Samsung: Free Battery Bundle Kit With the Verizon Galaxy Nexus

We've already seen the Samsung Galaxy Nexus extended battery in action with the occasion of our review and at that time you had to pay close to $55 if you wanted the extra juice for your phone.

Now, if you purchase your Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus 4G LTE directly from Samsung at the link below, you will get a free Samsung Galaxy Nexus i515 Battery Bundle Kit with a 24-month activation of the phone. The price of the phone is $299.99 with a two-year contract but if you are already looking for the pure Android on Verizon, you might as well take advantage of this promotion.

Source: pocketnow

Verizon iPhone 4 now available to order / reserve for in-store pickup

Apple and Verizon's long-awaited partnership is nearly upon us, folks, and the final piece to the puzzle is general availability of the hallowed iPhone 4. You're now able to order or reserve your own at the online stores of both carrier and phone maker, though shipping dates for early orders are listed at a distant February 18th. We'd just reserve one and go down to our nearest physical outlet to pick it up tomorrow

Source:(engadget)

Samsung Gem Headed to Alltel, Appears in Verizon Press Shots

We've gotten ahold of some material regarding the mid-range, Android 2.1 Eclair-powered Samsung Gem, which we first discovered last month was headed to regional carrier Cellular South. Well now the 3.2-inch, WQVGA Gem also appears en route to yet another smaller provider, namely Alltel, according to the major retailer from which the above screenshot came. No price was given, but a release within the next week is likely.

Meanwhile, the long-rumored Verizon-bound Gem has appeared in what seem to be its premiere press shots, although the source of the images made it clear that this was not necessarily indicative of an impending launch (which may, in fact, never come). This model was first spotted in a Best Buy ad way back in early September 2010, only to have the big box retailer publicly retract its assertion that the Verizon Gem was "coming soon." "At this time there is no estimated launch date," read the posted notice.


Source:(pocketnow)

HTC Thunderbolt Might Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Are you as excited about Verizon's first LTE 4G smartphone as we are? If so, this news might get further stir the geek within. Previously thought to have a release date of mid February, the Thunderbolt might be available sooner than that, according to a Tweet from Verizon:

Many have waited for the Verizon #iPhone. Some looking for the #4G #LTE HTC #Thunderbolt. May be sooner than we expected!

We'll keep an eye out for more about the Thunderbolt. Until then, enjoy some hands-on of the device that we filmed out at CES.

Source:(pocketnow)

HTC 'Vivo' Rumored for SaskTel Too in April/May

We're sure you remember HTC's button-less phone with buttons after all that we posted about recently and which is allegedly headed towards Verizon, judging from the logo on the top of the device.

Looks like Verizon will not be the only one to have the smartphone in its line-up as Canadian SaskTel is preparing to bring the device in as the HTC Vivo. According to a SaskTel related screenshot published by MobileSyrup, "HTC is the latest addition to our device supplier lineup and the new HTC Vivo device is scheduled for release in April – May". Not much is known about the device yet except for the four-inch WVGA screen and Google Android 2.2 Froyo - of course with the probably backlit capacitive buttons.

Source:(pocketnow)

HTC ThunderBolt coming with love for Valentine's day?

The HTC ThunderBolt seems to be quite eager to shake the mobile world as soon as possible, and we have already told you of the rumoured release date in late February, its accessories arriving on February 19 in Best Buy stores, and that this phone may not be able to offer all its functionality at launch.

Now, a mix of a leaked Best Buy internal document and an HTC ThunderBolt hands-on video, which you can see below (presumably coming from someone working for the Taiwanese manufacturer) hints that we may see this handset even sooner than expected.

The leaked document shows that a Verizon phone with a Best Buy number BBY60LD and a proof of purchase 044476816574 is to send us some Valentine love on February 14, while at the hands-on video below we see that the ThunderBolt has a brand seal which reads... 044476816574.

