Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G LTE official: Pre-orders from June 8

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It’s not just the WiFi-only Galaxy Tab 10.1 arriving imminently; Verizon has thrown up details about its 4G LTE version of the Samsung Honeycomb slate, which is set to hit pre-order on June 8 in either gray or white. Set to arrive in stores this summer – nothing more specific than that, sadly – the Android tablet has the same 10.1-inch display and dual-core Tegra 2 processor as the Limited Edition version we reviewed recently.

There’s also a 3-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel front camera, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Verizon will also be offering a bevy of accessories, including a full-sized keyboard dock and a docking station for multimedia use.
Unfortunately this LTE goodness doesn’t come cheap. Verizon is asking $529.99 for the 16GB model and $629.99 for the 32GB model, both with a new, two-year agreement.
Press Release:

Verizon Wireless Adds 4G LTE-Enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 To Portfolio
4G LTE-Enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1, Exclusive from Verizon Wireless, Measures Only 8.6 Millimeters Thin
06/02/2011
BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and DALLAS, TX — Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), today announced the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab™ 10.1 will be available on the fastest, most advanced network in coming weeks. The slim and sleek Galaxy Tab 10.1 debuts with Android™ Honeycomb and will be available in either Metallica Gray or Glossy White. Customers will be able to pre-order the device online on June 8 at www.verizonwireless.com/galaxytab4glte. When the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hits Verizon Wireless stores this summer, it will be accompanied by an array of optional accessories such as a full-sized keyboard dock and a multi-media docking station.
“The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a great option for customers who want to enjoy the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network – the fastest network in America,” said Jeff Dietel, vice president of marketing for Verizon Wireless. “Customers can also use the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 wherever they are on the nation’s largest 3G network.”
Dietel added, “The tablet market is exploding as customers are discovering new uses for the technology that features a large screen, powerful processing speeds and access to Android Market™’s 200,000 applications. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is perfect for customers who want to take advantage of Google™’s new movie rental option and view their favorite film on-the-go.”
“Samsung Mobile is excited to expand its mobile tablet portfolio with Verizon Wireless to include the 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America. “The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the thinnest and lightest tablet in the world that delivers a truly mobile multimedia experience on an Android Honeycomb platform.”
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for Google™ Mobile Services, including GmailÔ, YouTube™ and more. Customers will relish the 10.1-inch enhanced display with a 1280×800 resolution HD screen, 1 GHz dual core application processor, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera. Both consumers and business customers will find a multitude of uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools, including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 features Adobe® Flash® Player to deliver an enhanced Internet browsing experience and access to content-rich Websites.
Verizon Wireless will offer two 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 models both priced with two year customer agreements: $529.99 for the 16GB model and $629.99 for the 32GB model. For more information on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, go to: www.verizonwireless.com/galaxytab4glte.

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PSA: Using An Unapproved Tether App On Your Verizon Device? Expect To Have Your Data Session Cut Off With An Upsale

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Looks like Verizon Wireless has taken a page out of AT&T’s playbook, as the latest Gingerbread update for the Droid X now seems to detect tethering apps not approved by the carrier and cut off users’ data, replacing all requests with an upsale page for the official hotspot add-on. This is now the 2nd wave of attacks against free tethering, following a global carrier block (with the exception of good old Sprint) of the most popular tethering apps on the Android Market.
According to a Reddit community member with a melodic name Poop_Cooper, all data on his Droid X was suddenly cut off after he updated his Droid X to the latest Androd release and started using the popular Wireless Tether application to share his mobile connection with devices around him. All outbound requests were suddenly redirected to an upsale page prompting to purchase a $20 add-on officially authorizing tethering to the tune of measly 2GB a month. Only a reboot ended up fixing the problem, although one of the commenters suggested an airplane mode toggle as a faster revival technique.
Whether you agree with the technique or not, Verizon seems to be operating within the terms of its wireless agreement which prohibits unauthorized use of tethering:

Customers who do not have dedicated Mobile Broadband devices cannot tether other devices to laptops or personal computers for use as wireless modems unless they subscribe to Mobile Broadband Connect.

