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Tag: Verizon

  • Galaxy Nexus Release Date: Signs Point To December 15th

    For those of you who have been waiting for what seems like ages to get your hands on the Ice Cream Sandwich-loaded Samsung Galaxy Nexus, two more days shouldn’t really seem like that much longer. If a couple of recent indications are correct, folks in the U.S. might just be able to get their hands on the coveted device by Thursday, December 15th.

    First up, Engadget has obtained some internal pricing documents from Costco that list the Galaxy Nexus as available beginning 12/15/11. The price of the device is listed at $289.99 with a new 2-year agreement. Of course, if this proves accurate, it still doesn’t guarantee that Verizon stores would have the device on that date. But it’s a hint that it might pop up somewhere on the 15th.

    This date lines up with one reported over the weekend over at Droid Life. Their sources said that Verizon was “telling all employees, stores, managers, and indirects that December 15th is the new target just like they did with December 9th.”

    Their reference to December 9th concerns the previous rumored release date. Verizon sources said that the 9th was the date that everyone expected the phone to drop, but it was delayed at the last minute by the higher-ups.

    Many feel that the supposed Verizon delay could have been due to a giant LTE outage. If the December 9th release target was a real one, then Verizon could have delayed it to make sure everything was up and running perfectly for the big launch.

    At this point, we have plenty of indication that the devices are sitting on the shelves of at least some retailers. Earlier this week, excited Android fans were reporting that Best Buy and Verizon retail stores had sold them the Galaxy Nexus, but were asking for its speedy return.

    Of course, rumors are still just rumors. But that time is fast approaching where any more delay would just be devastating – I mean, it’s less than two weeks until Christmas.

    If you’re unbearably impatient, Business Insider found that Newegg has the unlocked version of the device available for a cool 700 bucks.

    Have you been able to hold out? If it does in fact launch on the 15th, will you be one of the first in line? Let us know in the comments.

  • Google Wallet Not Secure Enough, Says Digital Forensics Firm

    In September Google released their new Google Wallet, an Android app designed to take advantage of the near-field communication technology that is present in an increasing number of Android-based smartphones. The app stores usernames, passwords, and credit card data in order to allow users to pay for transactions in physical stores by swiping their phones in front of NFC-enabled readers like those compatible with MasterCard’s PayPass service.

    Last week, however, reports surfaced that Verizon would not be allowing Google Wallet on the Google Nexus phones it sells. The announcement created a storm of controversy, which Verizon tried to quell by releasing a vaguely worded statement citing nebulous security concerns. Speculation at the time was that Verizon was blocking the app in order to buy time for ISIS, an NFC payment system being launched as a joint venture of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. It remains unclear whether AT&T and T-Mobile, which are also due to get the Google Nexus, will allow the app on their devices.

    Now, however, it looks as though the security concerns cited by Verizon – whether they are the company’s real reason for blocking Google Wallet or not – may have some validity. Digital forensics and security company ViaForensics released the results of a study yesterday into the security of Google Wallet. The company conducted a detailed analysis of the data stored and sent by the app. The analysis found several grave security concerns in terms of the information the app stores. Although the app does encrypt credit card numbers, it stores a surprising amount of data in unsecured format. Credit card balances, expiration dates, credit limits, transaction history (including location) and more. It also stores the cardholder’s name, email address, and the last four digits of the card number. It also publishes a considerable amount of data to Google Analytics, in a way that the study found could be intercepted.

    Google Wallet Report

    The study concludes that Google Wallet does a fair job of keeping certain information secure – namely, credit card numbers. All the other data stored by the app, however, “pretty much everything except the first 12 digits of your credit card,” is stored unencrypted on the phone. The amount of data that is kept unencrypted is enough that “an attacker is well armed for a social engineering attack.”

    The report concludes that further, more in-depth security analysis of the software is warranted. While the author expresses excitement about the potential of NFC technology, he also says that “the amount of unencrypted data store[d] by Google Wallet surpasses what we believe most consumers find acceptable.”

  • Verizon May Buy Netflix

    Last week we brought you a story about reports that Verizon was planning their own video streaming service to compete with Netflix and Hulu. The rumors were enough to put a significant dent in Netflix’s stock price that day. The next day, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdams added fuel to the fire when he said at a conference that his company had looked into buying video streaming service Hulu, which was looking for buyers over the summer.

    Today, reports are circulating that Verizon is in talks to buy Netflix. The rumors apparently originate with a story run by DealReporter this morning. Like last week’s story, today’s rumor also had a significant impact on Netflix’s stock, but this time very much for the better. The company’s stock has risen $4.44 (6.26%), and is currently at $75.33.

    Today’s report follows yet another rumor regarding Verizon, namely that the company has also been in talks with RedBox to put together a streaming and downloading service. RedBox has been hinting for some time that it planned to branch out into streaming. The deal would create a subscription, streaming, and downloading service that would include physical disc rentals and cost $5.95 a month for 6 credits. The service, which is reportedly planned to launch in late May, would be available across several platforms, including iOS, Android, Roku, Xbox, and Google TV.

