobs went shopping around and Cingular threw them a 'aww sure, what the hell'. It paid off 10 fold, but it could have easily gone the other way.

    5. Re:Too bad by Wovel · · Score: 1

      Lol, conspiracy much? AT&T was first because they are the only US carrier with Smartphones people actually use data on and they were getting buried.

    6. Re:Too bad by Rockoon · · Score: 1

      yeah, its not like verizon doesnt have even more smartphone users

      --
      "His name was James Damore."
    7. Re:Too bad by Dare+nMc · · Score: 1

      Apple wouldn't make near the $$$ following your plan. reportedly, Apple get $3 per month per phone, $11 if it was a new AT&T customer in addition to the phone cost. Apple also forced AT&T to invest millions on updating voicemail, for their phones. So that is likely $250 Million dollars per month that apple is taking from AT&T, that goes away without a exclusivity agreement. This is not the case with Verizon/Google matchup leaving Verizon with hundreds of millions of extra dollars to update their network, that serves them better than giving that to apple for their marketing. Apple had the power over AT&T to push for a network capable of the bandwidth, instead Apple pushed to make sure AT&T was capable of doing the visual voice-mail, etc not caring to push to take care of their customers overall experience when they have a chance. Not Apples fault, but apple has the power to influence AT&T, if they felt it was important to their sales.

    8. Re:Too bad by Mongoose+Disciple · · Score: 1

      They didn't have a choice in the matter. AT&T was the only one willing to let them do what they wanted with the phone, and without that freedom it wouldn't have been the iPhone.

      Respectfully, freedom doesn't seem to be the appropriate word.

      Unless this is 1984. :)

    9. Re:Too bad by stewbacca · · Score: 1

      Is this 2GB data limit local to your plan? I've never heard of this and I've had AT&T unlimited for three years now.

    10. Re:Too bad by caerwyn · · Score: 1

      Oh, Apple has lots of freedom. They just don't pass most of that freedom on to their users. I was talking about Apple's freedom in my post, though.

      --
      The ringing of the division bell has begun... -PF
  9. small impact, android will trump by farble1670 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    this will have less of an impact for verizon than people might think. in a year, android will be even more entrenched in their existing user base. for new users, there will be new android offerings that out-gear the iphone 4.

    1. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      There are already Android offerings that out-gear the iPhone 4.

    2. Re:small impact, android will trump by Darkness404 · · Score: 1

      Um, my guess is that its going to have a huge impact for Verizon if they don't screw with the phones and castrate them like they've been known to do... Why would I use AT&T over Verizon? About the only thing is that AT&T's dumbphones are a bit less crippled than the stuff that Verizon sells and the iPhone, for all other smartphones Verizon is the clear winner, plus they actually have unlimited data and not a crappy 2 GB cap.

      --
      Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
    3. Re:small impact, android will trump by bigstrat2003 · · Score: 1

      I don't know about that. Never underestimate the power of the Apple marketing department, and the perception of the iPhone seems to be (albeit horribly wrong) that no other smartphone is even comparable to the iPhone. I'd wager that for more than a few average users, Android was something that was a placeholder until they could get their hands on an iPhone. Then again, I'm fairly cynical as to the susceptibility of the average person to the inane "Apple's thing is great" hype.

      --
      "16MB (fuck off, MiB fascists)" - The Mighty Buzzard
    4. Re:small impact, android will trump by aristotle-dude · · Score: 0, Troll

      There are already Android offerings that out-gear the iPhone 4.

      Name one. The iPhone 4's 5 Megapixel camera has a better quality sensor and focus mechanism for macro shots than the 8 Megapixel Android phones. The iPhone's new display has the highest pixel density of any phone out on the market.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    5. Re:small impact, android will trump by josteos · · Score: 2, Informative

      A real keyboard.

      Some of you iDandys may not want one, but I do. I've got my eye on the Droid 2, not the iPhone or the Incredible or the EVO.

      --
      Save the Music; Save the World at http://www.TuneTriever.com (Our latest Android game)
    6. Re:small impact, android will trump by Tharsman · · Score: 1

      I know about 10 to 12 people that own Android phones. Of these, only one actually wanted a droid and hates the iPhone, he also happens to love /.

      The rest only bought into Androids because it was the only thing to settle for that was available out of ATT. I only know one other person that just switched and he regretted the ATT switch. I am an iPhone user, didn't switch to ATT but in the last few years I have started to hate them as they keep degrading instead of improving. I have even considered jumping to Verizon due to the horrible service. If apple ever releases an iPod Touch thats equivalent to the iPhone 4, i will do the switch and just get me an iPod Touch 4 (or whatever they call it.) At that point I MIGHT settle for an Android device, but also likely i'll just get an old fashioned flip-flop phone.

      If Apple releases an iPhone 4 for Verizon, I'll switch carriers overnight (unless they come out and actually implement limited data plans.)

    7. Re:small impact, android will trump by Arthur+Grumbine · · Score: 4, Insightful

      And for those of us not attempting to take professional photography with our cell phones, and those who don't feel the "magic" of pixel density, and those who want to make video calls while not connected to Wifi, and those who don't have vegetarian-starved thin fingers with which to manipulate a tiny (but immaculately crisp, no doubt) onscreen keyboard, and those who want to use, and wirelessly share, a 7-10 Mbps data connection, all while paying less per month - there's the EVO 4G.

      --
      Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure everything I just said is completely wrong.
    8. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Android phones can *actually make calls*, even when you hold them in a way that doesn't meet with Steve Jobs' approval.

    9. Re:small impact, android will trump by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      A real keyboard. Some of you iDandys may not want one, but I do. I've got my eye on the Droid 2, not the iPhone or the Incredible or the EVO.

      You can use any real full sized blutooth keyboard with an iPhone. Oh, you mean one of those dinky cramped messaging phone keyboards? What if you want to use another language layout? With a virtual onscreen keyboard, you can just switch between layouts with the touch of an onscreen button.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    10. Re:small impact, android will trump by aristotle-dude · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Examples of cellphones other than iPhone 4 affected by holding it:

      HTC Droid Incredible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaDE941PzQk

      Nexus One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2g5J4qPp54

      Nokia E71: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi1gHDa7-X0

      Nokia 6230: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_RP7Fn1w8Q

      Nokia 6720: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ7t75Uo6qQ

      Basically, any phone that has an integrated antenna will have diminished signal when you hold them from the bottom instead of how almost everyone in the civilized world holds a cellphone when making a call. Take note of the Verizon phone in the mix.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    11. Re:small impact, android will trump by nomadic · · Score: 1

      Never underestimate the power of the Apple marketing department,

      Indeed, remember those who doubted the Newton would succeed?

    12. Re:small impact, android will trump by DragonWriter · · Score: 1

      I don't know about that. Never underestimate the power of the Apple marketing department

      Assuming that Verizon iPhone would make a big difference would be assuming that the Apple marketing department was insufficient to draw people to Apple + AT&T from Verizon.

      So, which side is underestimating Apple marketing?

    13. Re:small impact, android will trump by DesertBlade · · Score: 1

      Iphone supports changing to a custom onscreen keyboard? Oh wait that is Android too. Swype is pretty handy for quick messages and I have my keyboard if I need to pluck out something more.

      --
      Half of writing history is hiding the truth.
    14. Re:small impact, android will trump by brentrad · · Score: 2, Informative

      The iPhone 4 does has a pretty nice display at 960x640 and it's true you can't see the pixels. Then again, on my Droid's 854 x 480 screen, I can't see the pixels either - that was one thing I marveled at when I first got it, and I still do. I too can view a web page zoomed all the way out and still read it - not comfortably, but you can at least see how the page is supposed to look. I think we're at the point of diminishing returns here with display resolution on these small screens. And my display is perfectly readable in full sunlight - not sure how the iPhone is.

      But I'll give you the fact that the iPhone has a superb camera. Android manufacturers need to take the hint from Apple and work on BETTER cameras, not just more megapixels.

      Some things that some Android phones have that iPhone does not: 4G (Sprint EVO 4G), swappable battery, wireless syncing (you only have to plug an Android phone into your computer to sync music, video, and files - all the contact data and etc. is backed up in the cloud automatically).

    15. Re:small impact, android will trump by brentrad · · Score: 2, Informative

      My Moto Droid works fine making calls when I hold it at the bottom. So does my wife's Eris And I know for a fact that my Droid's antenna is at the bottom - the way I usually hold my phone, I cup and completely engulf the bottom section with my hand. I never ever have dropped calls.

      Yes, SOME phones have problems with dropped calls when held from the bottom. Please don't try to make the argument that ALL phones have this issue, when it's just SOME phones that have this issue. Including the iPhone 4. Just admit - it's a design flaw in the phone. I really don't think this would have been a very big issue, except Steve Jobs and Apple are trying to pretend that there is no issue or it's the users' fault. THAT is what all the hoopla about the antenna has been about.

    16. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      vi is the only real text editor (that and ed). Only space cadets would use emacs.

      Am I on the right fanboy thread?

    17. Re:small impact, android will trump by Wovel · · Score: 2, Informative

      Just talked for 65 minutes on an iPhone 4 with my finger bridging the antenna gap the entire time.. So?

    18. Re:small impact, android will trump by Wovel · · Score: 1

      Actually the Newton was not doing bad, especially for something that radically different. It was gaining some traction when Steve killed it because he wanted Apple to focus on a much smaller set of products.

    19. Re:small impact, android will trump by brentrad · · Score: 1

      So you're saying that you want to switch away from AT&T, but instead of getting an Android phone, if you can't have an iPhone you'd settle for a crappy flip phone? I call BS. Have you even tried an Android phone for yourself, or are you relying on everyone else's opinion to make your choices?

    20. Re:small impact, android will trump by sznupi · · Score: 1

      Hardly any "work" required to have better cameras - most phone manufacturers just take ready 3rd party modules. And nobody has to convince you, I guess, that Apple doesn't really have a presence in digicam development?
      Some, Samsung or Sony for example (they are one of the few manufacturers of those modules), might easily have something comparable already. We just wouldn't know so well, without the great hoopla once a year.

      --
      One that hath name thou can not otter
    21. Re:small impact, android will trump by Tharsman · · Score: 1

      So you're saying that you want to switch away from AT&T, but instead of getting an Android phone, if you can't have an iPhone you'd settle for a crappy flip phone? I call BS. Have you even tried an Android phone for yourself, or are you relying on everyone else's opinion to make your choices?

      Yes, I have tried it. Extensively. My brother (older) happens to be the only one person in the list of people I know that has an android and likes it. I have played with it a lot and the only plus i got to give it is that it gets good 3G coverage, not really a plus of the phone but of the carrier.

      And you are reading only part of my post. I clearly noted that I like the iOS so much I'd buy an iPod Touch AND get the crappy flip phone to make calls on.

