Verizon’s Phone Launch Calendar

We now know that Verizon will be getting the HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro (yay) and it looks like there is a whole slate of new phones coming out in the 3rd quarter. PhoneArena got the low down on the showdown and apparently, heres how its going to go down:

Obviously what we’re interested in here are the HTC devices, the Blaze which is a multimedia touchscreen phone in Motorola’s new “Motozine” line, the VU30 which might just be the mysterious “Utopia” and the Palm Treo 800w.

The rest are pretty ho-hum - at least on the surface - but we’ll let you know if anything develops. Lets hear it again for the Touch Diamond/Pro being on more carriers!

[Via PhoneArena]

HTC Touch Pro & Diamond on Sprint, Verizon?!

Sprint and Verizon have signed a deal to carry not only the HTC Touch Pro, but the Touch Diamond as well! CDMA-ers have to be elated as these are 2 of the most anticipated devices of the year. Release dates at this point are unknown, and so are all those ever so important juicy details, but one thing we do know is that the Touch Pro has already been approved by the FCC.

Rumor has it this is their eager attempt to try and snag some people away from the ridiculously popular iPhone. As far as we can tell, the iPhone will not be available on a CDMA network (Verizon & Sprint, etc) for quite some time.. if ever, so this is a nice pickup.

Looks like we’re going to keep a look out for an HTC press release on these bad boys, until then..

[Via Phone Mag & Into Mobile]

Hello Rhapsody, Says Verizon.

I’m sure you’ve been out of your house and had a song stuck in your head that you just had to listen to. If not, you’re an alien and I’m calling the FBI. For humans who also happen to be Verizon customers, get ready to rejoice: today, Verizon Wireless announced that it will be introducing Rhapsody’s subscription based music service on their network. This brings you unlimited mobile music downloads for $15 bucks a month - not bad!

Rhapsody appears to be following the footsteps of its siblings, Napster and iTunes. But breathe a sigh of relief, because they’ve taken off that ever so annoying DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection so you now have control over the music you buy.. unlike the past.

If you have however bought a song on VCAST before, you also received a copy of the MP3 track for your PC. Now, that copy will be unprotected… no DRM! While songs that are downloaded through this new service will still come with DRM protection, you need to connect it to your PC with Rhapsody installed to get the non-DRM’d MP3 for your PC. Mac users? Sorry, this won’t work for you yet.

This service will only work with the LG Chocolate 3 (available in July), LG Decoy and LG Dare; Motorola W755; Samsung U550, Samsung Glyde and Samsung Juke. However, if you’re using the Motorola RIZR Z6tv, Motorola RAZR2 V9m or LG VX8700 you’ll need to pop on in to your local Verizon store and get an upgrade of your phone’s software.

[Via Verizon Wireless]

Motorola Blaze: Verizon’s Next Touch Screen

The LG Dare came out less than a week ago but Verizon Wireless already has another all-touch screen device ready to battle the likes of the Dare, Voyager and Glyde… introducing the Motorola Blaze.

BGR describes the phone as, “A Ming crossed with a PEBL crossed with a RAZR 2.” Hmmm.. interesting. We’ve got (rumored) specs and pictures to give you a better idea:

Pictures:

[Via BGR]

LG Dare Now Available!

The LG Dare is officially “for sale” on the Verizon Wireless website. If you’re the type that needs to go into the store and play around before deciding, you’ll have to wait until next weekend. With that being a holiday weekend, we’d opt for the convenience of ordering online.

Some of the features of this sexy phone are a touchscreen that comes with a stylus for handwriting recognition, a 3.2MP camera with face detection, LED flash and autozoom as well as picture and video editing tools and a nice multimedia suite. It’s looking pretty good.

Here is the “official” information from Verizon:

Dare to be different with Verizon Wireless’ newest phone - Dare™ by LG. This new handset will surpass your expectations with a large 3–inch touch screen that recognizes your handwriting and gives you tactile feedback. Zoom in closer to find a 3.2 megapixel camera/camcorder with advanced features like face detection for outstanding image quality. Of course, the Dare sounds just as good as it looks with a music player and Bluetooth® stereo. With HTML web browsing and a host of other alluring features, it’s up to any mobile challenge.

