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Verizon Officially Announces Droid
Insert over-used Jedi joke here...

As expected Verizon Wireless today dropped the details of their Motorola Droid launch. The new phone will arrive on November 6 in Verizon stores and online, and will cost $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate (the rebate comes in the form of a debit card). Users will of course have to sign up for a minimum 450 minute $39.99 voice plan, as well as a $29.99 data plan, which provides Verizon's usual 5GB worth of EVDO connectivity, per month. Pricing is, all in all, in league with other smartphones.

According to Verizon and Motorola, this will be the first in a series of Droid-branded phones. The device of course features the Android 2.0 OS, a 3.7 inch screen at 480x854 pixels, a 16GB SD card, 5 megapixel camera, integrated Wi-Fi and both a slide out and touchscreen keyboard for the input inconsistent.

Click for full size
The device is of course loaded with Google applications, including a free turn-by-turn Google navigation app. It's early still, but there's thankfully no indications of annoying or bizarre restrictions being imposed by grandpa Verizon, other than the expected inability to tether the device for use as a modem. That's a huge plus, and here's to hoping there's no Verizon-imposed fine print we're missing.

Early hype (and Verizon and Motorola) suggests the Droid could be the first serious iPhone challenger, though we'll get a better idea if that's true as reviews start popping up over the next few weeks. As you'd expect, gadget blogs Gizmodo and Engadget are on the scene with initial hands-on impressions, screenshots, and videos. All signs are this might just be the droid you're looking for.
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reub2000
Premium Member
join:2001-12-28
Evanston, IL

reub2000

Premium Member

sounds more like

Looking at the specs, it looks like they're trying to challenge the Nokia N900.
ciucca
join:2004-05-24
Westfield, NJ

ciucca

Member

Re: sounds more like

Only 1 comment. I guess nobody cares
expert007
join:2006-01-10
Buffalo, NY

expert007

Member

Judging by the abysmal level of support

that I've gotten from VZ in the past, I think the mindless droid has existed in their organization for quite some time.

Gbcue
Premium Member
join:2001-09-30
Santa Rosa, CA

Gbcue

Premium Member

Re: Judging by the abysmal level of support

said by expert007:

that I've gotten from VZ in the past, I think the mindless droid has existed in their organization for quite some time.
Phone will probably do better on T-Mobile's network.
Big Dawg 23
join:2002-03-27
Northfield, MN

Big Dawg 23

Member

Re: Judging by the abysmal level of support

T-MO's network better than VZW??? That's a good one.
TechWhiz
join:2004-10-30
Phoenix, AZ

TechWhiz to Gbcue

Member

to Gbcue
I would agree.... with respect to data. 5GB a month? Likely quite enough for any smartphone, but at least T-mobile still uses the "unlimited" word for their data package on the G1. Also, if you go over whatever the fine print says "unlimited" is with T-mobile, you get throttled - not charged overages.

oOOOo
join:2001-12-10
Canonsburg, PA

oOOOo to Gbcue

Member

to Gbcue
Driod is CDMA only right? How is that going to do anything at all on a GSM network?

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

1 edit

Z80

Premium Member

Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

Before Droid it was Crackberry Storm. No matter the carrier, Instinct, Pre, G2, etc these iPhone killers are like busses, seems a new one comes along every 15 minutes and for the most part they all stink.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by Z80:

Before Droid it was Crackberry Storm. No matter the carrier, Instinct, Pre, G2, etc these iPhone killers are like busses, seems a new one comes along every 15 minutes and for the most part they all stink.
But Google has thrown their weight behind this one. It might make a difference.

»tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/ ··· etgoogle
US telecom carrier Verizon Wireless and US handset maker Motorola announced meanwhile that a new smartphone going on sale in the United States next week, the Droid, would be the first to feature Google Maps Navigation.

Google Maps Navigation will currently only work on smartphones using Android 2.0.

It includes many of the features of a traditional GPS device made by companies such as Garmin and TomTom such as three-dimensional (3D) views and turn-by-turn voice guidance.

The Internet-connected system allows navigation using voice search in English, provides live traffic data, satellite imagery from Google Maps and Google's "street view" -- real pictures of destinations.