At this point, it’s not immediately obvious whether such detection happens on the device itself or on the VZW network level, but all signs point to the former. If so, Android modders should have no problem coming up with a solution, neutering such detection at its root. For the latter case, even easier solutions, such as rewriting all user-agent request headers, already exist, so while either technique will likely stop an average user, the persistent ones among you will always be able to get what they want.
If you’ve experienced the situation described here, feel free to share your experiences and possible solutions down below; otherwise be warned – Big Red is watching you.

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Verizon May Be Holding Their Own “Private” Memorial Day Sale, Thunderbolts for $99

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Memorial Day weekend is sure shaping up to be all about cheap 4G smartphones.  First we had word out of Amazon that prices on all of their 4G phones would be slashed, and now we’re getting word that Verizon may be holding one of their own.  According to the text message received by one of our readers, certain customers are getting invites to an “exclusive Private Sale!” where they can pick up an HTC Thunderbolt for as little as $99.  Hello, steal.
We’re pretty sure this sale won’t be open to just anyone and is likely for those with upgrades available, but this may be worth checking your account over.  We know that Verizon is holding a variety of regional sales, some of which will get customers up to $50 off of any phone, but this one looks to be combining a few.  You’ll remember that this phone normally retails in Verizon stores for $249, so at half the price, you may want to see what kinds of negotiating skills you have.
And we’ll be digging for more details…

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Droid X Gingerbread Update Now Available By Verizon

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Looks like the speculation is finally over and Droid X users all over the world (U.S. anyway) are going to be living it up tonight.  Verizon has officially released Android 2.3 Gingerbread for the monstrous Motorola device.  If you’re ready to finally upgrade and receive some Ginger-love, check out Verizon’s support page via the source link on both the benefits and the instructions for downloading the update.  With Gingerbread you’ll also receive several “enhancements” to the device.  Enjoy, and don’t forget to let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

Verizon Wireless is pleased to announce a new software update, 4.5.596.MB810.Verizon.en.US, for your DROID X by MOTOROLA. This update provides several improvements for your device, as well as upgrading to the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Operating System (OS)

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LG Revolution 4G priced and dated for Verizon

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The Verizon Revolution by LG will arrive on May 26, the carrier has confirmed, the latest Android smartphone to offer 4G LTE connectivity. Based on a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with a 4.3-inch display, the LG Revolution has an HDMI output, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0, along with a 5-megapixel main camera that can record 720p HD video.

There’s also a front-facing 1.3-megapixel webcam for video calls. Verizon preloads Swype, Bing search and mapping, Netflix and an image-editing app, along with a Mobile Hotspot app that can share the 4G connection with up to eight WiFi clients (or a 3G connection with up to five).
Pricing will be $249.99 with a new, two-year agreement and a mandatory data plan. More details on the Revolution in our hands-on.



Press Release:

Revolution™ By LG Arrives For Verizon Wireless
Dynamic Trio of 4G LTE, Entertainment and Power Combine To Make Revolution™ by LG
BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and SAN DIEGO, CA — Verizon Wireless and LG Mobile Phones today announced Revolution™ by LG will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com on May 26.
An entertainment powerhouse, Revolution by LG is the first Android™ smartphone preloaded with the Neflix application, allowing Netflix subscribers access to movies and television shows. Revolution customers can capture and share HD images or videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen. Built-in HDMI output and SmartShare capability allow customers to share multimedia content with HDMI capable displays, creating an exceptional entertainment experience.
Key features:
4G LTE – customers can expect download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage areas 1 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® processor
Android™ 2.2 platform
Access to more than 200,000 apps available to download from Android Market™
Bing® Search and Maps
Adobe® Flash® Player
Rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash
1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat
720p HD video recording and playback
Wi-Fi connectivity 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot capability allows customers to share 4G LTE with up to 8 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to 5 devices
Bluetooth® Version 3.0 Support Profiles: headset, hands-free, object push, advanced audio distribution (stereo), audio/video remote control, file transfer, phone book access
Additional features:
V CAST Apps
Virtual QWERTY keyboard with SWYPE technology
Equipped with Dolby® Mobile for rich listening experience
Extensive image editor includes: crop, rotate, resize, apply filters, image adjustments, draw, write, erase and add stamps
16 GB preinstalled microSD card™
Pricing and availability:
Revolution by LG will be available in Verizon Wireless Communication Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $249.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
Revolution customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a data package. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access. An unlimited data package is available for $29.99 for monthly access. The Mobile Hotspot feature will be included for a limited time at no additional charge.
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company’s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