    The Netflix deal is still very much a rumor at this point, though the RedBox deal seems more certain. What seems undeniable, though, is that Verizon definitely does want to get into the streaming video business. What remains to be seen is how and when they will do it, exactly.

    What do you think? Will Verizon buy Netflix? Should they? Let us know in the comments.

  • Galaxy Nexus Release Date Delayed By Verizon

    What’s new, you might ask?

    As the official U.S. release date still hangs in confirmation limbo, Verizon sources have told CNET that the Galaxy Nexus has once again been delayed by Verizon. Earlier this week we heard rumors that the Ice Cream Sandwich-enabled smartphone would land in the U.S. on Friday, December 9th. Those leaked documents were from an “authorized Verizon retailer” that said the selling of the device could not begin until 12/9/11.

    CNET’s Verizon sources say that most Verizon stores thought that they would begin selling the Galaxy Nexus on Friday, but are now hearing that the release will be delayed.

    Of course, “delayed” might suggest that there was even a set release date to begin with. Verizon continues to say that they haven’t officially announced a U.S. release date for the highly-anticipated device whenever asked about it. All we know is that it’s going to be fairly soon, as Samsung has confirmed a December release.

    Supposed leaked screenshots indicate that the device will be arriving at Best Buy on December 11th. This doesn’t mean that sales would begin at that time, just that they would physically have the hardware under their roofs by then.

    When the phone finally launches in the U.S., all indications point to a $300 price tag at official Verizon retail outlets. It’s probably not going to get much cheaper anywhere else as a leaked Costco document suggests that the Galaxy Nexus will launch there for $289.99 with a new two-year agreement.

    We have also learned that the Galaxy Nexus probably won’t be launching with Google wallet, even though Verizon denies that they are the reason why.

    Who’s still waiting for the Galaxy Nexus? Has anyone, unable to wait any longer, succumbed to the temptation to purchase another hot new smartphone? Let us know in the comments.

  • Droid Xyboard Tablets Released By Verizon

    Verizon announced today that the Motorola Droid Xyboard tablets are available in stores today.

    The Droid Xyboard 10.1 will be available in three models: 16 GB for $529.99 and 32 GB for $629.99. The 64 GB model will be available online for $729.99. Each comes with a new two-year contract.

    The DROID XYBOARD 8.2 will be available in two models: 16 GB for $429.99 and 32 GB for $529.99, both with a new two-year contract.

    The display sizes are 10. 1” and 8.2” respectively. Device dimensions are 10×6.8x.35 and 8.5×5.5x.35.

    Both versions of the tablet run Android 3.2 Honeycomb, and will be upgraded to 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Both are 4G. They have dual-core 1.2 GHz processors.

    They come with Motocast fro music, photos and documents. The 10” version comes with a stylus pen.

    They have both rear-facing and front-facing cameras. They serve as 4G mobile hotspots, with support for up to 6 Wi-Fi enabled devices. They have 4,000 mAh batteries.

    Customers are required to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband data plan (starting at $30 a month for 2 GB).

  • Cablevision Files Suit Against Verizon

    New York-based cable television provider Cablevision has filed suit in federal court in Brooklyn against Verizon over claims made in the latter’s advertising about Cablevision’s internet connection speeds.

    Verizon has been running a series of ads for its FiOS network. In these ads the company cites an FCC report that says that during peak hours Cablevision’s broadband customers were seeing download speeds that averaged 50% of the company’s advertised speed of 15 megabits per second (Mbps). Cablevision objects to Verizon’s use of the report in the ads, arguing that the information on Cablevision’s data speeds is outdated. Moreover, it argues that Verizon has continued to run the ads despite repeated contact between the two companies in which Cablevision has made Verizon aware of the inaccuracies.

    The Measuring Broadband America report was released by the FCC in March and continued to be updated until June. Verizon ads are accurate in that the data in the report does show Cablevision customers experience less than 60% of promised download speeds during peak hours. The chart from the original report is below:

    Cablevision’s argument, though, is that although the data was accurate at the time of the report, it is no longer so. The company argues that they have improved their broadband service dramatically since the report was released. What’s more, the FCC itself backs Cablevision up on this point. In a blog post dated Monday, Chief of the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Joel Gurin discussed some of the positive changes that have already been brought about since the report’s release. He says that since the original report was released the FCC has continued to collect data on the broadband speeds. He singles out Cablevision as a particular example of the kind of improvement that has been observed since the report was originally published. He notes that in the most recent month for which the FCC has data, October, subscribers to Cablevision’s 15 Mbps broadband service were seeing sustained download speeds during peak hours of 90% of the advertised speed, as compared to an average of 89% among all the other non-Cablevision companies.

    As of this afternoon, a page on Verizon’s website describing the company’s broadband performance still includes the following chart from the Measuring Broadband America report. Cablevision claims that Verizon has known the chart to be inaccurate for some time.