      Don't take me wrong, the Android has it merits and I reasons for its fans to truly like it, but I just love the iOS. I actually turn the tables and ask anyone that criticizes the iOS if they have tried an iOS device for long enough to make an actual judgement. BTW: I get all the porn i want on the browser, so thats a rather mute point many (specially my brother) tries to push down my throat.

      Even with the bashing my older brother makes me endure, he still acknowledges he would go for one if he was able to subsidize one from Verizon.

    22. Re:small impact, android will trump by tgibbs · · Score: 1

      Yes, SOME phones have problems with dropped calls when held from the bottom.

      And SOME people don't have any problems with the iPhone 4 losing signal when they hold it at the bottom. It likely depends upon your individual skin conductivity regardless of whether it's an iPhone or a Droid.

    23. Re:small impact, android will trump by brentrad · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Fair enough. Personal preference, and all that. I happen to really like the stock Android UI (which is what my Droid has.) And I actually think that "you can get porn on Android!" is a pretty weak argument - a 4 inch screen and surfing over 3G is not my preferred porn experience.

      No, I don't have much experience with the iPhone. From what I've heard though, it has a great interface that works very well, and has quality hardware. And Apple's industrial design is second to none - I wish the Android manufacturers would take a hint from Apple and design better-looking phones.

      But none of that is really that important to me. To me, it's all about what you can do with it.

      The reason I'd never own an iPhone is because of Apple's and Jobs' app store policies, the fact that the iPhone UI is not very customizable, the apps you can get on Android but not on iPhone (old console game emulators are one example, but there are many.)

      And most importantly, the features Android phones have that iPhones do not:

      - swappable batteries - I've gotten in the habit of hardly ever charging my phone, I just swap out with my spare battery when it gets low. I have a battery charger that cost $20.
      - direct USB drive letter access to the internal memory - no drivers needed, no iTunes sync needed.
      - cloud backup - all my contacts are automatically synced to Google, and in the upcoming 2.2 release of Android, app data will also be synced. You do need to connect with USB to copy over music and video though.
      - USB tethering - iPhone finally has this also I believe.
      - ability to change just about any setting I want on the phone. Can use any mp3 as a ringtone. Can change the wallpaper. Can even completely replace the UI with a different one if I want (but I like the stock UI personally.)
      - homescreen widgets - on my homescreens, I have: widgets to turn on and off all the radios (bluetooth/wifi/gps), a WeatherBug widget, a battery level widget, a calendar widget so I can see my next appointment at a glance, and many web page shortcuts. Also folders, but iPhone has those now. You can put direct links to any contact on your home screens - when you click on one, it gives you the option to Navigate to their address, call them, text message them, email, Google talk, Facebook, etc.
      - Google Maps Navigation - so good that I got rid of my standalone GPS. Plus it's integrated into the phone all over - if you have an address in one of your contacts, it'll give you the option to Navigate there.
      - Flash in the browser (coming soon). No, I don't want to play flash games, but there are a lot of websites that I visit that use flash for their video players, like CNN. I wish everyone was using HTML 5 and not flash, but like it or not, flash is very common on the web right now today.
      - notification panel - Android has a notification panel at the top that saves all your notifications until you dismiss them. Easy to see at a glance from anywhere that you have new email, voicemails, which radios are on and connected, etc.
      - standard USB connections - my Droid uses micro USB, my wife's Eris uses mini USB. All Droids use one or the other. This makes it very easy to buy extra power cords (got a phone charger for $12), and you don't have to buy them from Apple, or pay extra to an approved manufacturer to cover the dock royalty fee.

    24. Re:small impact, android will trump by brentrad · · Score: 1

      I was simply responding to aristotle-dude's post that said "Any phone that has an integrated antenna will have diminished signal when you hold them from the bottom instead of how almost everyone in the civilized world holds a cellphone when making a call." Clearly this is not true. Some phones have these issues. Some don't. The iPhone has this issue for some people. Sounds like a design flaw to me. It's also a design flaw that the Nexus One has issues with its reception if you hold it a certain way. The iPhone 4 is still a great phone, but people are acting like they're being personally attacked when you point out any flaws with it.

    25. Re:small impact, android will trump by pseudofrog · · Score: 1

      I get all the porn i want on the browser, so thats a rather mute point many (specially my brother) tries to push down my throat.

      I don't know exactly what you and your brother are doing, but I don't think I approve.

    26. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Lol. Some staged videos don't negate the fact that so many iphones have reception issues. Hell even jon stewart lambasted apple for its inability to make a phone that can actually you know... make calls. But by all means keep pointing out how the problem is with the end users. So much for apple's much vanted "superior usability".

    27. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Indeed there is.

      And you're a teeny tiny portion of the market.

      *pats poster on head*

    28. Re:small impact, android will trump by foniksonik · · Score: 1

      Supposedly your hand must be slightly sweaty ie more conductive for the bridge to trigger the connection switch that results in a dropped call. Just saying that's what I heard. .

      --
      A fool throws a stone into a well and a thousand sages can not remove it.
    29. Re:small impact, android will trump by dafing · · Score: 1

      vegetarian-starved thin fingers

      When I see comments like that, I immediately presume the poster looks something like this

      I'm 1.95M tall, I cycle 66KM a day, lift weights, have "sausage fingers", and I'm Vegan.

      --
      --- ...or a new slashdot signature. Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
    30. Re:small impact, android will trump by dafing · · Score: 1

      I know about 10 to 12 people that own Android phones. Of these, only one actually wanted a droid and hates the iPhone, he also happens to love /.

      I think its similar to Windows users, they may go on and on about how great it is to build their own computers (and yet buy Dell's), while their main complain about Macs is "the cost". I can ABSOLUTELY respect people who choose to buy an Android device, for a larger (or smaller) screen, keyboard etc. But in general, the few overseas friends I know with Android devices, because Android is practically nonexistant outside of the USA (for now), they lust after an iPhone.

      It sounds like the USA really needs to stick with standard GSM, so you could use ANY phone on ANY network you choose, just like in the rest of the world. Our iPhones here in NZ are sold unlocked, just like in the UK etc. The EU even has laws about unlocked phones. I could put any simcard in my iPhone, from any our NZ networks.

      I think its about being happy with whatever you have though. I truly respect people whose choices are different than mine, I dont hate people who buy a different brand of car to me, why would we get so worked up about a phone?

      --
      --- ...or a new slashdot signature. Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
    31. Re:small impact, android will trump by tgibbs · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Clearly this is not true. Some phones have these issues. Some don't.

      We know that all phones will have this issue to some extent--it is an inescapable consequence of the physics of RF and antennas. But it will not be a problem for some people, because it will also depend upon their individual electrical properties. Whether the frequency of such problems is any greater for the iPhone than for other phones remains to be seen. For example, Ars Technica reported "We were able to reproduce this problem consistently once we learned the proper technique for "cupping" the phone—before watching a video how to do this, several of us on staff were unable to just figure out on our own how to make this happen...During our testing, this did not seem to affect our actual phone calls outside of when we were explicitly trying to degrade the signal.".

    32. Re:small impact, android will trump by johnsie · · Score: 1

      The HTC Desire is way more beautiful than the Iphone 4. My boss showed me his Iphone 4 and it looked like crap compared to my Desire.

    33. Re:small impact, android will trump by gtall · · Score: 1

      Yeah, yer right, Apple's marketing dept should start saying things like: Buy our iPhone, it isn't any better than anyone else's and in many ways it is worse... please visit Slashdot.org for reasons why you should NOT buy our iPhone.

    34. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Really? You're suggesting that almost all the market needds to use their phone to take professional photographs and considers extremely high resolution a critical feature?

      You're so cute *pats you on the head*

    35. Re:small impact, android will trump by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, but did anybody hear you?

    36. Re:small impact, android will trump by SiChemist · · Score: 1

      When you're using SSH, it's handy to be able to see the display without it being obscured by an on screen keyboard. That's true for several types of applications.

    37. Re:small impact, android will trump by farble1670 · · Score: 1

      at least theoretically, there's a huge difference between the near-ness of your body to an antenna, and actually making galvanic contact with the antenna.

    38. Re:small impact, android will trump by josteos · · Score: 1

      Yes.... carrying around a full-size bluetooth keyboard will make an iPhone more palatable. Totally.

      Switching language layouts? I've never done it on any device I own. Not a selling point whatsoever. /shrug. Maybe you need it. I don't. /shrug

      Back in the Palm dayze, I had one of those unfolding IR keyboards for my Lifedrive. It kinda worked, and wasn't too big, but wasn't a great solution because now yer stuck carrying around 2 devices. A slideout keyboard is *WAY* better for entering contact info or search terms than dragging another piece of hardware around.

      --
      Save the Music; Save the World at http://www.TuneTriever.com (Our latest Android game)
  10. Verizon FUD? by andy1307 · · Score: 1
    The business insider makes an interesting point:

    We wouldn't be surprised if this was Verizon's doing, in an attempt to get people to wait before upgrading to the iPhone 4 and extending their AT&T contracts another two years. The carrier has a history of leaked information during sensitive times for its competitors. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/verizon-iphone-coming-in-january-2010-6#ixzz0sHfifYxg

    iPhone commercials advertise the ability to make calls and surf at the same time. AFAIK, you can't do that on Verizon's network.

    1. Re:Verizon FUD? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yup, because Verizon uses ancient CDMA crap. My Droid is "crippled" this way. I had a friend with a Palm Pre on Verizon that was like "SURE I can talk and surf at the same time! Why the hell not!?" so I said "prove it" and she was really surprised.

    2. Re:Verizon FUD? by EkriirkE · · Score: 4, Informative
      Perhaps they are implementing this? http://www.cdg.org/news/press/2009/Aug17_09.asp

      A complementary device enhancement known as simultaneous 1X Voice and EV-DO Data (SVDO) will also become available during the same timeframe and will enable CDMA2000 devices to access EV-DO packet data services while in an active 1X circuit-switch voice call.

      --
      from 09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0
      to 45 2F 6E 40 3C DF 10 71 4E 41 DF AA 25 7D 31 3F
    3. Re:Verizon FUD? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      Perhaps they are implementing this? http://www.cdg.org/news/press/2009/Aug17_09.asp

      A complementary device enhancement known as simultaneous 1X Voice and EV-DO Data (SVDO) will also become available during the same timeframe and will enable CDMA2000 devices to access EV-DO packet data services while in an active 1X circuit-switch voice call.

      So that is a simple upgrade then? Is it backwards compatible with existing devices? If you are going to upgrade every tower anyway, why not go with HSPA+/HSUPA and get near LTE speeds right now and be able to support the iPhone 4 and other existing handsets?