Technology industry tracker Gartner predicts that Android-based smartphones will capture 14 percent of the global market by the year 2012, as compared with a mere two percent today, according to a report in Computerworld.
»news.cnet.com/8301-30686 ··· 35_3-0-5
The device offers voice-activated search that allows users to speak a query and the Google-powered search engine will deliver Web results or results from the device such as contacts, music, and photos. The voice search also works with the new turn-by-turn directions for Google Maps. It allows users to view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia entries, and transit lines on the map.

Nightfall
My Goal Is To Deny Yours
MVM
join:2001-08-03
Grand Rapids, MI

Nightfall

MVM

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by FFH5:

said by Z80:

Before Droid it was Crackberry Storm. No matter the carrier, Instinct, Pre, G2, etc these iPhone killers are like busses, seems a new one comes along every 15 minutes and for the most part they all stink.
But Google has thrown their weight behind this one. It might make a difference.

»tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/ ··· etgoogle
US telecom carrier Verizon Wireless and US handset maker Motorola announced meanwhile that a new smartphone going on sale in the United States next week, the Droid, would be the first to feature Google Maps Navigation.

Google Maps Navigation will currently only work on smartphones using Android 2.0.

It includes many of the features of a traditional GPS device made by companies such as Garmin and TomTom such as three-dimensional (3D) views and turn-by-turn voice guidance.

The Internet-connected system allows navigation using voice search in English, provides live traffic data, satellite imagery from Google Maps and Google's "street view" -- real pictures of destinations.

Technology industry tracker Gartner predicts that Android-based smartphones will capture 14 percent of the global market by the year 2012, as compared with a mere two percent today, according to a report in Computerworld.
»news.cnet.com/8301-30686 ··· 35_3-0-5
The device offers voice-activated search that allows users to speak a query and the Google-powered search engine will deliver Web results or results from the device such as contacts, music, and photos. The voice search also works with the new turn-by-turn directions for Google Maps. It allows users to view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia entries, and transit lines on the map.
"Might" being the keyword.
puck0114
join:2005-12-24
Portland, OR

puck0114

Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

"Won't" being the more correct keyword.

Seriously, Motorola's phones are pretty much dogs. Why would anyone think the Droid will be any different?

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

Z80

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

OS?

What kills these phones IMO is horrible software. The hardware may be great, it's the interface that sucks ass.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by Z80:

OS?

What kills these phones IMO is horrible software. The hardware may be great, it's the interface that sucks ass.
The 2.0 version of Android is getting good comments from many different reviewers in the tech press. Much better than the early Android versions.

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

Z80

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

Pre got good reviews too but isn't a "killer".

tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium Member
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO

1 recommendation

tiger72

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by Z80:

Pre got good reviews too but isn't a "killer".
What is this, 2008? No one phone will be an iPhone killer. Android, as a system, however might. It's the first competition to the iphone which does what the iphone was successful at: A vibrant application marketplace. Innovative software. A simple, straight forward interface. It one-ups Apple with customization. It has quickly adapted to and integrated a changing mobile web. Full-on social networking integration. Android 1.x can be characterized by utilitarianism first. Hence why the geeks love it. Android 2.x has mass appeal. This is why the other carriers are finally taking it seriously.

Until now, Android has really been hampered by subpar hardware. Almost all HTC's using the same processor, memory, etc. Very little advertising (or, in the case of TMO's MyTouch campaign - very poor advertising). VZW, otoh, seems to be interested in changing that.

In the end, I could care less if the Droid is an iPhone "killer" or whatever Apple wants to set the bar at. As long as Android keeps moving forward at the pace its going, I (as the owner of Android handset) benefit.

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

3 edits

Z80

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by tiger72:

. Android 2.x has mass appeal.
This has yet to be determined. We will see 4Q.

In the meantime, if VZ wants to run 'iDon't' ads, it better be a "killer" otherwise it will appear the handset is a market failure even if it does fairly well. In the end it could be pundits crowing "DroidDon't Sell" because it will be compared to the iPhone's sales numbers.

These carriers set themselves up for PR failure by immediately and clearly squaring off against the iPhone instead of simply marketing it and making no reference to the iPhone.