    Verizon has said they will defend against the suit vigorously. Bloomberg is reporting a statement by a Verizon spokesman in which the company casts aspersions on the truth of Cablevision’s own advertising, and vowed to continue setting the record straight.

  • Verizon Targets Netflix, Cable Companies With Streaming Video Service

    Reuters is reporting this afternoon that Verizon is planning to offer its own streaming web video service next year. According to the report, which cited unnamed sources at Verizon, the company is in talks with content providers to work out deals to bring programming from a variety of sources to the service.

    Verizon has reportedly been investigating the possibility of such a service for two years, though talks appear to have begun in earnest now. The rumored service would be separate from Verizon’s current FiOS service. The content of the service would likely be somewhat limited, focusing mainly on discrete entertaiment packages.

    Though still only a rumor, the report was enough to cause a dip in Netflix’s stock (NFLX) before the close of trading this afternoon. The stock fell 2.82% – $1.98 – to close at $68.44. This is after the video company took a major hit this summer after a series of bad business moves – including a sudden price hike and an aborted attempt to separate the company’s video streaming and DVD shipping services – alienated customers and caused a dangerous drop in stock price.

    The report of Verizon’s web video service is particularly interesting in light of the recent acquisition by the company’s wireless arm of 122 spectrum licenses. We reported late last week that Verizon had purchased the enormous block of spectrum – enough to duplicate its 4G/LTE network – from the defunct SpectrumCo, a joint venture of Comcast, Time Warner, and Bright House. As part of the agreement, the companies became agents for one another’s services, a deal which raised speculation that Verizon might be preparing to offer content from Comcast and Time Warner over their wireless broadband network.

    How this deal fits with Verizon’s rumored web video service remains unclear. There has been no official comment on the matter from Verizon, but the Reuters report has the feel of a deliberate leak. If so, we should expect an announcement from Verizon at any time in the next few months.

  • AT&T Rated Lowest Service Provider By Consumer Reports

    AT&T Rated Lowest Service Provider By Consumer Reports

    In a year where AT&T was prevented from acquiring T-Mobile, dealt a lawsuit by Sprint, ran afoul with the FCC, and then got ensnared in the Carrier IQ debacle, they have to be eager to put this year behind them.

    Unfortunately, 2011 isn’t over yet and it’s still got some despair in store for AT&T.

    Consumer Reports released the results of their annual satisfaction survey today and, probably to the surprise of exactly no one, AT&T was rated the lowest among the four largest cellphone service providers in the United States for the second year in a row. Ranked worse than Verizon (which scored the highest), Spring, and erstwhile AT&T acquisition T-Mobile, the report deals AT&T some damaging news – and this isn’t even the full report yet so who knows what terrors lurk ahead for AT&T once the entirety of the results go public. Then again, maybe it’s old news to AT&T since they’re on a losing streak lately.

    The report assesses customers’ satisfaction in areas of general service as well as customer-support experience. The full details of the report will be made available in the January 2012 issue of Consumer Reports. If you can’t wait to see all the ways in which the survey damns AT&T, consider what last year’s survey unloaded:

    Over half of the survey respondents who used AT&T as a carrier owned some version of the iPhone, the Apple smart phone that is exclusive to AT&T, at least for now. Consumer Reports data, reflecting all versions of the phone, found that iPhone owners were much less satisfied with their carrier and rated data service (Web and e-mail) lower than owners of smart phones on other carriers that, like the iPhone, have a host of apps to encourage heavy data use.

    “Our survey suggests that an iPhone from Verizon Wireless, which is rumored, could indeed be good news for iPhone fans,” said Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor for Consumer Reports.

    Not only did the prediction of a Verizon-based iPhone come true but Sprint customers got the opportunity to get their paws on an iPhone, as well, so it will be curious to see if the wider availability of iPhones affected cellphone users’ selection of service provider.

    If you’re an AT&T subscriber, how do you feel about this report? Does it sound pretty familiar to your experience?

  • Galaxy Nexus Rumor: Release Date This Friday

    As indicated by the title, this is a rumor, and therefore unconfirmed. However, RootzWiki claims to have confirmation from multiple sources that the Galaxy Nexus will “land on American soil” this Friday, December 9.”

    They are showing allegedly leaked documents from “an authorized Verizon retailer” which display a 12/9 release date following a 12/6 shipping date. Other info from the document includes:

    – Each store will be direct shipped a minimum of 15 phones

    – You will also have product available for replenishment

    – You will not receive this product through the normal receiving process using vendor receiving

    – Keep all original paperworkl in your reveiving binders. Do not throw away

    – We cannot sell or display the Samsung Nexus until 12/9/11.

    – On 12/9, the planogram will be loaded on the intranet

    Again, to be clear, we can’t confirm the legitimacy of the document, but it is certainly worth noting, especially since the date is so close.