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Droid X(2) Essentials Bundle over 80% Off Retail [Update: Glitch in Cart System]

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Verizon must be feeling generous. In celebration of the Droid X2′s launch they’re giving you a monster deal on accessories that will work with either the original Droid X or Droid X2. The bundle is, as the website points out, worth $145 if purchased separately, but for this week they’re selling it for only $19.97. The package includes several handy accessories and is an awesome deal for anyone who’s been eyeing any of the included goodies.

UPDATE: While I had heard there had been potential issues, this didn’t occur for me since I’m not a Verizon customer, but if you’re already signed in the bundle will show up as $49.97. To get the $19.97 price you need to sign out, search for “essentials bundle” and add it to your cart before signing in. Drop a comment if there are still issues.
The included accessories are a wall charger, vehicle charger, HDMI cable, Multimedia dock and vehicle dock. Both the wall charger and HDMI cable are technically there to be used with the multimedia dock, allowing you to set up a station to charge your phone, and stream HD pictures, movies, or music over the HDMI port, but both have plenty of other value. The wall charger is a handy backup in case you should lose your original or want to keep one at home and have another for on the go. The HDMI cord is a nice bonus, especially since neither iteration of the Droid X comes pre-packaged with one.
The vehicle dock and charger can be handy for keeping your phone alive over long drives, but most importantly makes your phone a full-blown GPS replacement. Naturally the value of this combo depends on your situation, but for most people who have to drive to work each day, this could be a godsend.
Once again, the deal is good only for this week, so if you’ve been thinking about getting any of these accessories for your Droid X, now’s the time to do it. You can get the deal here at Verizon’s online store.

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Xperia PLAY only $99 at Amazon [CHEEP!]

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Oh my goodness Amazon, you are the king of deals. This device, the PlayStation phone, aka the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, is listed at $599.99, but can be yours for a mere $149.99 if you’re upgrading your existing Verizon account, or just $99.99 if you’re signing up for a new 2-year contract. Does that sound like a pretty good and deep and fabulous discount to you? Only thing that’s negative here is that the device is back-ordered, which means you’ll be waiting 8 or 9 days before it’ll be shipped.

We’ve been anxiously waiting for this device for months (and years – perhaps our whole lives!) and now it’s coming to America. As you may well know, the fabled PlayStation phone here was sent out to the entirety of the rest of the world before it came the USA – why, you may ask? We think it’s sort of like the keeping a line outside of a club concept where we want it more now because we couldn’t have it. The more plausible idea is that there was just a slightly longer approval line waiting in the USA that the PLAY had to get through before it could come out fully.

Remember when we got to see the device back at CTIA? Things have certainly changed since then:


We’re calling upon our man in Europe at this very moment to give us the full lo-down on the device as he was certainly one of the first people in the entire world to have a real good look at it. Check out his well mannered look and dive into the device and report back with your findings.
Also – are you going to be purchasing this device? If so, let us know where you buy it, gotta know which method is best! You can purchase the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY right this moment over on [Amazon]
)

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Verizon Chomp can now search apps across V Cast Apps, Android Market, and more

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If you are a Verizon Wireless customer with an Android device that likes to download new apps, Verizon is offering a special version of Chomp. Chomp is an app that will allow you to search for their apps based on things like genre and more. You could run a search for a specific type of app, like a barcode scanner for instance, and find all the apps you want. Verizon is offering a special version of Chomp that will search across three places at one time.