It reminds me of the boasting in NYC papers the last few days »www.philly.com/inquirer/ ··· es_.html about the coming rout of the Phillies by the Yanks. If the Yanks win, fine, but if they loose...it will be an embarrassing mess because of the "iDon't" style boasting.
xenophon
join:2007-09-17

xenophon to Z80

Member

to Z80
said by Z80:

Pre got good reviews too but isn't a "killer".
Not in sales but Pre is definitely a better platform.

Will be curious to see how polished Android is compared to Pre. Google is good at simplicity but not full polished user experience. IE, Google Maps for navigation is a toy in comparison to Sprint Navigation on Pre.

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

Z80

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

To these carriers, sales/margins is all that matters.

tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium Member
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO

tiger72

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by Z80:

To these carriers, sales/margins is all that matters.
Not exactly. They could really care less how any particular phone sells. Phone sales profits are hampered by subsidies that the carriers offer. They don't see a profit on that handset til 2 years down the road. The handset maker gets that profit immediately. Carriers just want more customers paying for service agreements.

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

Z80

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by tiger72:

said by Z80:

To these carriers, sales/margins is all that matters.
Carriers just want more customers paying for service agreements.
Hence, sales/margins are all that matter.
dynodb
Premium Member
join:2004-04-21
Minneapolis, MN

1 recommendation

dynodb to Z80

Premium Member

to Z80
said by Z80:

Pre got good reviews too but isn't a "killer".
Thanks for reminding me of two more reasons I should consider buying the Droid:

1. It's not an iPhone. Screw Apple and their insistance on deciding for their customers what they may and may not have access to or use. Double-screw iTunes.

2. I wouldn't be associated with the annoying Apple / iPhone fanboys and apologists.

Z80
1 point 77
Premium Member
join:2009-08-31
Amerika

Z80

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

Relax guy. You buy whatever you want for whatever reason you want.

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

FastiBook to Z80

Member

to Z80
Not sure about the android OS, but i know the moto OS is slow and sluggish, speaking from years of experience.

My own opinion, is that all of these phones aim to chip away a little but at iPhone growth, not even share, just growth. All these touch phones exploded onto the market after iPhone. I think as with the mac, it;s not just hardware, it's not just software, it's the seamless integration you can just feel in the operation and design of an iPhone, combined with the whole ecosystem of itunes and app store and iPhone centric projects, like some sites having an iPhone optimized format which also works as a regular full site (i.e. not "mobile" version)... I mean if you just use one for a while, even in a store, you'll most likely like it. I used the iPhone 3G for months in stores before ever doing anything related to purchasing one.

- A

tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium Member
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO

1 edit

tiger72

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by FastiBook:

Not sure about the android OS, but i know the moto OS is slow and sluggish, speaking from years of experience.

My own opinion, is that all of these phones aim to chip away a little but at iPhone growth, not even share, just growth. All these touch phones exploded onto the market after iPhone. I think as with the mac, it;s not just hardware, it's not just software, it's the seamless integration you can just feel in the operation and design of an iPhone, combined with the whole ecosystem of itunes and app store and iPhone centric projects, like some sites having an iPhone optimized format which also works as a regular full site (i.e. not "mobile" version)... I mean if you just use one for a while, even in a store, you'll most likely like it. I used the iPhone 3G for months in stores before ever doing anything related to purchasing one.

- A
There's this misconception that websites are designed solely for the iphone, and that people who don't want/like the iphone simply haven't used one. Between ipod touches, and iphones, I'm willing to bet you'll be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't used the iphone. We simply prefer other devices because, unlike many iphone users, we've tried the smartphone alternatives.

When you're comparing a smartphone OS to a basic motorola handset (ie razr/rizr/rokr/etc), sure you're going to be impressed by the iphone. Hell, even comparing the iPhone to a Blackberry with it's dated OS, you'll be impressed. To me, the same thing goes for Android. Try it - you'll probably like it. I have an iPhone, and I have a G1. Home screen widgets, pull-down notification bar, etc. Stuff I definitely miss when on my GF's iphone.

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

1 edit

FastiBook

Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

Uhm, no, it's not a misconception, there are sites out there that are meant to work with the iPhone's input and navigation stuff. My friend is actually working on one right now.