    Recently, we saw indication that Best Buy would be getting the device on December 11.

    Other reports have indicated that the device will not support Google Wallet. More on that here.

  • Galaxy Nexus Won’t Get Google Wallet, At Least Right Away

    Update: 9to5Google is sharing a new statement from Verizon:

    Recent reports that Verizon is blocking Google Wallet on our devices are false. Verizon does not block applications.

    Google Wallet is different from other widely-available m-commerce services. Google Wallet does not simply access the operating system and basic hardware of our phones like thousands of other applications. Instead, in order to work as architected by Google, Google Wallet needs to be integrated into a new, secure and proprietary hardware element in our phones.

    We are continuing our commercial discussions with Google on this issue.

    Google Wallet is shaping up to be a potentially very important product for Google. Last month, the company even announced that it was shutting down Google Checkout, its payments product, in favor of Google Wallet. Google’s goal is to build “one wallet”.

    Well, if that’s the wallet you want to use, you better not get a Verizon Galaxy Nexus, because Verizon won’t allow it. JR Raphael has confirmation from a Google spokesperson that the device will not include Google Wallet because of Verizon, which is working on its own NFC-based payment service. He notes that this may or may not be the reason.

    Based on a report from Amir Efrati at the Wall Street Journal, it sounds like Verizon may not want to preload the app on the phone, but isn’t opposed to letting users download it in the future. Google told the WSJ that users won’t be able to download it through the Android Market on the device, but Verizon said that it’s working out “security and other issues around mobile payments,” with a Verizon spokesperson adding, “”We’re working to provide expanded services that will provide the best security and user experience in the market around m-commerce. “We expect to provide access to an open wallet when those goals are achieved.”

    Efrati cites a “person familiar with the matter” as saying Verizon won’t prevent users from downloading Google Wallet when it’s cleared.

    So far, the Google Wallet can only be installed on the Nexus S 4G from Sprint, according to the product’s FAQ page. It says that “potentially over time” it will be available for other mobile devices and platforms. Thanks to Verizon, it looks like the ambitious product might get off to something of a rocky start.

    Google hasn’t been shy about getting Google Wallet merchants on board, despite the products lack of compatible devices. Places that already accept Google Wallet include: American Eaagle, Macy’s Champs, Bloomingdales, Banana Republic, Foot Locker, Old Navy, Toys R Us, OtficeMax, Guess, Jamba Juice, and others. Chevron and Subway are among merchants listed as “coming soon”.

    The Galaxy Nexus is expected to be released this month. It looks like Best Buy will have it in their hands on December 11. Some rumors have its release as soon as this Friday.

  • Verizon Pays $3.6 Billion To Increase Spectrum

    Verizon announced today that it was acquiring the 122 spectrum licenses previously owned by wireless company SpectrumCo, a failed venture co-founded by Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks.

    The deal gains Verizon an enormous chunk of wireless spectrum. Most of the bandwidth is expected to go toward the expansion of the company’s already impressive 4G/LTE mobile broadband network. Though the government is preparing to auction off large chunks of the spectrum that were left unused by the switch to HD television broadcasting, Verizon appears unwilling to take chances on losing out to other companies.

    Some details of the deal remain somewhat obscure, as it appears that there are other aspects of the transaction than just the exchange of spectrum licenses for money. As part of the deal Verizon, Comcast, and Time Warner become agents for one anothers’ services, which may open the way for a variety of unique services, including the availability of Comcast and Time Warner content over the Verizon’s wireless broadband network.

    This deal mirrors a similar acquisition by Verizon’s main rival, AT&T, which reached an agreement last December to purchase spectrum from Qualcomm. The FCC is currently reviewing that purchase, which is still awaiting final approval, in light of AT&T’s attempt to purchase T-Mobile.

    Pending government approval, Verizon will pay $3.6 billion for the spectrum licenses, with each of the three companies being paid according to their ownership of SpectrumCo. Comcast will receive $2.2 billion, Time Warner will receive $1.1 billion, and Bright House will recieve $189 million.

  • Amazon Gets In On the Penny Smartphone Sales, Too

    Amazon Gets In On the Penny Smartphone Sales, Too

    Last week, it was announced that AT&T would be holding a Black Friday sale, offering an array of phones for the low, low price of one penny. Of course, there are stipulations involved including a two-year contract and the acceptance of a data plan. Apparently, one cent smartphones are the trend of the day-after-Thanksgiving sales, because Amazon is in on it, too.

    Over at Amazon Wireless, the details of the sale are discussed, which are as follows:

    For a limited time only, all phones from Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T with a new line of service are on sale for a penny and include standard FREE Two-Day Shipping. Offer valid between midnight PDT November 21, 2011, through 11:59 p.m. PDT November 28, 2011, while supplies last. Plus, if you buy an eligible hotspot-ready smartphone and activate the hotspot feature, you’ll get a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card.