The three places that Chomp searches include V Cast Apps, the Verizon Wireless mobile storefront, and the Android Market. It’s important to note that only the version downloaded from V Cast Apps allows the searching function across all three sources. Chomp lets the user find an app based on what the app does and offers price information across the storefronts and more.
“Cross-store search is a huge milestone both for Chomp and the broad landscape of apps,” said Ben Keighran, chief executive officer and co-founder of Chomp. “Not only does this help minimize the app discovery problem, it also adds a valuable layer to the app search experience, providing app seekers with options that will expose the best apps for the lowest cost.” The Chomp app is available free to Verizon users right now.

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Verizon Prepping 21 New 4G LTE Markets for a June 16 Launch

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Verizon just got done announcing 9 new LTE cities last Thursday, but that was nothing compared to what we should see come June 16.  21 new markets will go live and so far appear to include:

• Ann Arbor, MI
• Flint, MI
• Grand Rapids, MI
• Lansing, MI
• Indianapolis, IN
• Fort Wayne, IN
• State College, PA
• Erie, PA
• Dayton, OH
• Springfield, OH

As we see more throughout the day, we’ll do our best to update this post.
Via:  Twitter

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Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY for Verizon available for pre-order now

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We told you about Verizon finally getting the Xperia PLAY on their network on May 26th, and now you can beat the line (and possibly stock) by ordering it online now until May 26th for $199.99 on a two year term. It comes with 7 pre-installed PlayStation titles to get you gaming as soon as you turn it on. The titles include;

• Madden NFL 11
• Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior
• Asphalt 6: Adrenaline
• The Sims 3
• Star Battalion
• Crash Bandicoot
• Tetris

Game on!

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Verizon 4G LTE comes to nine more cities with expanded coverage for Chicago and Philadelphia

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Verizon continues to grow its 4G LTE network with the following cites going live today:

• Mobile and Montgomery (AL)
• Greater Fairfield and New Haven (CT)
• Gainesville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee (FL)
• Fayetteville-Lumberton (NC)
• Bryan-College Station and Temple-Killeen (TX)

In addition Verizon is expanding coverage in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, and Philadelphia.
4G LTE is now available in 55 cities which represents about 35% of the network. Verizon expects to hit 147 cites by the end of the year.
Full press release after the break