Sounds plausible, even likely, but we are not getting too excited yet. And until this handset arrives (hopefully on February 14), all you are left with is to check our HTC ThunderBolt hands-on, and if you have some internal info on this or other exciting handsets, to tip us.






Source:(phoneArena)

No Skype Video and Mobile Hotspot at HTC Thunderbolt Launch?

Remember the alleged leaked training material related to the HTC Thunderbolt? Yes, the one mentioning that the device will be able to do simultaneous voice and data -- as opposed to the Verizon iPhone 4 -- and also feature Mobile Hotspot functionality for up to eight devices as well as Skype Mobile with video.

While the slide clearly stated back in the day of its leak that Skype Mobile with video will be available post launch, Droid-life has published an alleged Verizon material which brings a confirmation. According to the leak, Skype Mobile with video will be shipped at launch with only a placeholder icon and a Coming Soon tag. Once the application will be available an Android Market notification will let users know when the software will be ready for use.

On the other hand, the Mobile Hotspot feature will not be available at launch either; the image above leaves no room for speculation but we can't help but think about the extra $20 Verizon will likely charge for the iPhone's similar functionality. Whether it's a coincidence or a Big Red marketing trick is still unknown so let us know of your thoughts in the comments below.


Source:(pocketnow)

Unannounced Verizon HTC phone leaks, is it the Droid Incredible 2/HD?

What's that you say? Another leaked HTC phone? This time it's clearly slated for Verizon. And judging by the rear of the thing (which you can see in the picture after the break), it's almost a dead ringer for a follow up to the Droid Incredible (which is also peeking in at right in the picture above.)

Looks like HTC might well be moving to one of those invisible capacitive button deals -- much like how the buttons seem to disappear on the Nexus S, or a few of the Samsung Galaxy S phones. That hasn't be our most favorite feature, but to each his own.

It's possible we might see this guy at Mobile World Congress, but we're not betting on it, given the often Euro/Asia nature of the event. One more pic after the break.



Source:(androidcentral)

Trademark Roundup: HTC Arrive, Samsung Mion 4G, Kyocera Fliptab

It was a busy weekend at the USPTO, with several companies that we follow applying for trademarks on new brands. First up is HTC, which filed for protection on the oddly-named "HTC Arrive," and gave it the same goods and services description as the HTC Passion filing we just saw. In other words, HTC Arrive is yet another candidate for either a Sense UI replacement or version of Sense for Android tablets. We can definitely see Passion as a possible interface brand, but Arrive sounds a bit strange at first; still, it's likely HTC will use the mark for something, as its registered marks almost never go unused.

Next up is the "Samsung Mion 4G" from Samsung -- which recently went through the European trademark office as well -- and although it sounds like it might be a handset for T-Mobile or AT&T's "4G" networks, it's more likely to be a mobile hotspot (perhaps the one Verizon introduced at CES). Motorola also filed for a CES-related mark, "Tabdock," which will probably end up being a dock for the Atrix 4G or the name of a line of such accessories.

Finally we have the "Fliptab" from Kyocera, whose description mentions both cellphones as well as tablets. Frankly we think that this could be any number of products, from a convertible tablet to a tabphone to some sort of dual-screen device -- although we do suspect that whatever it is will end up becoming the Sanyo Fliptab, as opposed to getting Kyocera branded.

Source:(pocketnow)

Verizon to Carry HTC Android Slider World Phone

While Verizon Wireless has carried Windows Mobile and BlackBerry world phones in the past, the carrier has not offered such an option for globe-trotting Android users until now. A leaked image of an HTC Android slider is said to support both GSM and CDMA radios, perfect for travelers so they can use Verizon's EV-DO 3G in the states and hop on to HSPA abroad, with a Vodafone SIM--Vodafone is a joint owner in Verizon Wireless--and a keyboard slider in landscape orientation.

The device is also said to have a 4-inch display, similar in size to Samsung Galaxy S phones, as well as a 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU, presumably from Qualcomm as part of the Snapdragon line.