    There are a number of Android-powered handsets as well as BlackBerry. However, for those of you wanting to grab a new iPhone 4S during Amazon’s sale, sorry, no Apple devices are included in the one cent blowout. That being said, the DROID RAZR 4G (from Sprint) is available, as is the BlackBerry Torch. The HTC Thunderbolt falls into Amazon’s sale, and there are a few Samsung handsets as well.

    Basically, Amazon’s smartphone sale carries just about every phone except the iPhone. If Amazon’s list is comprehensive, there are almost 97 phones featured in during the one cent sale, which, according to Amazon’s disclaimer, is “valid between midnight PDT November 21, 2011, through 11:59 p.m. PDT November 28, 2011, while supplies last.”

    Phones purchased during the sale are required to have a two-year contract, which is the same stipulation issued for AT&T’s one cent sale. As for the iDevice family, Apple is also having a Black Friday sale. Unfortunately, there are no one cent iPhones or iPads, although, the tablets are scheduled for an apparent markdown.

  • iPhone 4S: Fast On AT&T, Reliable On Verizon

    iPhone 4S: Fast On AT&T, Reliable On Verizon

    The iPhone 4S, launched in October and has been a success for Apple. It completely shattered opening weekend sales records and continues to experience high demand as it is launched in more and more locations.

    And the sales of the iPhone 4S have been good for all carriers that offer the device – AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, who made the iPhone 4S their first ever Apple product. But the iPhone 4S performs differently on each network. And according to a study by Metrico Wireless, there are advantages to owning the iPhone 4S on both Verizon and AT&T.

    First up, in terms of data speed for the iPhone 4S, AT&T dominates. They maxed out at 6047 Kbps and had a mean rate of 3210 Kbps. Second place went to Verizon, but they weren’t really even close. They maxed out at 2371 Kbps and had a mean rate of 1071 Kbps. Sprint finished in last place:

    So, after scoring one for AT&T in terms of data speed, let’s score one for Verizon when it comes to reliability. Metrico tested call failure rates and found that Verizon was the best, with only a 2.1% failure rate. AT&T placed second with 2.8% and Sprint brought up the rear again with 3.7%.

    Metrico downloaded 21,000 pages, made over 6,000 calls and performed 8,000 speed tests to come up with this data.

    Do you have an iPhone 4S? If so, what network do you use? Do these findings hold true to your personal experience? Let us know in the comments.

  • Galaxy Nexus Release Date: November 21st, Online Only?

    Today, one much-anticipated Android phone is hitting the shelves – the Droid RAZR. But some people are still holding out for the Ice Cream Sandwich-loaded brand new offering from Samsung, the Galaxy Nexus.

    The release date has been officially announced for the folks in the UK. Users overseas will be able to get their hands on the device on Thursday, November 17th. But everyone here in the U.S. is still waiting for Samsung to give them a date. While Samsung has yet to peg an official launch day, Droid Life has gotten a hold of a leaked Verizon roadmap of release dates. And what do you know, the Galaxy Nexus is on the list.

    According to the document, it will hit the shelves on November 21st in the States.

    Maybe just the virtual shelves, however.

    The roadmap puts the 11/21 release as a web only event. As Droid Life points out, this wouldn’t be entirely out of character – the original Nexus One went live in a similar fashion. But the 21st falls on a Monday which would be a little strange in terms of history.

    In terms of general timing, the 21st makes sense. It is the during the week of Thanksgiving and that shopping day to rule all shopping days – Black Friday. Check out the list for some other product releases:

    Like I said before, Samsung is still silent on an official release date. When asked about the U.S. launch on Twitter recently, here’s what they had to say:

    @SamsungMobileUS
    Samsung Mobile US    @metalcated #GALAXYNexus for sure! We will post an announcement when the release date is confirmed. Thanks for your support and patience. 1 day ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    Do you plan on making the Galaxy Nexus your next phone? Let us know in the comments.

  • Obama Threatens To Veto Any Net Neutrality Repeals

    Obama Threatens To Veto Any Net Neutrality Repeals

    Net neutrality, because of extreme corporate influence, has been a contentious issue ever since it was introduced. In fact, the subject has been completely muddied by a lack of understanding from various outspoken anti-Obama groups to the point where a large majority of people who oppose it have no idea what it is they are opposing.

    For further insight into this dilemma, check out the comments from a Breitbart TV piece. Statements like:

    Here’s a thought…maybe since obummer and the socialist have used the internet to over through governments, they want to use net neutrality to make sure they control the internet so nobody over throughs their nwo.

    And:

    Steve sure helped clarify Net Neuter for me. The traffic jam analogy was very good, and how EVIL corporations like Google that are *Okay for the libtarded to operate, potentially unhindered is now made crystal clear for me.

    Help prove the abject ignorance that surrounds the topic. Yes, there are legitimate criticisms of how the FCC modeled their approach to net neutrality, but the concept is a vital one, especially for those of us who do not want to see Internet service provision become an offshoot of cable television packages.