As far as comparing razr to iphone, no offense but i'm not some bumpkin that fell off the hay wagon. I go into phone stores all the time to fiddle, i can not stand that stupid little roller ball, and some phones seem totally geared towards the biz market, not at all towards the general phone purchasing public, those are really useless to me, because i'm not working for some crackberry doling company that requires them or some such, and the G1, nothing special, i find its design & system navigation upside down backwards and irritating. That's probably my biggest issue with most "smart phones". they seem to have all kinds of features, functionality, but usability in the real world just isn't there.

- A

tiger72
SexaT duorP
Premium Member
join:2001-03-28
Saint Louis, MO

1 edit

tiger72

Premium Member

Re: Yet another in a long line of supposed "iPhone" killers

said by FastiBook:

Uhm, no, it's not a misconception, there are sites out there that are meant to work with the iPhone's input and navigation stuff. My friend is actually working on one right now.
Please elaborate. Maybe a link? Hrm?

I'd love to see what website you're referring to that ONLY works for the iphone, and not other devices with the same screen size. Or do you think that ifap.to is only for iphones?
As far as comparing razr to iphone, no offense but i'm not some bumpkin that fell off the hay wagon. I go into phone stores all the time to fiddle, i can not stand that stupid little roller ball, and some phones seem totally geared towards the biz market, not at all towards the general phone purchasing public, those are really useless to me, because i'm not working for some crackberry doling company that requires them or some such, and the G1, nothing special, i find its design & system navigation upside down backwards and irritating. That's probably my biggest issue with most "smart phones". they seem to have all kinds of features, functionality, but usability in the real world just isn't there.

- A
Hey, if that's your opinion, that's fine. You don't actually ever have to use the trackball on any of the phones (hence why the Droid, Galaxy, Behold II, etc.. dont even have them). God forbid you have options.. Regardless, the fact that you lump Android in with the Blackberry speaks volumes. Even iphone fanboys on iphone blogs have yet to say that Android lacks "usability". Blackberries? Absolutely. Android? Notsomuch.

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

FastiBook

Member

»www.businessweek.com/the ··· ers.html

3rd paragraph. Someone stealing my ideas?

- A

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5 to puck0114

Premium Member

to puck0114
said by puck0114:

"Won't" being the more correct keyword.

Seriously, Motorola's phones are pretty much dogs. Why would anyone think the Droid will be any different?
Commentary on how this might be Motorola's last chance to remain relevant in the smartphone market:
»news.yahoo.com/s/nf/2009 ··· nf/69771

reub2000
Premium Member
join:2001-12-28
Evanston, IL

reub2000 to Z80

Premium Member

to Z80
I don't think google is trying to kill the iPhone, they're just trying to get their software running on anything that isn't an iPhone.

kieranmullen
Premium Member
join:2005-12-12
Portland, OR

kieranmullen to Z80

Premium Member

to Z80
Current reports estimate blackberry has 50%+ marketshare Apple 40%

Of course the IPOD in the us has about 70%+ adaoption.

I suspect the percentages for both ipod and iphone are less worldwide.
said by Z80:

Before Droid it was Crackberry St\orm. No matter the carrier, Instinct, Pre, G2, etc these iPhone killers are like busses, seems a new one comes along every 15 minutes and for the most part they all stink.

PapaMidnight
join:2009-01-13
Baltimore, MD

PapaMidnight

Member

Only because Karl made me...

Is this the droid you're looking for?

•••

pende_tim
Premium Member
join:2004-01-04
Selbyville, DE

pende_tim

Premium Member

A bit expensive

At $199 price point I think I will keep my BB Tour for a while.
BosstonesOwn
join:2002-12-15
Wakefield, MA

BosstonesOwn

Member

Re: A bit expensive

I was pretty excited when I got to handle one of these from a friend in verizon , it's a great phone , but when he told me the expected retail was $300 , I knew it was a loser right away.

People who have the iphone , want an iphone not a replica of it , or a take off of it , the people not getting an iphone because of the network will get one if it becomes available for the network they like this is why we seen a huge unlocking market for iphones.