Via: (PocketNow)

Droid 2 now "coming soon" in Sunday papers

Dear Verizon - we already know everything about the Droid 2, now could you just please advertise the release date instead of teasing us? The image above was found in the Sunday newspaper, an ad from Verizon teasing the release of the Droid 2. Interesting timing on all of this one would think. The original Droid is now out of stock on the Verizon site as of yesterday, and then today advertisements for the Droid 2 as coming soon. We get it Verizon, you got the device on the way, we just ask one thing of you now, give us the device? Please? Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Verizon Says No Tiered Data Plans Yet

After rumors that Verizon Wireless is going to switch to a tiered data pricing strategy after rival AT&T had killed off its unlimited plans, the carrier has now gone on record to deny that tiered data plans are coming in the near future. However, the prospect of a finite data plan is being evaluated for Big Red's 4G LTE roll out.

According to Chief Financial Officer John Killian, Verizon Wireless is still hanging tight onto unlimited data plans right now to grow its smartphone market penetration: "I cannot say enough, though, about the opportunity we see ahead given where we are today with smart phone penetration." The current crop of smartphones are so successful, and in fact Verizon is saying that the Droid X is using 5 times more data than other smartphones on the carrier's network.

With LTE and increasing costs to maintain its infrastructure, Verizon may be re-evaluating its unlimited strategy then: "We have indicated in the past, as we move to an LTE world and LTE pricing, we will probably look very hard at tiered pricing, and that continues to be our thinking right now. So more to come on that. By the way, I should say that all of our efforts, all of our plans on getting LTE launched in the fourth quarter are on schedule."

For now, though, users can rest assured with unlimited. Now, I suppose, would be the time to get grandfathered into an unlimited plan if you ever intend on hopping ships to Verizon.

Via: (PocketNow)

Droid X Owners Use 5 Times More Data

According to Verizon Wireless, the carrier's newly launched Motorola Droid X Android flagship smartphone is making it easier for users to consume data, so easy that users of the Droid X are using 5 times more data on that device than any other device on the carrier's lineup. That is unsurprising as the large 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen display will make it easier for users to enjoy web videos such as YouTube, as well as browse, surf, and download. Additionally, with features such as the Print to Retail where users can upload their photos to their nearest pharmacy to have physical prints made, data traffic won't be curbed.

It is unclear whether Verizon is examining total data including data from the additional, but optional, tethering feature of the Droid X or if they are just evaluating data use based on smartphone traffic.

Interestingly enough, with the carrier acknowledging increased data use and traffic, there is also speculation that Verizon Wireless will follow AT&T's move and implement tiered data plans, marking an end to unlimited data.

Via: (PocketNow)

Verizon Rumored to Kill Unlimited Data Plans

Following in rival AT&T's footsteps, Verizon Wireless is rumored to be ending its offering of unlimited data soon, a move that is considered unsurprising given that the carrier had alluded to tiered pricing even before AT&T's controversial change. The move by Verizon Wireless is speculated to happen on July 29th; hopefully users on current unlimited plans would be grandfathered in unless they make account changes.

Right now, Verizon is charging about $30 for unlimited smartphone data, the same as AT&T's plan prior to its change to tiered pricing; AT&T is now charging $25 for 2 GB of data and a paltry 200 MB for $15.

The move is justified by the carriers in that most users use under 2 GB of data a month; for a majority of cell phone owners, it will be a cost savings of $5 though users on AT&T's plan under the unlimited data terms are grandfathered in unless they explicitly call in and change to a tiered plan. For heavy data users--a minority--this will help to offset network congestion and hopefully provide a better experience for all users.

However, despite those justifications, as carriers move to 4G networks--AT&T and Verizon Wireless are opting for LTE technologies--that are more efficient at handling data, charging more for data flow is controversial as it'd be cheaper for networks to handle data under 4G systems. Another reason for controversy is that as smartphones get more powerful, data caps may limit the potential of your "pocket computers." For devices capable of shooting large megapixels worth of pictures and high-resolution HD videos, data caps may make it prohibitive to share and be social on the web while mobile.