Design

  • Large 3″ Touch Screen with Tactile Feedback
  • Virtual QWERTY Keyboard

Camera/Video

  • 3.2 Megapixel Camera & Camcorder
  • Camera Resolutions: 2048×1536, 1600×1200, 1280×960, 640×480, 320×240
  • Video Resolution: 640×480, 320×240, 176×144
  • SmartPic Technology for Improved Image Quality
  • Face Detection – automatically detects a face when taking a picture
  • Panorama, Split Shot, & Frame Camera Setting
  • Image Editor – zoom, rotate, crop, add frames, icons, and write over images

Music

  • Music Player for MP3, WMA, unprotected AAC, & unprotected AAC+
  • Preset Sound Effect Equalizer
  • Multitask While Playing Music
  • Create and Manage Playlists
  • microSD™ Memory Port with up to 8GB Support
  • USB Mass Storage

Bluetooth®

  • Send all Contacts & Calendar Events via Bluetooth
  • Print & Send User–Generated Pictures (JPEG) via Bluetooth
  • Supported Profiles: Headset, Hands–free, Dial–Up Networking, Advanced Audio Distribution (stereo), Phonebook Access, Basic Printing, Object Push for vCard and vCalendar, File Transfer, Basic Imaging, Human Imaging Transfer
Services

    Only Available on Nationwide Plans

  • Nationwide Premium Plan Capable
  • V CAST Music
  • V CAST Videos
  • Text/Picture/Video Messaging/Mobile IM/Voice Mail
  • HTML Web Browser with Touch Navigation
  • Media Center – download games, ringtones, and more
  • Mobile Email & VZ Navigatorsm

General

  • One–Touch Speakerphone & Speaker–Independent Voice Commands
  • Calculator, EZTip Calculator, Calendar, Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, World Clock, Notebook, Notepad & Drawing Pad with handwriting recognition
  • Up to 1000 contacts, 5 entries per contact
  • Device Software Update – Download software upgrades over the air

Specifications

  • Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA
  • Data Transmission: EV–DO Rev. A
  • Dimensions: 4.1″ (H) x 2.2″ (W) x 0.5″ (D)
  • Weight: 3.76 oz.
  • Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
  • Meets FCC SAR limit. Manufacturer’s highest FCC reported SAR 1.09 W/kg at ear, 0.987 W/kg on body
  • Display: 260K Color TFT, 240×400 Pixels, 2.98″
  • Handset Usage Time: Up to 280 Minutes OR
  • Handset Standby Time: Up to 360 Hours
  • 3.5mm Headset Jack Capable
  • Handset Insurance is Available

Verizon’s Visual Voicemail reveals MUCH More

We recently learned that Verizon Wireless will be joining the ranks of AT&T and Sprint in offering Visual Voicemail. It’s a pretty handy tool that will allow you to view a list of your voicemail’s and who they are from so you can listen to them in any order you’d like. Neat, but not the most exciting part of the “announcement”.

Inside documents from Verizon about Visual Voicemail provide some insight into rumored and previously unheard of new handsets. And new phone rumors, ladies and gentlemen, makes us more happy than a bucket of rainbows.

5 actual handsets are listed as being “affected” by the adoption of Verizon Visual Voicemail:

There’s an AWFUL lot to chew on here folks.

First of all, this means we’ll DEFINITELY be seeing something new from the LG Voyager. Whether its just a software update (much needed) or a new hardware release in time for the holidays, we’re not quite sure. But its exciting to see new Voyager mentions in the mix as it simply doesn’t get enough credit.

The Motorola Utopia and Motorola Blaze are two BRAND NEW devices that haven’t really been mentioned up to this point. Who knows what they could be. But without a decent Motorola Touch Screen in the United States, this looks like pretty big news.