    Or those of us who don’t want corporate influence to determine when, where, how, and why we use the Internet.

    With that in mind, the news that President Obama will veto any repeal of net neutrality should be welcomed with open arms from those of us who truly want a free and open Internet. Currently, a group of Republican senators are working hard to remove the bill from the books, following the lead of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The Hill explains:

    The House approved a resolution to repeal the rules in April. The Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and has an additional 42 Republican co-sponsors. It has no Democratic co-sponsors.

    For an extended look at Hutchinson’s misguided approach to Internet legislation, take a look at this gem:


    Once again, the utterly incorrect stance of “net neutrality stifles innovation” is used by Hutchinson, when, in fact, the exact opposite is true. Hutchinson says she’s against the government controlling the Internet, but she apparently has no issue with companies like AT&T, Verizon, Time-Warner, and Comcast assuming that role. Of course, if you take a quick look at the corporations that contributed to Hutchinson’s coffers, you’ll find AT&T, one of the companies that would lose control if the FCC’s version of net neutrality survives the legislative process.

    And that’s where Obama’s veto hammer comes into play. The Hill has a quote from the White House, explaining their position quite clearly:

    “The Administration strongly opposes Senate passage of S.J. Res. 6, which would undermine a fundamental part of the nation’s Open Internet and innovation strategy — an enforceable, effective but flexible policy for keeping the Internet free and open,” the White House said.

    It should be noted that Obama’s list of donors include Time-Warner and he has rubbed shoulders both AT&T and Verizon. Nevertheless, at least in the case of net neutrality, Obama hasn’t let these companies influence his stance.

    Now, in regards to PROTECT-IP and other related legislative pieces, perhaps, but not with net neutrality, something his veto talk should indicate quite clearly.

  • HTC Rezound Unveiled, Release Date November 14th

    HTC has just unveiled its long-awaited Rezound, and it’s the first smartphone in the U.S. to come stocked with Beats Audio. That means that the device will come with a high-definition audio experience unlike any other device on the market today.

    The HTC Rezound enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning by Beats that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs. Unique to HTC, the HTC Rezound also includes new lightweight Beats headphones, created exclusively to integrate with the Beats’ audio profile on the device. Hands-free calling is easy with the built-in microphone and the on-cable remote to pause, advance or rewind and answer a call mid-track.

    The Rezound is the first HTC phone with a true HD 720p display, on its 4.3 inch screen. It’s got a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and will run on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The device features a rear-facing 8 MP camera and a front-facing 2 MP camera and is capable of 1080p video.

    Here are some additional features:

    Mobile Hotspot capability: share 4G connection with up to ten Wi-Fi-enabled devices
    Operating System: Android 2.3™ (Gingerbread) with latest HTC Sense – an upgrade to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) will be available in early 2012
    Internal Memory: 16 GB on-board memory, 1 GB DDR2 RAM
    Memory Card: 16 GB MicroSD™ pre-installed
    Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n
    Bluetooth®: 3.0 – support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access and object push for vCard and vCalendar
    GPS: GPS/AGPS
    Battery: 1,620 mAh
    Special Features: HDMI (through MHL), G-sensor, Light sensor, Compass, Proximity sensor, MicroUSB, USIM/CSIM/ISIM, audio jack and Wireless Charging capable
    Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM8660 1.5GHz, Qualcomm® MDM9600
    Dimensions: 129 x 65.5 x 13.65 mm

    The phone will launch exclusively on Verizon on November 14th and will run you $299 with a new contract.

  • Droid RAZR Pre-Orders Available Today

    The Motorola Droid RAZR became available for pre-order this morning at 8AM for Verizon Wireless customers. It costs $299.99 with a new two-year contract and data plan.

    Here’s an early look at the device:

    Verizon talks it up:

    The DROID RAZR not only shreds through the Web at blazing 4G LTE speeds, it does it in style with a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Advanced display and measuring 7.1 mm thin. DROID RAZR is also packed with brains and security giving customers apps like MotoCast and features like remote wipe, pin lock and government-grade encryption for email, calendar and contacts.

    DROID RAZR customers can take advantage of the Super AMOLED Advanced display and 4G LTE speeds to stream videos with NFL Mobile, only from Verizon. Fans can stay up to date on news, schedules and scores from their favorite teams. NFL Mobile is included at no additional charge for 4G LTE customers for the remainder of the 2011 season. DROID RAZR customers will have access to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network that now covers more than 186 million Americans coast to coast with additional markets planned before year end.

    The device can be ordered here, in stores, or by calling 1-800-2JOININ.

    The device will ship buy November 10.

  • iPhone 4S Sold Out, Shipping Delayed From All Carriers

    iPhone 4S Sold Out, Shipping Delayed From All Carriers

    On Friday, Apple’s “most amazing iPhone yet” went up for pre-sale on apple.com as well as all three carriers’ sites – AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. And what do you know, it sold like hotcakes.

    Are you surprised?