At this point, such a move seems likely though Verizon Wireless has not officially commented on when a change would occur.


Via: (PocketNow)

Verizon 4G to Go Live in 30 Major Metropolitan Cities

Don't get your hopes up just yet as Verizon Wireless's initial 4G LTE deployment will happen only with data cards and USB modems, at least on November 15th when the carrier begins launching its assault against rival Sprint, which has had an early lead with devices like the Sprint Overdrive, the HTC EVO 4G, and the Samsung Epic 4G Galaxy S smartphone.

It's been rumored that smartphones running on Verizon Wireless's 4G network will be arriving early 2011 once network optimization and battery life improves. We'll have to wait and see, but for now, rumor has it that November 15 will see faster modems for VZW in 30 major markets, including New York, LA, Chicago, and Philadelphia and ten airport locations.

Also, it seems that as the carrier moves to 4G LTE, Verizon Wireless will also join GSM carriers AT&T and T-Mobile USA in employing SIM cards.

Via: (PocketNow)

Verizon HTC Droid Eris Getting an Update

It looks like Verizon Wireless is busy with this week with rolling out OTA Android updates, first with an announced Droid X update and now with an update for the HTC Droid Eris that will bring some fixes and improvements. The MR4 update is said to fix the silent call issue. The Eris update has already begun to arrive on some devices, though it may take some time to reach all Eris owners out there.

Via: (PocketNow)

Motorola Droid 2 Images Pulled From Teaser Site Ad

The successor to the original Motorola Droid has been spotted and images has been extracted from a Flash file from a teaser site. According to Engadget Mobile, "Astute reader Dominic was just minding his business, hunting for hints in the Droid Does website source code, when what should he allegedly discover but an entire Droid 2 spread inside an Shockwave Flash file."

The Droid 2 will be a Verizon Wireless device with the official model number of A955 and it's unclear if there will be a GSM version for the international market. With the original Droid, Motorola made a GSM variant called the Motorola Milestone for use in other countries where Verizon Wireless did not have an exclusive.

Unlike the Droid X, which has a higher-specced 8-megapixel camera, larger screen, and no keyboard, the Droid 2 will retain the original QWERTY sliding design of the original Droid, will come with a 5-megapixel camera with dual LED flash, and a more compact screen design; the original Droid has a 3.7-inch FWVGA 16:9 aspect ratio display.

Via: (PocketNow)

Motorola Droid X to Get OTA Update Soon

Just a few short days after the flagship Motorola Droid X Android phone is released, it looks like Motorola and Verizon Wireless will be pushing out an OTA update soon enough that will bring some added improvements. Slated to begin rolling out today, Monday, July 19th.

According to BGR, the improvements include:

-Improved battery charging status indicator.
-Smoother transition for camera and camcorder functions.
-Redesign of weather widget icons.
-Faster Exchange ActiveSync® email loading.
-Streamlined organization of newly downloaded applications.
-Organized favorite contacts by call count.
-Updated Bluetooth® connection for enhanced video sharing experience.
-Coordinated date and time across phone displays.
-Cleaner looking status bar for GPS symbol.
-Improved sync capabilities for 3G Mobile Hotspot.
-Faster Visual Voice Mail loading.
-Take advantage of the enhanced, preloaded My Verizon application.
-Preloaded Amazon Kindle® application lets you read Kindle books on your AndroidTM phone, including thousands of free books.

As the Droid X already comes pre-loaded with a Blockbuster app for media consumption, the inclusion of the Kindle app will have the handset match the T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant, which has a Sumsung Media Hub app for rentals (though not available at this time) and also a pre-loaded Kindle app.

Android Froyo 2.2 is still slated for the device and Verizon and Motorola has promised that it will be coming later this summer. Android 2.2 will bring with it support for Adobe Flash 10.1 Mobile, which will give users a desktop-class browsing experience and nearly full compatibility with the Flash-encoded Internet videos, games, and interactive content.

Via: (PocketNow)