See that “New RIM Device (touchscreen)” our bets - as well as everyone elses - are that this means the BlackBerry Thunder (still unannounced) will have Visual Voicemail. Sweet!

And then there is the Chocolate 3 which is less exciting since we can pretty much get our arms around everything there. But for the other 4 cans of worms opened, we’ll keep you up to date as the news rolls in, so check back in!

By the way, the Visual Voicemail won’t be a free addition, it’ll cost you an extra $1.99 per month.

[Sources: EngadgetMobile, Gizmodo]

LG Decoy Is Up For Sale!

As expected, the LG Decoy is now for sale on the Verizon Wireless homepage:

It will cost you $179.99 with a 2 year contract and $50 instant online rebate. Not too shabby considering it also comes with a bluetooth headset that you’ll never have to charge.

It will be interesting to see how many people take the dive for the decoy when there are so many other amazing phones in the works over the next several months. If you grab one, let us know what you think…

4 New Sprint Phones Launching Sunday

Sprint is launching 4 brand new phones on Sunday, Father’s Day. And while they are technically “new”, you’ll likely think they’re about as “groovy” and “jiving” as the forced lingo your wannabe cool dad uses. ALL of the following phones feature Push-To-Talk Technology.

First up is the the LG LX400, is a clamshell with push-to-talk Q-Chat feature, 1.3 MP camera, GPS and bluetooth that will set you back $79.99 with a 2-year contract and rebates:

Next we have the Samsung Z400 which claims it is rugged enough to pass Military Specification 810F for conditions such as dust, temperature and altitude. Doesn’t this sound like the upcoming Motorola Adventure for Sprint? These two will likely go head to head, with the rugged nature being the top selling point. $99.99 with 2 years and rebates.

The Sanyo Pro-200 and Pro-700 are pretty run of the mill as well, but do boast e-mail support. The Pro 200 runs $49.99 with 2 years and rebates. The Pro-700 is the exact same phone but ruggedized to pass those Military Specifications 810F you keep hearing about.

[Via Sprint]

Real Pictures of the BlackBerry Thunder!

Rumors of the BlackBerry Thunder have been spreading like wildfire ever since the BGR dropped news on the upcoming and unannounced device. He created a “mockup” of what HE thought the device would look like, many people confusing it for official pictures.

Now the BGR has the REAL pictures and he wasn’t far off. Emblazoned with a Verizon Wireless logo, the phone is rumored to be a lifetime exclusive on Verizon’s network.

Just when you thought the weekend was slipping away with nothing notable happening… The phone has all the buttons we expected… Send, Menu, Escape and End with a few odds and ends here and there. It looks as beautiful as we thought it would, but a few questions remain. Mainly:

  1. Is BlackBerry capable of putting out a highly competitive product with the BlackBerry Thunder since it is their first ever attempt at creating a touchscreen? Or, can we expect it to have flaws that the BlackBerry brand can’t overcome?
  2. We want one… when does it come out?

It’s amazing how one guy got the scoop on EVERYTHING for this phone… finding the rumors before anyone else, announcing them, making an oh-so-accurate mock-up, disputing claims of others that it didn’t exist and now releasing these.

Big props to the Boy Genius Report!

Deep Talks to Done Deal: Verizon Buys Alltel

That didn’t take long. Less than 24 hours after a CNBC article verified Verizon was in “deep talks” to purchase Alltel, the deal closes. The final figure is $28.1 Billion - which is a steal considering what Alltel brings to their network, including reach to rural areas and network compatibility. A synergy exists there for sure.

The deal should close by year end so long as it gets regulatory approval without too much trouble. Here is the full press release:

June 5, 2008

VERIZON WIRELESS TO ACQUIRE ALLTEL; WILL EXPAND NATION’S MOST RELIABLE WIRELESS NETWORK

Verizon Wireless has entered into an agreement with Alltel Corporation and Atlantis Holdings LLC, an affiliate of private investment firm TPG Capital and GS Capital Partners, to acquire Alltel Corporation in a cash merger. Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).

