We’ve seen a few different Android devices that seem to be VZW-bound over the last few weeks, but Verizon hasn’t said anything about the handsets or platform until now. The company has a webcast scheduled for later today but released a preemptive press release that outlines the basics.
Verizon and Google have formed a strategic partnership that will “leverage the Verizon Wireless network and the best of the Android open platform to deliver leading-edge mobile applications, services and devices.” Apparently the new dream team has plans that involve co-developing several Android-based devices that will come pre-loaded with innovative applications from not only Verizon, but also 3rd-party developers.
These devices are set to come from multiple manufacturers according to the press release, which is kind of in line with has been leaking out lately. First there is the slider Motorola Tao/Sholes, which is rumored to drop on December 1st. We’ve already seen a bunch of spy shots a even a leaked list of specs that seem to indicate that this might be a killer Android device. And then there is the HTC Desire that was recently approved by the FCC and Wi-Fi Alliance but Verizon hasn’t made either one of these phones official just yet.
We would love to see even one more Android handset launch within the coming months on Verizon. The Internet has long seem to agree that everyone loves the vast Verizon 3G network, but it doesn’t have any must-have devices like the iPhone, Palm Pre, or any Android phone and therefore is less desirable. Verizon seems set to change that real soon and we’ll likely find out more details later today at the webcast.
GROUNDBREAKING AGREEMENT BETWEEN VERIZON WIRELESS AND GOOGLE TO LEVERAGE HIGH-SPEED NETWORK AND OPEN ANDROID PLATFORM FOR WIRELESS INNOVATION
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Verizon Wireless and Google™ today announced a strategic partnership that will leverage the Verizon Wireless network and the best of the Android™ open platform to deliver leading-edge mobile applications, services and devices. Both companies view this agreement as an opportunity to offer consumers an array of products that combine the speed of the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network with the flexibility of the Android mobile platform.
Integral to this agreement is a commitment by the companies to devote substantial resources to accelerate delivery of leading-edge innovation that will put unique applications in the hands of consumers quickly. The two industry leaders will create, market and distribute products and services, with Verizon Wireless also contributing the breadth of its nationwide distribution channels. Consumers will be able to purchase products resulting from the collaboration in Verizon Wireless retail and online stores.
Verizon Wireless and Google plan to co-develop several Android-based devices that will be pre-loaded with innovative applications from both parties as well as third-party developers. The family of Android phones on the Verizon Wireless network will come from leading handset manufacturers.
“The nation’s best wireless broadband network is a perfect complement to the innovation of Android-powered services and devices,” said Lowell McAdam, chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless. “Together, we’ll work to deliver a compelling new experience to our customers.”
“The Android platform allows Verizon Wireless customers to experience faster and easier access to the web from any location,” said Eric Schmidt, chairman and chief executive officer for Google. “Through this partnership, we hope to deliver greater innovation in the mobile space to consumers across the U.S.”
The agreement will come to fruition within the next few weeks as Verizon Wireless introduces Android-based handsets.
Verizon:”Hey Google I here that Android thing is pretty neat. Any chance we can get in on the action?”
Google:”Sure man we’d love to share our open source platform! Lets get together.”
Verizon:”It looks pretty good we just need to strip it of any useful functionality and cripple its UI and we’ll replace the store with our own poorly designed one. Hmm I think we’re on to something.”
+1
I’m sure this partnership involves “customizing the user experience” to match the rest of crappy locked down verizon phones with horrible apps. If anything this partnership might show how Android can get abused by wireless providers.
Funny. Except, of course, they’ve never done that with a smartphone, ever.
Really? Is that why they’ve always had Blackberries with WiFi?
Oh wait no, until recently they had that hardware removed before releasing them on VZW.
The two other posters mentioned changing the UI to the VZW interface used in featurephones, which has never been done.
All future Blackberries will have GPS and WiFi.
Except… they have. See: every HTC phone ever released on Verizon.
You mean lik the Touch Pro I used to have, with WiFi, Windows Mobile 6.1, Bluetooth, and no UI changes whatsoever?
Oh. Oops.
Google Voice and Android marketplace is coming to the Verizon Android handsets. So that’s a good sign.
Verizon better not “Verizonify” android phones like it does other operating systems. This will just completely null and void anyones interest in this.
Not much of a story, but yeah, everyone is getting on the Android train. Sprint’s HTC Hero is a nice phone and SenseUI is pretty slick (and the phone isn’t crippled).
Moving into ‘10 it looks like Android, iPhoneOS and webOS will be the platforms of choice.
Just read a piece in Fast Company about Nokia’s transition to an Entertainment company with a brief mention of Ovi, but nothing really said about Symbian or bringing in developers/opening up to extend the reach to developers.
Anyway, does this mean VZW will join the OHA? Only Sprint and T-Mobile are the only US carrier-members so far.
iphone
12.3 mm
135 grams
Tao
13.7mm
169 grams
full QWERTY & Flash
Aww man I was hoping for a Stratego app.
But hey maybe this Verizon deal it wont have the kind of problems endemic to anti-competitive oligopolies permitted to legally pay off members of the legislature for favorable treatment. Right? Maybe theyve changed and now no longer care about maximizing short term shareholder value at the expense of innovation. For some reason.
The thing about Verizon this so goes against their lockdown theory on their phones. They want to charge extra for any feature you might possibly want to use. Add on would be a better term for Verizon. It will probably cost an extra $10 a month to have Android capability.
I am getting very tired of Google leveraging the world. When will someone stop the monopoly.
Love Android and Verizon is by far the best network in the USA, but that doesn’t say much though
Again with the partnerships and alliances!
How about shipping (and selling) some product?
Where is the Android netbook with WiMax/EVDO connectivity?
That’s great news!! Waiting for the android release..
@Jason – good one mate :)
Cheers
George
Verizon may be the largest wireless company in the U.S., but it doesn’t have a killer phone. That may be one of the reasons it decided to join forces with Google to create some brand new additions for the Android armada.
Acquisitions & Deals For Product Branding & Pre-Release Great News – The Key to Success
Going Good Google
Do you really beleive Verizon is being innovative? It’s not like Android phones aren’t already available.
Verizon is just jumping on the anti-Iphone bandwagon. Hopefully they’ll be a flash player app available sometime soon for the android OS.
Verizon’s new phone will soon become another Motorola “POS”
Rather, I am concerned about young architects with high aspirations and fertile imaginations and a strong sense that the status quo is not good enough. ,