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    4. Re:Verizon FUD? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So that is a simple upgrade then? Is it backwards compatible with existing devices? If you are going to upgrade every tower anyway, why not go with HSPA+/HSUPA and get near LTE speeds right now and be able to support the iPhone 4 and other existing handsets?

      So, you know, they can support the existing devices of the 90-some odd million customers they have that work on CDMA tech, not GSM/HSPA+/HSUPA tech?

    5. Re:Verizon FUD? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If by simple you mean upgrade tens and hundreds of thousands of units spread out across the US. Doing a full upgrade typically takes years, so carriers tend to focus on the areas with the highest usage. Cities like new york, boston, los angeles, dc, chicago, dallas, las vegas, etc. The real solution to the coverage issues for all carriers is for the government to license more blocks for wireless (http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20009080-266.html).

    6. Re:Verizon FUD? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      So that is a simple upgrade then? Is it backwards compatible with existing devices? If you are going to upgrade every tower anyway, why not go with HSPA+/HSUPA and get near LTE speeds right now and be able to support the iPhone 4 and other existing handsets?

      So, you know, they can support the existing devices of the 90-some odd million customers they have that work on CDMA tech, not GSM/HSPA+/HSUPA tech?

      You might want to look out side of the "good o'le USA". Canada had one GSM/HSPA carrier (with a cheaper city focused sub-brand carrier) up until November 2009 and two CDMA carrier. Telus and Bell rolled out an HSPA+ network supporting 21Mbps HSPA (download) and fast HSUPA (upload) in November of last year to gain access to handsets like the iPhone 3GS. They still have their CDMA networks intact to support existing customers but are pushing the HSPA network over CDMA for new subscribers.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  11. Why by fermion · · Score: 1
    So maybe I slightly more reliable service, but I am going to nickel and dimed to death with minor charges, and if I die my loved ones are going to have an early termination fee. I am just an average person, with no PR department to make them reverse the charges. As bad as ATT is, at least my bills are very predictable.

    Then they still charge $30 for data. I only use 200 megabytes so why pay more than 15? And what is this crap about $45 is i check corporate email? I do check work email on my phone? If I do so and only pay for the $30 data plan are they going to arrest me? This is the kind of silly nickel and dime BS that keeps me away from verizon. They only thing they are good at is finding sneaky ways to maximize the recurring.

    To with, charging for voice mail. I have never had to pay for that. And pay to recieve a PDF of a detailed bill? What is this, Cricket?

    --
    "She's a scientist and a lesbian. She's not going to let it slide." Orphan Black
    1. Re:Why by brentrad · · Score: 1

      Just don't tell Verizon that you are using corporate email - there's no way they will ever know unless you tell them. Push Outlook email works the same whether you pay them the extra money or not. They're just trying to get businesses to pay more than consumers - consumers tend to be more cost-conscious, while businesses generally just chalk up the higher prices as a cost of doing business. And it's $15 a month extra over the normal $30 unlimited data package - it's not $45 just by itself.

      Personal preference, but I would rather pay a few dollars more for data and not have to worry about going over my limit. I think if AT&T were to ALSO offer a higher-priced unlimited data package in addition to the limited data packages, there wouldn't be so much outcry over it. But they've made it so that you can't EVER go over 2 GB a month unless you pay outrageous overage fees. That right there would be a deal-breaker fr me if I was shopping for a cell service.

      Verizon does not charge extra for regular voice mail. Yes, they charge a monthly fee for visual voice mail. That's why I don't have it. :)

  12. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by lazybeam · · Score: 1

    What would Apple need to do to support CDMA and is there any market for one outside the USA? I know they shut down the CDMA network here in Australia a few years ago as it was replaced with a 850MHz 3G network. FWIW the iPhone is available for all the networks here, but the iPhone 4 will be the first to support them all completely (and AFAICT the first phone (not just iPhone) to support both 850 and 900 UMTS).

    --
    --
    no sig for you. come back one year.
  13. Verizon iPhone by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    Who cares? Verizon already has a nice selection of phones which are superior to the iPhone.

    1. Re:Verizon iPhone by Stupendoussteve · · Score: 1

      Who cares? Probably Verizon. Maybe they like the idea of phones that sell 1.7 million in three days, along with the two year contracts and high ETFs to go with them. Droid sold what, 400,000 its first week?

      Not to mention the huge number of Verizon customers who "would get an iPhone, if only it was on Verizon." They could probably get a ton of them to pay a premium for an "early upgrade" to an iPhone.

    2. Re:Verizon iPhone by stewbacca · · Score: 1

      Who cares? Verizon already has a nice selection of phones which are superior to the iPhone.

      As evidenced by the smashing success of the Verizon phones who's names for some reason fail to come to mind.

    3. Re:Verizon iPhone by mdwh2 · · Score: 1

      Maybe they like the idea of phones that sell 1.7 million in three days, along with the two year contracts and high ETFs to go with them. Droid sold what, 400,000 its first week?

      Three days, plus months of pre-orders.

      The Droid is just one of Motorola's many phones, and they sell far more than Apple. That's before we mention companies like Nokia. Sure, I'm sure Verizon like Apple too, but don't try to mislead with the figures to pretend they're number one.

    4. Re:Verizon iPhone by SiChemist · · Score: 1

      DROID

    5. Re:Verizon iPhone by Stupendoussteve · · Score: 1

      Read reply in context. There is no pretending they are number one, they are not. They are, however, a customer magnet.

  14. Blame Verizon by gig · · Score: 4, Insightful

    > 'It's hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced.'"

    Even harder to ignore that Verizon's closed network only runs Verizon phones.

    If Verizon is building LTE then that can run iPhone 4G. Can't see a CDMA iPhone at this late stage. It's been end-of-lifed for quite some time. An iPhone 4G launch on Verizon is an event. Verizon and AT&T competing for iPhone users with the same handsets is an event.

    1. Re:Blame Verizon by NekSnappa · · Score: 1

      Verizon is launching LTE in January.

      --
      I want to shoot the messenger!
    2. Re:Blame Verizon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are misunderstaning what LTE is...
      LTE is NOT the voice part of the cell phone network, its the data part. LTE has been designed to work on cell towers with older network technology such as GSM, cdmaOne, W-CDMA (UMTS), and CDMA2000 networks as the data solution. So Verizon's supposed iPhone would STILL have to be CDMA for it to work on Verizons network for voice calls. LTE doesn't suddenly change your existing Voice Path network into a new technology. Its just the Data part. LTE is actually a 3.9G technology, not 4G like it is marketed as.

    3. Re:Blame Verizon by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I haven't looked at any 4G roll-out schedules, but I would imagine that any 4G Verizon phone is going to need to roam to CDMA for quite some time -probalby 2+ years minimum- otherwise they are going to have lots of 4G iPhone travelers losing service when they go to some out of the way place (think Cedar Rapids IA, Duluth MN, that sort of place) on a business trip, to visit family, or maybe just driving through to somewhere else.

      Alternatively they could do a roaming agreement for GSM with another carrier - but I can't imagine that would be cheap.

    4. Re:Blame Verizon by spleck · · Score: 1

      Can't see a CDMA iPhone at this late stage. It's been end-of-lifed for quite some time.

      Yeah, because no one else makes new CDMA phones these days. It would be stupid to design something like a Droid X CDMA-only phone and try to sell that in this market... or a Samsung Galaxy S... etc.

      Seriously, its not that hard for Apple to make a CDMA version of the iPhone--its more a matter of their exclusivity contract.

      To say that CDMA is EOL, is just plain dumb. LTE is being deployed on 700 MHz, and not replacing CDMA on 850/1900 for MANY years. Consider that most people don't keep a smart phone for more than 2 years, often just 1, and Apple could release a couple generations of CDMA-only iPhones and still make bank on the sales.

      I'll hope like everyone else that if VZW gets an iPhone in 2011 that it will support CDMA+LTE much like the EVO 4G support WiMax, but I wouldn't be surprised if they released a CDMA-only version and then caught everyone for an upgrade a year later to the 4G version. Was no one around in 2007 when they released the original iPhone with no 3G?

    5. Re:Blame Verizon by johnsie · · Score: 1

      maybe for people in the US... For the rest of the world it's not that big a deal.

    6. Re:Blame Verizon by squiggleslash · · Score: 1

      Not exactly. LTE has always been a migration path from the current voice+data systems, but because it implements everything over IP many people (including the carriers themselves) have assumed it's a "data" thing. This got ridiculous a few months ago when the game of telephone resulted in reporters seriously claiming that the carriers had suddenly got into a panic because "LTE had no voice support". Of course LTE has voice support! It's called IMS.

      The funny thing is that the standards for this were actually created back when 3G UMTS was being standardized, and they weren't implemented because UMTS's separate voice channels, and poor bandwidth and latency on the data side, made the standard less than useful in practice - over 3G.

      The other funny bit is that part the intention behind going for LTE was to separate the entire stack from the air interface technology, something UMTS was supposed to do but ended up screwing up. A phone implementing a full LTE stack (including IMS), that additionally supports, say, WiMAX, should be able to switch a voice call seamlessly between the two if the phone starts roaming. And, of course, this system works really well when you start sticking W-CDMA and CDMA2000 radios in the same phone...

      --
      You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  15. different systems by swschrad · · Score: 5, Insightful

    nothing that will work on the ATT network will work on Verizon. different chipsets, different modulation, different cell-skip algorithms.

    so Apple would have to whip up two different phones altogether. they could keep the screen and maybe some of the case parts, but nothing else. they don't do that.

    we are entering a new era, in which the 4G systems are going to be more similar than different. now, it makes sense for Apple to span multiple 4G systems, as you just fork the software left or right at boot, and twiddle some tables. note the rumored verIphone will only work in the 4G realm, which will be 1/5 of the network or so in January, but the whole thing by the 2012/2013 boundary.

    --
    if this is supposed to be a new economy, how come they still want my old fashioned money?
    1. Re:different systems by Darkness404 · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yes, but its Apple, look at Motorola which pretty much shipped 4 versions of the Razor phone for each of the major carriers, just add some drivers to iOS and divide manufacturing between CDMA and GSM iPhones, for a company as large as Apple, its not too huge of a feat. For a tiny community driven company, yes, for a major hardware vendor like Apple? Its easy.

      --
      Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
    2. Re:different systems by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My understanding on this was that Verizon and AT&T will be using the same general LTE "4G" (really, more like 3.9G, but whatever) technology, removing the interoperability issue. I could be wrong, and I'm posting as AC, so I probably wouldn't trust me either.

    3. Re:different systems by Lars+T. · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Yes, but its Apple, look at Motorola which pretty much shipped 4 versions of the Razor phone for each of the major carriers, just add some drivers to iOS and divide manufacturing between CDMA and GSM iPhones, for a company as large as Apple, its not too huge of a feat. For a tiny community driven company, yes, for a major hardware vendor like Apple? Its easy.