Under the terms of the agreement, Verizon Wireless will acquire the equity of Alltel for approximately $5.9 billion. Based on Alltel’s projected net debt at closing of $22.2 billion, the aggregate value of the transaction is $28.1 billion.

The parties are targeting completion of the merger by the end of the year, subject to obtaining regulatory approvals.

Once this transaction closes, customers of both companies will have access to an expanded range of products and services, including a premier lineup of basic and advanced devices and an expanded IN Network calling community. Alltel customers also will benefit from advanced services including over-the-air downloadable music from a three-million-song library, and a network that is nationwide, for a uniform coast-to-coast experience. They also will be able to take advantage of industry-leading consumer policies, including Test Drive and Worry Free Guarantee®.

“This move will create an enhanced platform of network coverage, spectrum and customer care to better serve the growing needs of both Alltel and Verizon Wireless customers for reliable basic and advanced broadband wireless services,” said Lowell McAdam, Verizon Wireless president and chief executive officer.

Alltel serves more than 13 million customers in markets in 34 states. This includes 57 primarily rural markets that Verizon Wireless does not serve. The transaction puts the Alltel markets and customers on a path to advanced 4th generation services as Verizon Wireless deploys LTE technology throughout its network over the next several years. Alltel’s customers also will reap the benefits of Verizon Wireless’ Open Development initiative, which welcomes third-party devices and services to use the Verizon Wireless network.

Verizon Communications, the owner of the majority stake in Verizon Wireless, expects that the transaction will be immediately accretive, excluding transaction and integration costs. “This is a perfect fit, with Alltel’s high-value post-paid customer base, its solid financials, our common network technology, and significant, readily attainable synergies,” said Ivan Seidenberg, Verizon chief executive officer and chairman of the Verizon board. “Verizon Wireless’ acquisition of Alltel clearly provides opportunities for enhanced value for Verizon shareholders.”

Alltel President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Ford will continue in his current position as head of Alltel until the merger is completed.

“Both Alltel and Verizon Wireless have long track records of delivering a high-quality customer experience in the marketplace,” Ford said. “The combination of our two companies will continue and improve upon that heritage as, together, we can more quickly deliver an expanded range of innovative products and services to our customers.”

Verizon Wireless expects to realize synergies with a net present value, after integration costs, of more than $9 billion driven by reduced capital and operating expense savings. Synergies are expected to generate incremental cost savings of $1 billion in the second year after closing.

Alltel and Verizon Wireless both use a common network technology, which provides advantages of a seamless transition for Alltel customers, ease in integrating the two companies’ networks, and scale efficiencies in operating the larger integrated network.

Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Verizon Wireless on this transaction and is providing bridge financing. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as legal advisor to Verizon Wireless.

Citibank, Goldman Sachs and RBS advised the sellers on the transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz acted as legal advisor to Alltel, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisors to the sellers.

Verizon Plots to Purchase Alltel

The rumors have circulated before without action, but according to CNBC, Verizon is on the verge of acquiring the 5th largest Wireless Carrier in the United States (Alltel) for $27 Billion Dollars.

The current American Mobile market looks like this:

The purchase of Alltel would allow VZW to hurdle above AT&T as the #1 American mobile carrier with nearly 10 million more subscribers - a huge margin.

The move would further consolidate what is already a race with limited horses. In the past few years AT&T and Cingular merged (well, kind of) and Sprint bought Nextel. In addition to Verizon buying Alltel, rumors have persisted that T-Mobile is interested in the possible purchase of Sprint.

If both deals happened, the market would look like this (estimated):

Will this consolidation be good or bad for consumers? Well, while the mobile carriers are consolidating we’re seeing mobile software opening, thanks in part to Google’s Android. But with all this change, where is the wireless industry heading?

We’ll keep you posted.

Verizon’s Palm Centro in Circuit City

It’s just the store model dummy with none of the guts inside, but it certainly is a promising sign for folks wanting the Palm Centro pronto.