It's a nice phone in general , but the $30 fee for internet kills it and I don't want a 2 year commitment in such bad times. Yet another phone me and my wife are passing on. Might have to have them fix my wifes phone so I don't have to replace the voyager soon.
dynodb
Premium Member
join:2004-04-21
Minneapolis, MN

dynodb

Premium Member

Might be time to upgrade

I don't need one. I doubt I'd ever break 50 meg a month in data usage since I have Internet access at home and work. I don't travel much. It's much bigger than my trusty old Sony-Ericsson W810i that does 95% of what I need it to.

An $80 phone would almost certainly suit my needs just fine. Also, I don't like having to pay $30 a month for data that I'd rarely use.

Yet I come Nov 6th, I'll probably be ordering one. Open source Android sounds great, and I very much like that they're not crippling features like WiFi and GPS. I just hope that there's room in my pocket (and pocketbook) for it.

Rob23
@windstream.net

Rob23

Anon

Looks good

Video at ----- ENGADGET
banner
Premium Member
join:2003-11-07
Long Beach, CA

banner

Premium Member

$30 data plan required

Required to pay $30 month for data plan with droid, instead of the $15/month 'unlimited' that I pay now for my dumb phone.

•••••••••

Matt3
All noise, no signal.
Premium Member
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC

1 edit

Matt3

Premium Member

Exchange?

Any word on Exchange support? Is it IMAP/POP3 or is it push?

Whoa, according to Motorola is supports Exchange: »www.motorola.com/Consume ··· S-EN.alt

SYNCHRONIZATION

Support for Corporate calendar, email and contacts (Exchange 2003 and 2007), Google contacts, calendar and Gmail™, Facebook™ contacts


I am so done with my iPhone and AT&T.

•••

daport
@comcast.net

1 recommendation

daport

Anon

No real iPhone Killer

Until someone takes the stance Steve Job$ has on his dictator like hold over the Hardware and Software, nobody will make a phone that will kill the iPhone. Sure, open dev is great, adding your own apps is great, but control is better. Steve is giving people what they want, he is TELLING people what they want. That is true power....

"....something, something darkside...."

Matt3
All noise, no signal.
Premium Member
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC

Matt3

Premium Member

Quick Comparo

»www.billshrink.com/blog/ ··· alm-pre/

iPhone vs Pre vs Droid

On paper, the Droid wins.

••••••

NOCMan
MadMacHatter
Premium Member
join:2004-09-30
Colorado Springs, CO

NOCMan

Premium Member

Droid Built To Google's Spec, not Moto's

Google has been calling the shots on this phone, Moto's other phone coming out uses their version of Android called BLUR I believe. It actually has lesser specs than the Droid, but it's targeted at teens I believe.

Though I think the teens will want the Droid if they were able to compare the two.

eric_n_dfw
join:2001-10-22
Roanoke, TX

eric_n_dfw

Member

Apple will respond

From what I remember, the big flood of iPhone users came after the 3G rolled out and the App Store opened about 1.5 years ago. (which is when I got mine)

Since the majority of those users are still tied to their 2 year contracts, and just about every iPhone 1st gen user I know upgraded to the 3Gs so they're still in contract too. I'd bet that Apple will upgrade the iPhone hardware in the spring to have things like a 5MP camera, LED flash, SD card etc... to take the wind out of Droid's sales.

Also, to most non-geeks the other "iDont's" don't make a lot of difference; i.e. to you think even 20% of the general public know and/or care what "Open Development" is?

Personally, I'd the Droid phone if it lives up to the spec's and if it can sync with my OS X based machines at home, but I'm doubtful it will, and I'm not paying to break my contract early anyway.
rjbied
join:2005-02-09
Chicago, IL

rjbied

Member

iPhone's Achille's Heal

From my perspective (living in Chicago), the iPhone's Achilles's Heal is the AT&T network, or lack thereof. I was a long time AT&T user (starting back in the Cingular days), but had to endure the steady degradation in service over the last year or so. The AT&T infrastructure in Chicago is simply antiquated & overloaded. As much as I would like to have an iPhone, it would be prohibitive for my business. In the end I switched to Verizon, due to the strength of their network in the Chicago area. My need is for a reliable business tool, not a cool gadget on a substandard network.

••••