    Some wondered how the brand new iPhone 4S would sell right out of the gate, considering the backlash regarding the big unveiling on October 4th. If you remember, it was widely expected that Apple would launch an iPhone 5 this year, and many hoped that it would be a massive redesign. Instead they got an iPhone 4S with some upgrades on the inside (A5 processor, 8 MP camera, Siri) – but no change on the outside,

    But apparently that doesn’t matter, because people forgot one simple fact – it’s a new Apple product. And it looks like the iPhone 4S has sold its pre-order stock in a way befitting any Apple device.

    Apple announced this morning that pre-orders of the iPhone 4S topped 1 million in just one day. This blows the previous sales record of 600K for the iPhone 4 out of the water.

    “We are blown away with the incredible customer response to iPhone 4S,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The first day pre-orders for iPhone 4S have been the most for any new product that Apple has ever launched and we are thrilled that customers love iPhone 4S as much as we do.”

    And here’s the consequence of that excitement – iPhone 4S stock is running low.

    • On Apple.com, all 3 models (16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB) say that they will ship in 1-2 weeks.
    • Over at Sprint, the 16 GB iPhone 4S is listed as sold out.  The other two are still available for pre-order.
    • On Verizon, you can expect all three models (black or white) to deliver on October 21st (one week after the phone officially hits stores).
    • Finally, with AT&T, every version of the iPhone 4S currently ships in 3-4 weeks.

    So it looks like the iPhone 4S disappointment hasn’t really been a factor. The pre-orders suggest that Apple has another massive hit on their hands.

    Remember, if you can’t pre-order the 4S that you want, you can always get in line at your local Apple store. The device will go on sale at 8 am local time this Friday, October 14th. If you choose to camp out, make sure you check your town’s laws regarding urban campfires.

  • Verizon Moves To Block Net Neutrality, Citing A Bunch of Nonsense

    Verizon Moves To Block Net Neutrality, Citing A Bunch of Nonsense

    Verizon doesn’t think the FCC should be able to regulate the Internet, even though it, as a company that started as one of the Bells, is well aware of the history of regulation within the telecommunications industry. And so, the company filed a lawsuit in an attempt to block the FCC’s implementation of these standards.

    While this was expected, the reason(s) the company offers for its attempted block is incredibly laughable, and well, false. Before that, let’s recap the FCC’s version of Net Neutrality, something that was officially filed on September 23, 2011. The concept is focused on three simple tenets:

    i. Transparency. Fixed and mobile broadband providers must disclose the network management practices, performance characteristics, and terms and conditions of their broadband services;

    ii. No blocking. Fixed broadband providers may not block lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices; mobile broadband providers may not block lawful websites, or block applications that compete with their voice or video telephony services; and

    iii. No unreasonable discrimination. Fixed broadband providers may not unreasonably discriminate in transmitting lawful network traffic.

    Again, it’s surprising how simply effective the FCC can be when the collective actually tries. These standards are simple in concept and execution, although, some groups weren’t happy with the FCC’s apparent blind eye towards the mobile industry. To this writer, that’s another story for another day, because home-based Internet use needs to be protected as well.

    Too bad Verizon doesn’t think so.

    While discussing their lawsuit, a Verizon lawyer offered this stream of useless information as the company’s reason for the attempted block:

    “We are deeply concerned by the FCC’s assertion of broad authority to impose potentially sweeping and unneeded regulations on broadband networks and services and on the Internet itself,” said Michael Glover, Verizon’s general counsel. “We believe this assertion of authority is inconsistent with the statute and will create uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers.”

    So an open Internet disrupts innovation? One wonders how Google would respond to such nonsense. Or the creators of YouTube. Or Yahoo. Or Facebook. Or Twitter. All of these ubiquitous services were successfully developed under an open net understanding, but for some reason, Verizon wants us to believe the opposite is true.

    Which means, Verizon’s reasons for wanting to block net neutrality are absolutely false. Verizon is simply trying to misguidedly justify why it wants to regulate the Internet for its customers. Verizon wants to be able to pick and choose what content it gives preferential treatment to, and the FCC’s rules don’t allow for them to do so. Who knows? Maybe the United States government will do what’s right and allow the FCC to, you know, do the job it was created for.

    But then again, when you understand Verizon has already won a case against the FCC over the same subject, it’s doubtful true net neutrality will be coming to the United States anytime soon. Not as long as the corporations are allowed to have as much influence as they do now.

  • Wireless Carriers Keep Your “Private” Data For a Long, Long Time

    Wireless Carriers Keep Your “Private” Data For a Long, Long Time

    When it comes to data retention, most of us know by now that there are multitudes of different people who hold on to your “private” data for various reasons. Of course, this is why your “private” data isn’t really “private” at all, when you think about it.

    Carriers like AT&T, Verizon and Sprint play a huge role in most people’s daily lives. Just think about how often you text, make a phone call or surf the web from your mobile device. You are constantly using the provider’s service to function in your daily life – it’s unavoidable.