It doesn’t look bad… but in comparison to the 234522 other smartish phones coming out? Well, we’ll let you decide:

[Via EngadgetMobile]

LG Decoy Priced & Dated

The LG Decoy, a neat little slider with a built in bluetooth headset that stays charged, has been priced and dated for Verizon Wireless.

The Date: June 16th

The Price: $179 with 2-year agreement

For those not planning to commit to an extra 2 years, it’s looking like $349.99 without any contract and $299.99 with a one year rebate… minus of course the $50 instant rebate which would make it $299.99 and $249.99 respectively.

[Via phoneArena, EngadgetMobile]

BlackBerry Bold Release Dates Announced

It might just be rumor, but InfoSyncWorld has definitive dates, prices and carrier info for the upcoming BlackBerry Bold. Here’s what you should know:

We’re not sure why T-Mobile is pricing it at $50 more, but apparently neither is anybody else.

[Via InfoSyncWorld]

Verizon Glydes in with Samsung u940

The worst kept seCrAT is out of the bag as Verizon finally admits and launches the highly anticipated Samsung Glyde.

It was first released to oohs and ahhs for a variety of reasons… it looked the part and acted the part of a super sexy phone, and the “y” replacing the “i” evoked the thought of a certain sex lube for some. Maybe that’s the idea… not so subliminal advertising? This phone will give you an orgasm!

Did it?

In all seriousness, the Samsung Glyde packs some serious punch that is getting mostly glowing reviews and it’s not hard to see why. Unfortunately this thing isn’t available for sale online or in stores yet, but we’ll expect that to change within the next 48 hours. Let us know if you’re the first to break that barrier!

We’ve got our Samsung Glyde Forum all ready for the folks that are eager to pick it up to discuss the phone so make sure you stop by!

So let the debate begin… Glyde or Voyager? Glyde or Instinct?

LG Decoy, Dare, ChocoFlip Get Verizon Dates

Three pretty good looking, sure to sell phones from LG have got rumored release dates that you can pencil in.

LG Decoy

This Slider phone has a unique, built in BlueTooth earpiece for easy removal and use. A pretty neat idea if you ask us. Perhaps this should start coming standard on all devices seeing as how walking around with on the regular with a bluetooth in your ear thumbs you as a Super Geek but having an extra item in your pocket is a pain in the booty. We like it.

Online: May 30th
In Store: June 9th
LG Dare

Definitely the most “glam” of the three phones in question, the LG Dare is basically the LG Prada without the branding. Okay, so perhaps it’s the anti-glam. Either way, it’s a pretty slick little number. And who cares if your white undershirt is Abercrombie & Fitch or Hanes Her Way anways?

It’ll have a a 3.2 MegaPixel Camera, and a Touch Screen for your Qwerty Keyboard needs.

Online: July 4th
In Store: Mid July
LG Chocoloate Flip

Not too much to say besides it’s the heir apparent of the LG Chocolate. Hip Hip, Hooray! Hip Hip, Hooray? Eh we’ll let you decide.

Online: June 24th
In Store: Early July

[Via PhoneArena]

Samsung Glyde Pictures and Rumors

The Samsung Glyde which will some point be available at a Verizon Wireless Store near you may also be available… for FREE… at… BestBuy?

That’s an image picked up at EngadgetMobile and they were tempted to say it is a screen shot of BestBuy’s internal system. You’ll notice all those FREE, FREE, FREE listings and basically, the Glyde could be free at BestBuy with any new contract or contract extension.

We talked about BestBuy’s Cell Phone push with their Carphone Warehouse deal… but this would be pretty big news for them if Verizon doesn’t have the same offer. We can’t imagine that they wouldn’t but the Glyde doesn’t seem like the “Free” phone type.Could BestBuy be purposefully taking a loss to draw attention to their mobile sales department?

Right now it is all rumor and speculation so let’s move onto something that is real, hard (that’s what she said) evidence: Samsung Glyde pictures.