      Why do something as easy as ship 4 different phones for the 4 major US carriers, when they can do something as complicated as ship one phone that works with at least one provider in just about every place on earth.

      --

      Lars T.

      To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck

    4. Re:different systems by Xtravar · · Score: 1

      Keeping the permutations of devices small allows developers and Apple to focus on more important things.

      --
      Buckle your ROFL belt, we're in for some LOLs.
    5. Re:different systems by spire3661 · · Score: 1

      Palm Pre exists on ATT and Verizon...are you suggesting Palm can do this but not Apple?

      --
      Good-bye
    6. Re:different systems by arkane1234 · · Score: 1

      Dare I bring up that blackberry was and is on most if not all networks?

      --
      -- This space for lease, low setup fee, inquire within!
    7. Re:different systems by Wovel · · Score: 1

      Doing pretty well too.. Thanks for making his point ;)

    8. Re:different systems by Wovel · · Score: 1

      There are some 50 models of blackberry. Apple makes quite a bit more profit than RIM..

    9. Re:different systems by Achromatic1978 · · Score: 2, Funny

      ... like the optimal positioning of the antenna ...

    10. Re:different systems by evanspw · · Score: 1

      Antenna positioning in all mobile phones is driven by the testing procedure used by the FCC to measure RF power coupled into a user's head.

      --
      Interstitial spaces are filled with cream.
    11. Re:different systems by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "nothing that will work on the ATT network will work on Verizon. different chipsets, different modulation, different cell-skip algorithms." That isn't true at all the IPhone 4 comes with an additional radio (which was obviously to support verizon) what the heck do chipsets, modulation, and cell - skip algorithms have to do with whether a phone will work on a network or not? Nothing.

    12. Re:different systems by pkinetics · · Score: 1
      Maybe this will be an LTE based phone instead of CDMA. Wasn't there an article on /. about Apple hiring LTE engineers earlier this year? Wouldn't this be the next logical step for Apple to implement the next stage? This is a perfect strategy for Verizon to launch the most popular phone on the next protocol.

      One phone to rule them all, one phone to bind them
      One phone to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

      Course when they actually do sell it en masse, it will bring Verizon's networks to its knees too!

      iPhone Launch Redux ala Verizon

    13. Re:different systems by n2art2 · · Score: 1

      You forget who Apple is. They don't do that with their computers. Odds are they won't do it with their phone. CDMA for the iPhone would suck, and I doubt Apple would do it, specially when even Verizon has a road map for getting away from it.

      There is a few things that make this improbable.

      Apple is very strict about time tables for release. I could see a January update, but not for what we know as the iPhone. I would lean towards Apple opening their phone market with a different handset all together. Maybe the vPhone, or maybe the iVone (Little jest there).

      More likely is something with the iPad which is released during the January cycle.

      If. . . If it happens, don't expect it to be the same iPhone that just came out. It will have different features, but I don't think Verizon will be able to pull off the ability to use the data network at the same time as making a call.

      --
      Self proclaimed wannabe geek. You know how it is. Most of us who read this stuff probably fit in that category.
    14. Re:different systems by n2art2 · · Score: 1

      So well. . . that Palm had to sell the company?

      --
      Self proclaimed wannabe geek. You know how it is. Most of us who read this stuff probably fit in that category.
    15. Re:different systems by dafing · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Ah, but see, what SHOULD have happened is that US carriers should have STUCK with GSM...

      Up until now, all iPhone complaints seemed to be "ITS ONLY ON AT&T!!!!111!!!!!", including reviews for international readers. Here in New Zealand, I can easily use our iPhones, sold unlocked by Vodafone, on THREE carriers. Overseas, the iPhone is sold EXPLICITLY to be used on any network you choose,

      "Buy your iPhone from Apple SIM-free."

      "It works with the carrier of your choice.

      Buy your iPhone from the Apple Online Store and choose your own GSM carrier. You can change carriers at any time."

      "It works internationally.

      Because this iPhone is SIM-free, you can purchase a micro-SIM or SIM card and service from a local carrier at your destination. Or check with your home carrier regarding international roaming charges."

      From the UK iPhone page http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_iphone/family/iphone

      Its practically ORDERING me to beg my UK friends to send me an iPhone 4...

      Yes, the entire world knows the tragedy of the AT&T network, and it seems OBVIOUS that the iPhone deserves to be sold on more than one carrier in the USA, just like pretty much every other country in the world.

      But please, can we actually WAIT until this happens, instead of whispering overheard rumours?

      --
      --- ...or a new slashdot signature. Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
    16. Re:different systems by houghi · · Score: 1

      Or just sell the phone unlocked and usable for any and all providers, like they do in Belgium?

      Sure, there is a downside. People see how much it actually costs.

      --
      Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
    17. Re:different systems by phoenixwade · · Score: 1

      Palm Pre exists on ATT and Verizon...are you suggesting Palm can do this but not Apple?

      Not "can't", "won't."
      And Palm did so very well with the Pre, don't you think? I wonder if it's because Apple is making better marketing choices than Palm did.

      --
      A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
    18. Re:different systems by Lars+T. · · Score: 1

      Nice sidestep there, buddy.

      --

      Lars T.

      To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck

    19. Re:different systems by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ship one phone that works with at least one provider in just about every place on earth.

      Because "every place on earth" includes the US, where you privatize all the natural monopolies in the name of capitalism, efficiency and consumer benefit? ;-)

  16. I hope this is true by Slutticus · · Score: 1

    If enough people jump to Verizon, it might take some strain off of AT&T's shitty network.

    1. Re:I hope this is true by arkane1234 · · Score: 1

      It's not a matter of people switching from AT&T to Verizon. With Verizon, it mostly amounts to customer's switching phones like underwear. Well, non-geek underwear.

      --
      -- This space for lease, low setup fee, inquire within!
    2. Re:I hope this is true by Overzeetop · · Score: 1

      That would be awesome. Then we could bitch about the clusterfuck that 10 million viPhone users on Verizon's network caused. Seriously - if you have several thousand people on a cell all trying to stream their own Pandora channels, you're going to have issues no matter what color the tower is.

      --
      Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
  17. Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Kostya · · Score: 2, Informative

    How can anyone post this when we have the exclusive deal confirmed? http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/confirmed-apple-and-atandt-signed-five-year-iphone-exclusivity-de/

    And the other is that the last time I checked, Verizon doesn't have GSM. Why would Apple manufacture two different devices, and one that can't be used in all the other world markets? I'm not trying to start a GSM/CDMA holy war, just acknowledging that Apple is doing just fine with AT&T and GSM. Why would they go through all that trouble just to get Verizon customers?

    Especially since Verizon seems to insist on branding all phones they offer--I don't see how Steve would accept that either.

    --
    "Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs." -- Switchfoot, Ode to Chin
    1. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by DJ+Particle · · Score: 1

      Don't CDMA iPhones exist outside the USA already?

    2. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      Don't CDMA iPhones exist outside the USA already?

      No. If you are thinking of Bell and Telus in Canada, those carriers launched an HSPA+/HSUPA network (3G) network like other GSM carriers use.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    3. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Rakishi · · Score: 1

      Why would they go through all that trouble just to get Verizon customers?

      Because they want to sell more iphones and make even more money? I mean seriously, it's like asking why would Apple go through all the trouble of launching the iphone anywhere but the US. After all they could do quite well by just staying in the US.

    4. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Apple makes a CDMA iPhone for China.

    5. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Arthur+Grumbine · · Score: 1

      There are plenty of phone manufacturers that make a GSM and a CDMA version of a the same phone. In fact, Samsung is doing just that with their upcoming Android offering, the Galaxy S (and they're planning to release versions of it on 5 of the top 6 US carriers). Did you not catch that there are over 92 million Verizon customers? Then there's also the Sprint, US Cellular, MetroPCS, Alltel et al CDMA carriers. Granted they're not AT&T or Verizon in size, but I'm willing to bet there's at least another 70 million potential customers.

      So... if it's worth the time of Blackberry, Samsung, and HTC to make both GSM and CDMA versions of some of their most popular/flagship devices, why would it not be worth it for Apple, who has the most popular smartphone in the world (meaning there's little fear that it won't sell). The only reason is the exclusivity agreement. And the Engadget editor said it best:

      Contracts can be canceled, amended, and breached in many ways, and AT&T's spotty recent service history plus the explosion of the iPhone and the mobile market in general have given Apple any number of reasons to revisit the deal

      --
      Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure everything I just said is completely wrong.
    6. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They are pretty rare outside of the US. Here in NZ we've got one, and they're turning it off in favour of GSM.

    7. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      In Japan, NTT Docomo sell iPhone and has been for a while. NTT Docomo uses Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), so there's already CDMA version of the iPhone. Anyone that knows the cell phone industry knows supporting GSM/TDMA and CDMA/WCDMA is required for global rollout. Europe is still dominated by GSM/TDMA, while much of asia uses WCDMA/CDMA for the extra capacity and bandwidth. Don't take my word for it, just ask wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTT_DoCoMo)

    8. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Jason+Pollock · · Score: 1

      No, they don't make a phone that is "CDMA", as in "It will work with Verizon's CDMA network". They make a phone that is CDMA, as in "It uses WCDMA to access the radio network, the same as all other 3G UMTS phones".

      You're being confused by the fact that they're calling it a CDMA phone, which means something entirely different over there than it does in the US.

    9. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by brentrad · · Score: 1

      Contracts can be renegotiated. Don't you think Apple had a pretty strong bargaining position with AT&T when they were negotiating their iPad deal?

    10. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      3G UMTS is a standard that can work with both GSM and WCDMA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Mobile_Telecommunications_System). The network the phone uses to communicate with the tower can be either GSM/TDMA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM) or CDMA/WCDMA. CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access, which means for a given spectrum the cell phone and tower encode the packets with a code. In contrast GSM/TDMA stands for Time Division Multiple Access. A few years back there were efforts to combine both in China, which was called TDMASCDMA. WCDMA stands for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access. Basically means it can use a broader spectrum to improve capacity. The way the FCC licenses spectrum leads to coverage issues everyone sees with every single carrier.

    11. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      Especially since Verizon seems to insist on branding all phones they offer--I don't see how Steve would accept that either.

      Yes, but if Verizon wants the iPhone (and I'm sure they do) then they will make an exception. They've been bitch-slapping AT&T for years, and the only thing that AT&T has had to respond with is "we have the iPhone." Verizon would make a deal with Apple to take that away from AT&T, especially if they thought that they could get significant defectors from AT&T to Verizon.