    So just how long does a carrier hold on to the data it gathers about you? A leaked memo shows that it really depends on the carrier.

    Wired has obtained a one page Department of Justice document called “Retention Periods of Major Cellular Service Providers.” They obtained it from the ACLU, who obtained it via a Freedom of Information Act claim.

    The document is dated August 2010 and says “Law Enforcement Use Only.” So this document could possibly have been used by police and investigatory organizations to better understand how to pursue data collection from mobile providers.

    After looking over the document, it’s hard to make a determination as to which carrier is the best when it comes to user privacy. Each carrier does something better and each carrier does something less desirable than the next. Here are the highlights –

    • Subscriber Information: Verizon, 3-5 years.  AT&T, depends on service length.  T-Mobile, 5 years.  Sprint, forever.
    • Call details (who, when you called) – Verizon, 1 year.  AT&T, 5 years for prepaid 7 years for post-paid.  T-Mobile, 2 years prepaid 5 years post-paid.  Sprint, 18-24 months.
    • Text Message detail (who, when): Verizon, 1 year.  AT&T, 5-7 years.  T-Mobile, 2-5 years.  Sprint, 18-24 months.
    • Text message content: Verizon is the only one who keeps this information, and they do it for 3-5 days.
    • IP session information: Verizon, 1 year.  AT&T, only on non-public IPs for 72 hours.  T-Mobile, not retained.  Sprint, 60 days.

    The same goes for IP destination information, except Verizon only keeps it for 90 days.

    Wired quotes an ACLU lawyer who says, “People who are upset that Facebook is storing all their information should be really concerned that their cell phone is tracking them everywhere they’ve been. The government has this information because it wants to engage in surveillance.”

    Facebook came under fire this week for a situation involving tracking cookies that were found to still exist even after users log out.

    The fact that carriers know and keep this information shouldn’t shock anyone. But some of the periods of retention in the document are interesting. If there is anything to be gleaned from this, it’s that everything you do sticks around, probably for longer than you think.

  • The NFL and Twitter: Doing Promoted Tweets Right

    If you take a trip over to Twitter today, be sure and notice the promoted hashtag that leads the current pile of Twitter trends. It may be the most timely and relevant use of Twitter’s promoted tweets program, well, ever. Yes, there have been other examples of success using the Promoted Tweets advertising feature, but the one for today, #NFLMobile, is perhaps the most timely, especially when you consider the fact that NFL returns tonight, and fans are hyped up about it.

    I suppose the convergence of NFL fans on Twitter and their embrace of the promoted #NFLMobile trend is a great definition for the word “synergy.” Not only does today’s Promoted Tweet “fit,” because NFL fans are pretty much willing to retweet anything football related, the NFL is getting some fantastic word of mouth advertising, even if the some of these responses are just people using the first NFL-related hashtag they come across.

    That being said, there are a lot of tweets from folks who could actually be using the NFL’s mobile app service, which, unfortunately, is only available on the Verizon network. No matter, DirecTV doesn’t limit their customers in such a manner, and Sunday Ticket is now available on mobile devices.

    As for the promoted trend in question, some folks are actually promoting the product, while others are just using it because it’s NFL-related. See for yourself:

    @jiLL_iLLy
    Jill Vaggie    Thank u lord for #NFLmobile cuz I’ll be I’n class tonight, and work every Sunday morning. 32 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto

    @danilynn0
    Dani    #NFLMobile is what will be keeping me sane while working tonight and missing the start of #FOOTBALL season! 2 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    While these two are indeed happy the NFL Mobile app is ready for consumption, the majority of the responses used #NFLMobile just because it mentioned the NFL:

    @RayLipowski
    Ray Lipowski     #NFLMobile are you ready for some Football? A Thursday night party. 1 hour ago via Twitter for Android · powered by @socialditto

    @oneoftheboy
    Felipe Mello,    #NFLMobile can’t wait until the eagles play on Sunday 46 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @CarliePhilippe
    Carl Philip Batucan    ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBAWL!!! NFL Season again! Let’s go Chargers! #NFLMobile 3 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @wendell1810
    Wendell Giovanni    So excited that NFL begins with a Saints game! #NFLMobile 7 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    So yeah, not really down with promotional aspect of the hashtag; instead, they’re just happy the NFL is back. Of course, it’s doubtful the NFL or Verizon minds if the product isn’t necessarily being promoted in various tweets because use of the hashtag takes care of that for them.

    And then there are those who simply understand the business of Internet promotion:

    @MeganZaffini
    MeganZaffini    Smart of @VerizonWireless to promote #NFLMobile today. And of course @packers will win! 3 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone · powered by @socialditto

    Megan is absolutely spot-on with her analysis concerning Verizon. The NFL is front-and-center in regards to social events on the docket for tonight, so why not relate your product to where all the buzz is going? It only makes sense, especially when your product fits with what’s buzzing, and it’s a savvy move on the part of Verizon and the NFL.