      As regards exclusivity until 2012, the article that you link points out that there could be loopholes, escape clauses, or buyouts. Besides, we don't know specifically what the exclusivity contract covered. It may have only covered EDGE and 3G devices, leaving Apple free to shop an LTE device around. One thing is for certain, Sprint fired the first shots in the 4G war. AT&T is way behind on this, and of the big three Verizon is the one that is going to have the most widely available early 4G network. Sprint may be first, but when Verizon launches it will be available in more places. AT&T will eventually get there, but they will be last to the game and Apple will need a 4G network.

      By the way, are there any big Apple events in January that they could leverage for this launch?

    12. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Wovel · · Score: 1

      Apple might be concerned about the market place confusion caused by having to sell two different models of phone. I am not sure how big an issue this really is, but it would be something Apple would consider.

      Part of the reason Apple is as profitable as they are is by keeping the product choices limited. They are far and away the most profitable handset manufacturer in the world. Even companies with 10x their volume do not come close to the total profit.

    13. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by moosesocks · · Score: 2, Insightful

      There are also phones that simultaneously do GSM and CDMA. My BlackBerry Tour works on Verizon's network, but can also roam onto just about any GSM network worldwide (and even has a Verizon SIM card, which is a bit of an oddity I suppose)

      The phone's a piece of shit otherwise, but it can indeed hop onto both networks, (and make incomprehensibly noisy phone calls, and achieve miserable speeds for its limited selection of worthless apps during its incredibly short battery life).

      That's my work phone. My personal phone is a Droid Incredible, which is a fantastic piece of hardware with some great software underneath it. RIM is going to tank once another company figures out how to capture the "enterprise" market. Their products are godawful.

      --
      -- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose
    14. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 4, Informative

      In Japan, NTT Docomo sell iPhone and has been for a while. NTT Docomo uses Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), so there's already CDMA version of the iPhone. Anyone that knows the cell phone industry knows supporting GSM/TDMA and CDMA/WCDMA is required for global rollout. Europe is still dominated by GSM/TDMA, while much of asia uses WCDMA/CDMA for the extra capacity and bandwidth. Don't take my word for it, just ask wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTT_DoCoMo)

      Oh, my goodness. WCDMA is the air interface for HSPA which AT&T calls 3G. WCDMA has nothing to do with the CDMA which Verizon and Sprint use which is called CDMA2000. Other names for 3G are HSPA, UMTS and FOMA. NTT DoCoMo is "NOT" the official iPhone carrier, Softbank is the official iPhone carrier. I roamed on NTT DocCoMo when I was in Tokyo with my iPhone 3GS.

      There is only one type of iPhone which is a GSM (Edge) and HSPA (UMTS) device. CDMA != WCDMA. Do you understand?

      Go look on Wikipedia. WCDMA is linked with HSPA/UMTS/FOMA "NOT" CDMA aka CDMA2000.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    15. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

      No, they don't make a phone that is "CDMA", as in "It will work with Verizon's CDMA network". They make a phone that is CDMA, as in "It uses WCDMA to access the radio network, the same as all other 3G UMTS phones".

      You're being confused by the fact that they're calling it a CDMA phone, which means something entirely different over there than it does in the US.

      WCDMA is the air interface for 3G which AT&T and other GSM/HSPA carriers around the world use. It is not related to CDMA2000 other than having been inspired by CDMA. It is not directly related to the CDMA2000 used by Verizon.

      --
      Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
    16. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by spleck · · Score: 1

      How can anyone post this when we have the exclusive deal confirmed? http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/confirmed-apple-and-atandt-signed-five-year-iphone-exclusivity-de/

      Show me the signatures on that contract and the date it was signed. Their "confirmation" is a referral to general knowledge of an exclusivity deal because USA Today published wording to that effect. Basically they're using weasel wording so they don't have to disclose the actual contract--which suggests the whole truth is missing. Further, who's to say the 5 year exclusivity deal started the day the iPhone went on sale, and not 18 months earlier when Apple was looking to lock a network? You think they designed, built, and shipped a phone with a contract that didn't start until they reached customer's hands?

      And the other is that the last time I checked, Verizon doesn't have GSM. Why would Apple manufacture two different devices, and one that can't be used in all the other world markets? I'm not trying to start a GSM/CDMA holy war, just acknowledging that Apple is doing just fine with AT&T and GSM. Why would they go through all that trouble just to get Verizon customers?

      Especially since Verizon seems to insist on branding all phones they offer--I don't see how Steve would accept that either.

      Verizon has nearly 93 million subscribers, a large percentage of which have expressed interest in an iPhone. Apple is expected to sell 16 million iPhones this year to AT&T's 83 million subscribers, which is nearly half of their total sales. Why wouldn't Apple jump at the earliest opportunity to further increase sales by another 50%? It's not a big technical feat for them to design a CDMA iPhone, other manufacturers with much less money at stake than Apple produce multiple models on CDMA, GSM, euro-specific frequencies, AT&T frequencies, and T-Mobile frequencies. After Apple's done with VZW, there's also China and Canada, along with Sprint, Cricket, and MetroPCS in the US all with decent numbers of CDMA subscribers. In all, world CDMA subscribers are something like 462 million, even if that's only 14% of the mobile market.

      http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/01/06/piper_15_8m_us_iphone_sales_in_2010_even_without_verizon.html
      http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/HONSHI/20070215/127796/

    17. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by masmullin · · Score: 1

      WCDMA is not CDMA. WCDMA (UMTS) is an evolution from GSM not CDMA.

    18. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually NTT Docomo does not sell the iPhone, their competitor Softbank does. Softbank is a GSM-based company just like AT&T.

    19. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      WCDMA stands for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, which means the packets for a given phone has a "code" (aka air interface). It allows multiple devices to share the same spectrum. TDMA uses time slots for a given phone. The algorithm TDMA uses has been around for a long time and was also used by modems. WCDM is a descendent of CDMA and doesn't use the algorithm GSM/TDMA uses. Yes, WCDMA is different than CDMA2000 from Qualcomm. All of this goes back to the late 90's. Here is a decent article on the topic (http://www.aetherwide.com/articles/roamjapan.html). Roaming works in Japan because of UMTS, which provides compatibility, but that wasn't always the case. If the network supports UMTS2100, which NTT Docomo and Softbank do, your GSM phone will work with it. Once you get into the nitty gritty of how WCDMA/CDMA2000/GSM/TDMA/UMTS work, it gets pretty complex. At the end of the day, the real question for the consumer is "does it work when I want it to work?" Adding CDMA2000 support for iPhone is no big deal, Apple just has to buy the chips from qualcomm.

    20. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Cimexus · · Score: 1

      What the ... how did this get modded informative? It's wrong in so many ways I can't even begin to describe.

      There is only one iPhone. It is a GSM phone (i.e. 2.5G EDGE, 3G UMTS/WCDMA). And the Japanese carrier is Softbank, which is a standard GSM network.

      CDMA in the context of this article (CDMA2000 as used by Verizon) is not WCDMA (which is an extension of 3GSM). There ain't many places left in the world that still use it in any widespread fashion. The US obviously. But most other countries have partially or totally shut down their CDMA networks years ago.

    21. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by Cimexus · · Score: 1

      Yep same across the ditch here in Australia. Telstra used to have a CDMA network used in rural areas, while using GSM in urban areas. But that was turned off many years ago, and now it's just GSM everywhere, on every carrier.

    22. Re:Uh, Exclusive Deal (And GSM)? by squiggleslash · · Score: 1

      W-CDMA is not the same thing as "CDMA" the mobile phone standard. W-CDMA is the 3G GSM (UMTS) air interface. It's what AT&T uses for 3G. HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+ are enhanced versions of W-CDMA.

      Verizon uses the entirely incompatible CDMA2000 system. CDMA2000 is used in other countries, but not nearly to the same extent as GSM/UMTS. Qualcomm, CDMA2000's major sponsor, is no longer working on upgrading it to 4G standards, throwing its lot in with the GSM "LTE" system instead.

      So no, there isn't a "CDMA" (in the sense of the mobile phone standard) version of the iPhone, any more than there was a D-AMPS version of the iPhone back when it was 2G.

      --
      You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  18. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by aristotle-dude · · Score: 1

    What would Apple need to do to support CDMA and is there any market for one outside the USA? I know they shut down the CDMA network here in Australia a few years ago as it was replaced with a 850MHz 3G network. FWIW the iPhone is available for all the networks here, but the iPhone 4 will be the first to support them all completely (and AFAICT the first phone (not just iPhone) to support both 850 and 900 UMTS).

    Canada was a market until November 2009 when the two major CDMA carriers (Telus/Bell) launched an HSPA+/HSUPA network in most of the provinces. I have my iPhone 3GS through Fido but I have my iPad on a 15 dollar paygo data plan with Bell.

    Most of the remaining CDMA markets are either comprised of people too poor to buy an iPhone and data plan or use a different variant of CDMA which uses SIM cards called CSIMs.

    --
    Jesus was a compassionate social conservative who called individuals to sin no more.
  19. Isn't Verizon building out a GSM network? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I think they are, but only using it for data atm.

  20. How? the same we we get most data. WiFi by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    How am I supposed to use Hulu's Iphone app if I only have 2GB of data to last me a month?

    I am a heavy data user, pretty using the iPhone constantly during the day and then also as I drive to pull up maps over the network from Waze.

    Yet, my usage almost never exceeds 200 MB(!) a month. How can this be so?

    Because most of the places I am at, have WiFi. If you have any WiFi around where you normally are, in fact it would be quite difficult to reach the 2GB cap.

    Also, other carriers are starting to put in caps as well, so it hardly matters that AT&T has one.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:How? the same we we get most data. WiFi by Darkness404 · · Score: 1

      The problem with Wi-Fi is that where I am (suburbs) Wi-Fi from the local ISP is actually slower than a bar of 3G! It has lower latency than 3G of course but when it comes to download speeds your getting about 1-2 megabits per second from Wi-Fi and around 5-7 for 3G. Not to mention that Wi-Fi requires turning on yet another radio leading to worse battery life in a device that needs as much extra battery life as possible unless you do a mid-day charging.

      --
      Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
    2. Re:How? the same we we get most data. WiFi by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I have a droid and would never switch to an iPhone but seriously if you use that many open wifi hotspots you are a moron. Lets leak a whole bunch of data on open networks. I use 3G and average about 5GB a month, though this month Ive already hit 6GB in 10 days of my billing cycle watching the world cup matches on my phone over 3G. I stream music all the time, have a home subsonic server setup, and its great when on long car trips because I can continuously stream over 3G without hoping onto random open wifi networks. Also why waste so much more battery running wifi all the time when you dont have to, well at least you dont have to if you arent on the AT&T network that drops out all the time.

      There are rumors that other networks (at least in the US) will put caps in place, but none have yet. If that changes then its another story, but as of right now AT&T is the only major carrier in the US to have those limits.

    3. Re:How? the same we we get most data. WiFi by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't have wifi at work and I like to listen to Pandora. I used almost four gigs last month. Granted I shouldn't be watching TV at work, but simply because you have wifi doesn't mean that it isn't a valid point for many, many people.

  21. Youtube Video Of Those Eager Verizon Customers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg

    Who wouldn't want to have a cellphone:

    * That is defective by design with the shitty antenna design

    * Fake and poorly implemented multi-tasking

    * Outdated OS compared to Android

    * A raging control freak in charge of every single piece of content for the phone

    LOL! iPhone...

    1. Re:Youtube Video Of Those Eager Verizon Customers by Dr+Herbert+West · · Score: 1

      I'd like to mod you -1 Troll and +1 Insightful... Would that be +-1 Insight-roll?

  22. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by NekSnappa · · Score: 1

    According to what I read earlier today. This is supposed to coincide with Verizon's 4G roll out in January.
    And from what I understand Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are all going to use LTE instead of WiMax for their 4G networks.

    Now I would think it would still have to have CDMA as a fall back when 4G is unavailable. So would still have to have a separate set of guts for the different providers.

    --
    I want to shoot the messenger!
  23. Uh huh. by Snap+E+Tom · · Score: 5, Funny

    And 2011 will finally be the year of Linux on the desktop.

    1. Re:Uh huh. by Locke2005 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Close! With Android, 2011 will finally be the year of Linux on the cell phone. The forte for Linux is embedded applications and servers. Desktop users are already trained to use Windows, so it doesn't matter how much technically "better" another OS is.

      --
      I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  24. AT&T is giving out early upgrades by Wolvenhaven · · Score: 1

    My entire family is on AT&T and we all got given upgrades at the same time and so have all the other people I know who have AT&T. Because using the upgrade requires you to renew your two year contract with them it makes sense if they're losing the iPhone monopoly, they want to lock as many people in as they can for two more years before they lose it to someone else.

    --
    Orwell was an optimist.
    1. Re:AT&T is giving out early upgrades by AmazinglySmooth · · Score: 1

      And I never hear mention of the new, much higher ETF at $350!!!

  25. More bullshit to drum up ad hits by hellfire · · Score: 1

    Apple and AT&T have an exclusivity agreement until 2012 (insert end of the world jokes here). Steve has said more than once back in 2007 that this was so. Expect a Verizon phone announcement 2012, unless AT&T ponies up a huge amount of cash to redo the agreement. Apple won't end the agreement because I bet there is a huge money clause that says Apple will have to pay thru the nose if they break that agreement.

    This is from a business website, and I believe the last prediction which was that it would be announced at WWDC, was also a business website. I'd bet every prediction since 2007 originated from some business website. And these same guys probably have Apple and Verizon stock. These predictions come out once every 6 months at least. Everyone of them is BS, and they know it.

    --

    "All great wisdom is contained in .signature files"

    1. Re:More bullshit to drum up ad hits by Locke2005 · · Score: 1

      I'd like to see the text of the agreement. I suspect they could break it very easily by not calling the new phone an "iPhone", or by offering it indirectly through another company, or by simply licensing the iPhone technology to other Cellular companies to manufacture their own phone, or...

      --
      I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
    2. Re:More bullshit to drum up ad hits by Lars+T. · · Score: 1

      I'd like to see the text of the agreement. I suspect they could break it very easily by not calling the new phone an "iPhone", or by offering it indirectly through another company, or by simply licensing the iPhone technology to other Cellular companies to manufacture their own phone, or...

      Errm, I doubt Apple would let go any control over their phone to get out of a contract with AT&T - I'm sure they have a clause in the contract that makes it much easier.

      --

      Lars T.

      To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck

    3. Re:More bullshit to drum up ad hits by Graff · · Score: 1

      I'd like to see the text of the agreement. I suspect they could break it very easily by not calling the new phone an "iPhone"

      Yes, I'm sure that AT&T's lawyers were dumb enough not to close the "Name it the vPhone and we can get around the agreement!" loophole or any of the other loopholes you mentioned.

      Instead of assuming that AT&T hires stupid lawyers I think that it's more likely that the agreement between Apple and AT&T allows either company to break the contract by paying some sort of penalty. This is pretty standard between large corporations. Of course, it would have to be a large penalty so that the agreement couldn't be broken trivially.

    4. Re:More bullshit to drum up ad hits by spleck · · Score: 2, Informative

      I suspect the "5 year agreement" started earlier than 2007... say end of 2005 when Apple wanted to lock down a network/carrier to try out their new revenue system.

      None of the previous rumors have involved Pegatron already tooling up for production of an iPhone. Granted, that leak was right before their IPO--so I'd says there's an even chance that someone made it up to boost the stock, or they really are producing an iPhone under secrecy and needed to leak the info to boost the stock.

      I'd say if we're going to hear something official, it will be at the September iPod event. If Pegatron really is going to produce iPhones, it will be hard to keep it a secret, so I would be shocked if Apple didn't plan to reveal something until Nov-Jan timeframe (which would coincide with VZW's LTE announcements).

      http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20100617PD215.html

  26. Till LTE does us part by saikou · · Score: 1

    These rumors have been around for how many years now? I bet Apple will just wait another year or so and then LTE-capable iPhone model will be born (iPhone 5 anyone?) which, OMG, really finally _will_ be Verizon capable.
    Sprint will be out of luck for a while due to different provisioning and absence of clear LTE rollout plans (WiMax is pretty much out of luck, and even Clear was saying something like "Well, we can switch to LTE if we really want to", so no iPhone support for WiMax)

  27. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by Chaos+Incarnate · · Score: 1

    Nope, my Samsung t459 dumbphone supports 850 and 900. It might be the first smartphone to support both...?

    --
    Benford's Corollary to Clarke's Law: "Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced."
  28. On record that AT&T is exclusive until 2012 by aztektum · · Score: 1

    Maybe announced in 2012, but Apple is on record in court filings related to a 2007 case over AT&T lock-in that AT&T has exclusivity to the iPhone until 2012

    I'm sure they could buy their way out, but why do that when they could just wait one more year and still sell a shit load of devices?

    --
    :: aztek ::
    No sig for you!!
    1. Re:On record that AT&T is exclusive until 2012 by spleck · · Score: 1

      Read the original Engadget post and the court documents are weaselly. They are simply saying that customers should not expect phone unlocks because USA Today made it public knowledge that there was a 5 year contract. They did NOT reveal the actual contract as part of the court documents, nor did they go on record confirming the contract. USA Today never said the contract started in 2007, that's just when they reported it. Lot's of assumptions being made.

  29. maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

    The iPhone seems to be on it's way to becoming a niche device in the long term unless something changes. Perhaps occupying a niche is exactly what Apple wants, some fans have commented that they believe this. If not, expanding to additional US carriers is the only way to compete with Android's quickly growing market share. We're already seeing saturation with over 75% of iPhone 4 purchasers being previous iPhone users (the highest repeat buyer rate of any iPhone release). Meanwhile Android is adding 160,000 new users a day, a rate that outpaces the rate of new iPhone users even during the iPhone 4 launch. It is only a matter of time until Android has more users than iPhone unless Apple finds a new way to add more users. Expanding to additional US carriers seems the only way to do this, so I would believe the Verizon iPhone could be more likely than ever before.

    --
    -Lod
    1. Re:maybe by phillymjs · · Score: 1

      We're already seeing saturation with over 75% of iPhone 4 purchasers being previous iPhone users (the highest repeat buyer rate of any iPhone release)

      Where does it say the iPhones being replaced will all go into the trash can?

      More likely they will be resold or given away and used by someone else, who may or may not already have an iPhone. Let's do some math. 1.7M new phones sold last weekend. 75% of that would be 1.275M upgraders who now possess a spare iPhone. Even if half of them DO just chuck out their old iPhone, that still leaves 637,500 iPhones finding their way to new owners. Surely there will be enough "new to iPhone" users in that 637K to give a nice bump to Apple's installed base.

      ~Philly

    2. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

      Android adds 640k users every four days. The number of used iphones going onto new contracts is not really significant. The ratio of new vs old customers compared to past devices is the important detail.

      --
      -Lod
    3. Re:maybe by mattack2 · · Score: 1

      Meanwhile Android is adding 160,000 new users a day, a rate that outpaces the rate of new iPhone users even during the iPhone 4 launch.

      "even during the iPhone 4 launch". Apple sold 1.7M in 3 days... So 566,666/day. So you're claiming that over 400,000 of those users are JUST upgrading an existing iPhone?
      [citation needed]

    4. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

      no. 75% of the 1.7M iPhone purchasers were upgrading an older iphone. only 425k of the iphone 4 purchasers were new iphone users. in those same 3 days (on average, based on the latest sales number) Android added 480k new users.

      --
      -Lod
    5. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

      part 2.. the references:

      77% of iphone 4 purchases were existing iphone users:

      http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/06/25/77-of-iphone-4-sales-were-upgrades/

      Android selling 160,000 units per day:

      http://www.cellular-news.com/story/44041.php

      sorry forgot to include in previous post

      --
      -Lod
    6. Re:maybe by Wovel · · Score: 1

      Android is not a thing that adds 160,000 users a day. It is an operating system with a wide variety of features. There is not any line of Android handsets that comes anywhere near the market share of the iPhone.

    7. Re:maybe by Wovel · · Score: 1

      How many of those could even run the same OS. The 160k figure is so unbelievably meaningless and deceptive.

    8. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

      i'm not sure what your point is, or if there is one.

      160,000 human beings that did not own an android device yesterday do own one today. if I am an app developer, or an advertiser, or a content provider, that's really all I care about, no?

      --
      -Lod
    9. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

      how exactly is the fact that 160,000 new android devices are registering with google every day deceptive?

      they all run the same os. I can write a single app that runs on every one of them.

      i think you might misunderstand exactly what Android is, and what it means to Apple's market.

      --
      -Lod
    10. Re:maybe by tgibbs · · Score: 1

      So not only is the iPhone experience so compelling that previous owners are rushing to upgrade as soon as the new one announced, but something like 25% of new purchasers are people who own another brand, but have so much trust in Apple that they are rushing to buy a new iPhone without even waiting until the reviews are in.

      And this means that the iPhone is well on its way to being a niche device?

      Still, I expect that the most widely selling phones will remain "commodity phones" with razor-thin profit margins. Apple is unlikely to enter this market, so the iPhone will probably never be the biggest seller.

    11. Re:maybe by masmullin · · Score: 1

      no, you care about ease of development, ease of transmitting your product to your consumer, and methods of collecting payment.

    12. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1, Troll

      I think your fondness of the iPhone has caused you to miss the point I am trying to make, I'll reiterate it, try to hear this with an open mind. I'm not trying to insult your phone or it's manufacturer, I'm just observing a clear market trend.

      Yes, 25% of the people who bought an iPhone 4 at release choice the device over another platform.

      However (and this is the important part), this is a lower percentage of new users than we saw on every preceding iPhone release. It follows a downward trend from the 3, to the 3gs, to the 4. There could be many reasons for this, but saturation of the customer base is a very likely contributor if not the primary cause. Other contributors could be that many 2 year contracts on existing iphones were coming due, so the number of renewals was inflated.

      Whatever the reason, we see that the Android platform is adding new users at a rate *every single day* that exceeds the rate the Apple platform saw during iPhone 4's opening weekend. Not only this, but the rate at which new users are coming to Android is increasing dramatically with each passing month.

      This shows that there are many potential purchasers of smartphones in the world, and Android is drawing in more of them than the iPhone is. Even with the excitement surrounding the new iPhone 4, Android pulls in more new users.

      Android will soon have more users than the iPhone does unless something is done to change the current trend. One of the easiest ways to add new users to the iPhone platform is to make it available to more people.

      This is why I believe a Verizon iPhone is more likely than ever before. It makes more commercial sense than it did in the past, and it seems the only hope Apple has of adding a large number of new users. It may be that Apple has no interest in adding as many users as Android is adding, I don't know.

      --
      -Lod
    13. Re:maybe by LodCrappo · · Score: 1

      isn't Android already vastly superior in all of these areas? yet the iPhone has more apps? maybe just because it's been around longer, not sure.

      --
      -Lod
    14. Re:maybe by pushing-robot · · Score: 1

      No, for the same reason that game developers target consoles when Windows is technically a larger market. One new device per year, with each a superset of the previous, is a much more attractive target than several dozen models each with their own unique hardware (and their own tweaked versions of Android). Do you want to make sure your app works equally well on all of these?

      Google is doing a good job of raising the baseline for the phone OS, but they need to start putting limits on the hardware they license it for...unless they want Android to become the next Symbian or WinMo.

      --
      How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
    15. Re:maybe by tgibbs · · Score: 1

      Considering that when the iPhone was first released, 100% of purchasers were new users, the percentage could hardly help but decrease. And if buyers are satisfied, and increasing percentage will necessarily be previous iPhone owners who are due to upgrade (and people whose contracts are up, and who might have switched to Droid, but did not.

      Considering that the rate of sales of the iPhone 4 is currently limited by supply rather than demand, comparing the number of new users per day is not very meaningful.

      I agree that sales of the iPhone are being constrained by the limitation to one carrier. For example, my sister wanted to upgrade, and would have liked to buy an iPhone, but she is tied into Verizon by a family plan that includes multiple other phones. So she settled for a Droid. She says that it is nice, but not as good as an iPhone, so when Verizon offers the iPhone, she will likely switch to that.

    16. Re:maybe by IKnwThePiecesFt · · Score: 1

      In that there's phones that run Android 1.6 and there's phones that run Android 2.1.

      Apps for one do not necessarily run on the other.

    17. Re:maybe by masmullin · · Score: 1

      no idea... however adding 160k ppl to the target platform is NOT the only thing you care about.

  30. Where's the damn SEC? by KarmaKhameleon · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Hope the feds investigate these rumor-churns that seems to do nothing else but manipulate the price of Verizon's stock than actually - you know - result in an iPhone for Verizon. They've been putting out false flags for 3 years now.

    Only Madoff could run a game as long as Verizon is.

  31. If Verizon is to get the iPhone... by lord_mike · · Score: 1

    ...Apple will need to take a pay cut. Apple needs Verizon more than Verizon needs Apple )inorder to crush the Android competition). Verizon is doing very well with their Android phones, so hey don't need to pay the kings ransom that AT&T does for the iPhone. Without the iPhone, AT&T is nothing, and everyone knows it. Apple will want Verizon to pay the same kind of subsidies that AT&T is paying. Verizon is unlikely to comply. It doesn't make much business sense for them to abandon a popular free platform such as Android for a much more expensive one. Meanwhile, AT&T will do anything and everything that Jobs wants to keep exclusivity (and prevent their customers from abandoning them in droves). Jobs probably wants to open up to other carriers, but AT&T will be paying so much to keep exclusivity, it will be very hard for Jobs to say no (especially, since Verizon is unlikely to play ball in negotiations).

    If Apple goes to another carrier, Sprint and T-Mobile are the more likely candidates. They will pay a lot to get the iPhone. Verizon probably won't.

    1. Re:If Verizon is to get the iPhone... by jht · · Score: 1

      No, Apple doesn't need Verizon. They need millions of people who are locked into the App Store ecosystem, and between the tens of millions of iPhones sold, the millions of iPod Touches, and the millions of iPads - they've got all that and more.

      And because of the App Store, virtually all of those users will stay yoked to their device and its upgrade path forever.

      Verizon's 92 million subscribers are tempting, and if all 92 million of them were going to get iPhones it would be compelling. But they aren't. Maybe a few million would over the remaining life of the EVDO network, but meanwhile Apple would have to build an iPhone that couldn't do simultaneous voice and data, didn't use a SIM, and probably couldn't easily be activated at home. Until LTE I just don't see any good reason for Apple to do it.

      Apple's darned happy to make a huge profit on their relatively small portion of the overall cellphone market. Android is ultimately going to sell more phones, because Google gives it away to all comers and it's now the standard OS for pretty much anything other than Windows, RIM, and Apple phones. But Android won't make anyone a lot of money - it'll reduce costs for cellphone makers because there's no royalties, and it'll make Google some extra money on search. That isn't going to overthrow Apple or RIM anytime soon.

      --
      -- Josh Turiel
      "2. Do not eat iPod Shuffle."
    2. Re:If Verizon is to get the iPhone... by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 1

      If Apple goes to another carrier, Sprint and T-Mobile are the more likely candidates.

      Well, Sprint runs CDMA so it would probably be the same issue, I believe. T-Mobile is far more likely--like AT&T, they already use GSM/EDGE. An unlocked iPhone 3G will work with voice and non-3G data on T-Mobile. If I understand correctly, the only issue with T-Mobile 3G is it uses a different frequency than AT&T's.

      Now, the iPhone 4 is a Quad Band phone, supporting 3G in the 850, 900, 1900, and 2100MHz bands and GSM/EDGE in the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900MHz bands. T-Mobile runs it's 3G service in the 1700MHz and 2100MHz bands. Does this mean that you might be able to get T-Mobile's 3G to work on an unlocked iPhone 4?

  32. Why. by Loktar+Ogar · · Score: 0

    I like to entertain the idea that VZW would have no interest in the iPhone due to their back-asswards warranty repair policy. They still take your phone for weeks to repair it with no replacement correct? Also they have to see or talk to mac "Geniuses" to get tech support. I always look at this from the customer service nightmare side.

  33. Anonymous Source? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have an anonymous source that says this weeks mega lotto numbers are 4 33 12 34 43 22

    They must be right, they are anonymous!

    to make sure you believe me, I have posted as anonymous coward :)

  34. Can you hear me Now? by jamesyouwish · · Score: 0

    Can you see me now?

  35. Re:Macfags on the Gayrizon network by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

    The new iPad with cum in your rentina display, with 64GB of gay porn, from Steve "oh Jeez" Jobs.

    Actually you'd have a lot better luck getting gay porn on an Android phone.

    --

    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  36. Apple's 28% marketshare of smartphones... by mollog · · Score: 2, Informative

    Apple currently has a 28% market share of the smartphone market, even with its phone being exclusive to ATT. Opening it to the Verizon network will surely cause its market share to climb sharply.

    Right now, Apple is in a three-way tie for the market. It will start to dominate the market if/when it goes onto the Verizon network.

    --
    Best regards.
  37. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by Low+Ranked+Craig · · Score: 2, Informative

    The Infinion chipset in the iPhone already has the support needed for CDMA from what I've read, basically they just need to put the right radios in the phone, and Verizon needs to make the network enhancements to support visual voice mail.

    THe potential market in the US is huge, probably in the neighborhood of 60 million potential new buyers. Of course only a fraction of those will purchase, but since the Verizon customer base is about the same size as AT&T's and given the penetration of the iPhone in to AT&T's customer base, it will be millions of sales for Apple.

    On a personal note, I've had LA Cellular / Cingular / AT&T for a long time, and in So Cal / Arizona I've never had any issues with AT&T

    --
    I still cannot find the droids I am looking for...
  38. Much more likely to be LTE. by Jason+Pollock · · Score: 1

    It is much more likely that if Apple were to release an iPhone for Verizon that it would be an LTE device. It could then be a cornerstone for Verizon's new LTE network which is launching in late 2010/2011.

    CDMA is a dead-end, there aren't any new rollouts and the existing carriers are all abandoning it for GSM/UMTS/LTE networks.

    So, the question is - is there enough business on Verizon to interest Apple enough to work with a dead-end radio?

  39. AT&T, Iphones, Verizon, and Droids by Decessus · · Score: 1

    If and when an Iphone is available for Verizon customers, would that open the door to possible Droid phones being available on AT&T's network? Or, would it be possible that Verizon would ditch Droid because Apple wouldn't let them sell their phones on the Verizon network if they didn't? I think Verizon dropping the Droid would be less likely simple because Apple doesn't have much leverage over Verizon. At this point I think Apple needs Verizon more than Verizon needs Apple.

  40. Watch the verizon network be brought to its knees by sethmeisterg · · Score: 1

    I cannot *WAIT* for the iPhone to be available on Verizon so all the whiny bitches who've been complaining about AT&T's crappy service can see how horrificaly slow Verizon's network is going to get with that kind of load. If you put ANY network-intensive smartphone on a carrier's network, you're going to see the same kinds of capacity issues as you've seen with AT&T...only Verizon's network is MUCH poorer provisions with respect to bandwidth compared to AT&T's. You'll see. Mark my words. Beware the Idles of March, AT&T haters :).

  41. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 1

    Also, Verizon will use LTE only for data, initially. So you'll still need CDMA for voice. So you'd need both radios. Surf the web, talk on the phone, watch your battery drain.

  42. Re:Watch the verizon network be brought to its kne by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Funny, because I could have sworn Verizon was pushing Android like there's no tomorrow, and their network doesn't seem to have collapsed yet.

  43. The 5-year exclusivity contract... by MrWin2kMan · · Score: 1

    ...unfortunately gets in the way. Signed in 2007, it doesn't run out until 2012. Which is when we'll probably see the LTE iPhone, which will work on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. I expect to see an iPhone 4s or 4xt or 4xl in the interim with enhanced video capabilities, 32GB and 64GB memory capacity (16GB goes away) and enhanced speakerphone capability geared towards business users.

    --
    Nothing to see here but us trolls...move along...
    1. Re:The 5-year exclusivity contract... by MrWin2kMan · · Score: 1

      I do expect to see the iPad on Verizon; Steve Jobs all but confirmed at launch that the iPad would be available on multiple carriers, and depending on how they've implemented the antennas (I haven't seen the 3G tear-down, so I would assume something similar to a Mini-PCIe card as in notebooks) it should be a relative cakewalk. Also a possibility, the 3GS will show up in 16GB and 32GB flavors on Verizon...I thought it was pretty much a given that the iPhone was being made in a TD-SCDMA flavor for the Chinese market...they could easily make some in Big Red's flavor on the same line.

      --
      Nothing to see here but us trolls...move along...
  44. Verizon's iPhone Bashing by PDG · · Score: 1

    Verizon's is Android's bitch and they've been in bed ever since Verizon decided not only to take swings at AT&T's network, but by bashing the iPhone and its lack of features that Droid had at the time. Anyone remember the commercial where they placed the iPhone in the land of misfit toys? After all the bashing they're done on iPhone, they're gonna look pretty silly to suddenly do a 180* and promote how great it is. They're Android partners may not be all that thrilled either.

    --
    "Where is my mind?"
    1. Re:Verizon's iPhone Bashing by dafing · · Score: 1

      Just imagine how different things would be had the iPhone been exclusive to Verizon, like SJ originally planned...

      That said, in the USA, its not like the iPhone has been a terrible flop :)

      --
      --- ...or a new slashdot signature. Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
  45. Better battery by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    Not to mention that Wi-Fi requires turning on yet another radio leading to worse battery life in a device that needs as much extra battery life as possible unless you do a mid-day charging.

    WiFi is actually much, much better for battery life than 3G. Even if you have both enabled, if you are primarily using WiFi the iPad (and iPhone 4) will last all day.

    That is weird that WiFi where you are is slower, but it's still probably fast enough for most things to use it as a preferred network.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
  46. Not happening yet by Bruha · · Score: 1

    LTE Voice will not be around until late 2011 or early 2012, why do you think AT&T is waiting till 2012-13 to start LTE deployments.

    I also had this thought, my current iPhone plan is unlimited data, you think that will happen with Verizon?

    1. Re:Not happening yet by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      VZW offers an unlimited plan for BlackBerry data. There's one for other phones too http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/plansingleline.jsp?lid=//global//plans//individual

  47. Re:Watch the verizon network be brought to its kne by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Probably because no one can even figure out how to use it for bandwidth intensive tasks.

  48. a large # of the problems... are apple's by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    A friend of mine works for AT&T tech support, and *hates* the iPhone user calls... most of the issues are nothing to do with AT&T, its users loading stuff on their phones that screw things up, not having the latest iPhone updates, she even had someone get sent back from Apple's tech support who literally had video's that would randomly stop... 20%, 35%, 18% through (the same video).. which was *already downloaded to the iPhone* (ie, the whole video was on the phone) - sent back by Apple because "its an AT&T issue". Her biggest beef is with Apple, that they refuse to support issues that are obviously their own device, not AT&T's network. She swears she could send someone to Apple with a totally blank screen (device failure - warranty), and they'd tell the customer its an AT&T issue. She laughs at the 'news' that Verizon is going to get the iPhone - she'd be happy as a clam even to lose the iPhone entirely to Verizon.

  49. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    they need to add cdma radio hardware, and cdma radio software. Neither of these is a trivial task.

    More importantly, Qualcomm owns many of the cdma patents. So Apple would have to start paying Qualcomm substantial royalties.

    The lifespan of cdma is guessed to be somewhere between 4-8 years because Verizon/Sprint are the only major CDMA carriers, however this may change because of whats going on with Reliance (India carrier) and ChinaTel, which are about to absolutely explode in subscriber count (if they haven't already). Also, the slowness of LTE development (partially due to the death of Nortel Networks), is adding years to CDMAs longevity.

    When Apple started the iPhone, the death of CDMA was highly expected, and I suspect that they didn't want to waste their time creating a phone for a dying technology. Because of the use of CDMA in the emerging markets, Apple would be wise to rethink this choice.

  50. Version same issues as AT&T by helix2301 · · Score: 1

    I just hope Verizon does not suffer from the same issues that AT&T does. Growing bigger then what there network can handle. I hope Verizon does this move right if they do this at all still just a rumor.

  51. vegetarian-starved? by Slur · · Score: 1

    Hey lady, I've been vegan for 5 years, been doing yoga and bicycling every day, and yet I still have my winter paunch.

    --
    -- thinkyhead software and media
  52. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by batkiwi · · Score: 1

    He means HSPA/3G 850 and 900 support, not GSM 850/900 support. Both the iphone 3g and 3gs supported 850 and 900 on GSM.

  53. Unrank Troll by dafing · · Score: 1
    I know I might say some silly things on Slashdot, but cmon, the parent wasnt trolling!

    Name one. The iPhone 4's 5 Megapixel camera has a better quality sensor and focus mechanism for macro shots than the 8 Megapixel Android phones. The iPhone's new display has the highest pixel density of any phone out on the market.

    There is no "disagree" mod on Slashdot, Troll is not a substitute. And yet, others who mention "A real keyboard", name call "iDandys", and mention phones they are personally interested in get rated, so far, 2 Informative!

    "trolling" or "fanboisim" goes both ways, there are those who HATE Apple products too, I would argue these people are far more numerous these days. How long has it been since we got constant snarky comments from Mac users here? "oh, I wouldnt touch Vista, I have a Mac you see..."? I would argue there are now far more "Android trolls" attacking the iPhone than "Apple trolls" bashing Android devices.

    I mentioned on my casual Tech show that while I love the iPhone, and think the iPhone 4 is amazing, (apart from those horrific reception issues?), Android devices CAN, HAVE and WILL rapidly outpace any iPhone hardware wise. Does it matter? Perhaps not, afterall, the biggest competition for the Original iPhone would probably be the Nokia N95, it was always far ahead spec wise, no question, yet look at Nokia and their "smartphones" now...

    --
    --- ...or a new slashdot signature. Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
  54. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    LTE development at Nortel is alive and well, even though the sign above the door says Ericsson now.

  55. Re:Many with family plans on Verizon are waiting . by jonbryce · · Score: 1

    Canada certainly has a CDMA network (or two). I believe South Korea does as well.

  56. dont have one myself but... by thenextstevejobs · · Score: 1

    What's a desktop?

    Sent from my iPad

    --
    Long live the BSD license
  57. More likely not before March by shekel · · Score: 1

    I find it hard to believe that AT&T wouldn't try and wrangle me into another 2 year deal as I can't get the $199 pricing until Feb. 2011 (and for others I've talked to who got a 3GS). So once I'm on the hook again is when another option will become available in true Apple style. So I'm calling not until at least March... Of course it is possible that AT&T doesn't know Apple's internal plans. But they WOULD know when their exclusivity is up... so maybe...

    But like everything Apple, it isn't true until Steve turns on the RDF....

  58. Yeah, right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's the Duke Nuke'm Forever for iPhone users. Get over it.

  59. Goodbye AT&T... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You have 6-8 more months of my business, after which you can suck it. Until the debut of the iPhone, your smart phone lineup was abysmal, and you showed no interest in improving it, or in giving customers what they wanted in the way of reasonably-priced data plans and uncrippled Bluetooth tethering. You act like your shit doesn't stink, but soon you'll be begging me not to leave you...

  60. Hard to ignore facts, too. by stewbacca · · Score: 1

    It's hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced.

    It's also hard to ignore the plethora of slashdot-linked articles that show that AT&T *generally* has the best service of all the providers. If there were truly one provider that outshines the rest, there would be legitimate considerations for buying a phone based on the provider. Since they are all roughly the same, there's no incentive other than buying the phone for the phone, not the service.

    1. Re:Hard to ignore facts, too. by TheCRAIGGERS · · Score: 1

      That depends on where you live, largely. Where I live, having an AT&T phone is about as useful as a paperweight with an antenna ducttaped to it. It's Verizon or nothing as far as I'm concerned.

      Both the companies can pay for as many "studies" as they want to show that so-and-so has the best coverage, dropped call rate, 3G speed, etc. But what really matters is what works for the individual... in which case your post is meaningless, no offense intended.

    2. Re:Hard to ignore facts, too. by stewbacca · · Score: 1

      But my post isn't meaningless, as you demonstrated, both AT&T and Verizon suck equally where you live.

      I'll go back an look, but there have been several independent studies posted here as stories that basically say the major providers are all roughly the same, with AT&T having a slight edge in data speed.

      I have AT&T. It drops calls like a mo'fo', but I have no faith that Verizon wouldn't drop them just as much.

    3. Re:Hard to ignore facts, too. by TheCRAIGGERS · · Score: 1

      I'm not sure where read that I said Verizon and AT&T sucked equally, as I'm pretty sure I didn't say that above. What I said is that Verizon is the only carrier where I live that works reliably.

      In some other locale, it may be reversed and AT&T is the better carrier. But for two companies with similar subscription numbers, it sure seems Verizon has a better repertoire with users. Which again, is only a matter of opinion basically.

      I still think my point still stands. It's irrelevant what carrier has a better system, speeds, etc. What matters is what one works best for you in the places you need it.

    4. Re:Hard to ignore facts, too. by stewbacca · · Score: 1

      Hmm, must have misread your post. Sorry, didn't mean to put words in your mouth.

      In any case, I still don't get the concept. How are you to know which one "works best for you" without buying into a year or two year contract first? Word of mouth? That's about as reliable as, well, the cell networks in question.

      So your point is valid (I don't think I ever disagreed that the carrier is irrelevant, I think that's my point exactly), but my point is not meaningless, because I come to the same conclusion as you (just for different reasons).

  61. Won't create many new iPhone customers by beerdini · · Score: 1

    If/when the iPhone moves to Verizon it won't create a large increase of new iPhone customers. I'd be surprised if the customer base increases 10%. Most people that really want an iPhone already switched to AT&T to get one and I don't really think that the Verizon carrier holdouts are that many.

    What will happen though is that Apple will make a ton of money because everyone that is dissatisfied with AT&T will jump ship over to Verizon. Verizon sales will jump because of it, and AT&T might drop a position in the cell phone carriers rankings. Apple will probably release press statements about how they are the world's awesomest phone because they sold 1.x million new phones on Verizon in addition to what they have on AT&T, but fail to report the 1.x million-y that they lost from AT&T because they switched to Verizon and the "official numbers have not been determined yet."

  62. Not a rumor. Well, mostly not. by Skiph · · Score: 1

    Lady I work with, her husband works for Verizon. They were kept late last night for a meeting in which this announcement was made. Coming in January. Probably, my opinion, to coincide with 4g.

    --
    "Remember, always drink upstream from the herd". Anno.