Verizon Wireless Launches Nine New 4G LTE Markets Today and Expands 4G LTE Network in Five Major Cities
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless is turning on the world’s most advanced wireless network in nine additional metropolitan areas today, as well as expanding the 4G LTE network in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans and Philadelphia. The wireless leader announced today the 4G LTE network is now available in Mobile and Montgomery Ala.; Greater Fairfield and New Haven, Conn.; Gainesville, Pensacola and Tallahassee, Fla.; Fayetteville-Lumberton, N.C.; and Bryan-College Station and Temple-Killeen, Texas.
David Small, chief technical officer for Verizon Wireless, noted, “We’re now offering consumers and businesses in 55 metropolitan areas the most advanced 4G wireless network on the planet, while continuing to offer the nation’s most reliable 3G network coast to coast. We plan to bring 4G LTE mobile broadband to our entire 3G coverage area by the end of 2013.”
Consumers can choose from several devices to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including the newly-launched DROID Charge by Samsung and ThunderBolt™ by HTC smartphones, MiFi® 4510L 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot and Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. Laptop users can enjoy speeds up to 10 times faster than the company’s 3G network with three USB modems from Novatel, Pantech and LG. In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps. Customers can also can rapidly browse the Web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more, work on-the-go with fast file sharing and stream must-see video and customized radio stations. Customers in 3G coverage areas today who purchase 4G devices will be able to take advantage of 4G speeds when the faster network becomes available in their areas.
As the first wireless company in the world to broadly deploy game-changing 4G LTE technology, Verizon Wireless is committed to building its 4G network with the same performance and reliability for which it has long been recognized. Verizon Wireless’ consistent focus on reliability is based on rigid engineering standards and a disciplined deployment approach year after year. The company’s 700 MHz spectrum gives Verizon Wireless specific advantages with 4G, including a contiguous, nationwide network license.
Verizon Wireless’ vision also includes bringing its 4G LTE network beyond major cities. The company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless’ core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum. Already, 10 rural companies have signed on to leverage Verizon Wireless’ scale for infrastructure while keeping their customers on the cutting edge of technology, including Bluegrass Cellular, Cross Telephone, Pioneer Cellular, Cellcom, Thumb Cellular, Strata Networks, S&R Communications, Carolina West / Clear Stream, Custer Telephone Cooperative and Convergence Technologies.
While Verizon Wireless’ 3G network covers more than 290 million Americans, the company’s 4G LTE network is already available in 55 metropolitan areas, including:
Mobile Ala.
Montgomery Ala.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland, Calif.
San Diego, Calif.
San Francisco, Calif.
San Jose, Calif.
Denver, Colo.
Greater Fairfield and New Haven, Conn.
Washington, D.C.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Gainesville, Fla.
Jacksonville, Fla.
Miami, Fla.
Orlando, Fla.
Pensacola, Fla.
Tallahassee, Fla.
Tampa, Fla.
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Athens, Ga.
Atlanta, Ga.
Chicago, Ill.
West Lafayette, Ind.
New Orleans, La.
Baltimore, Md.
Boston, Mass.
Detroit, Mich.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.
St. Louis, Mo.
Las Vegas, Nev.
New York, N.Y.
Rochester, N.Y.
Charlotte, N.C.
Fayetteville-Lumberton, N.C.
Wilmington, N.C.
Akron, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton, Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Columbia, S.C.
Hilton Head, S.C.
Clarksville, Tenn./Hopkinsville, Ky.
Cleveland, Tenn.
Nashville, Tenn.
Bryan-College Station, Texas
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Temple-Killeen, Texas
Seattle, Wash.
Since 2007, when Verizon Wireless jump-started the global 4G LTE ecosystem with its selection of LTE for its 4G technology, the company has developed deep partnerships to spearhead a broad LTE ecosystem, with many being fostered at the LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and the Application Innovation Center, slated to open in San Francisco later this year.
Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network.
Verizon Wireless customers will be able to jet on to the LTE network in nine new cities, taking advantage of lightening-fast speeds on their HTC Thunderbolts and 4G mobile hotspots. The expansion includes Mobile and Montgomery (AL); Greater Fairfield and New Haven (CT); Gainesville, Pensacola, and Tallahassee (FL); Fayetteville-Lumberton (NC); and Bryan-College Station and Temple-Killeen (TX). We also have access in Albany, though VZW has yet to confirm launching LTE in New York’s capital city. The carrier has also expanded coverage in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, so if you haven’t been able to connect in the past, dust off that enable-4G button and give it another shot. This week’s additions bring the list of LTE cities to 55, so we’re just over the 35 percent mark towards the carrier’s goal of 147 cities by year’s end.

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DROID X2 for Verizon, Available Online NOW!

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Yesterday, we told our readers that Big Red would officially have the DROID X2 in store on May 26th for $199 with 2yr contract, and online today for the same deal. Well here’s a screenshot of the proof. Today is May 19th and VZW has held up their end of the bargain. This new device may be only releasing with Android 2.2, but the press release assures us that it’ll see an update to 2.3. Powered by its 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, 540×960 qHD capacitive touchscreen it definitely beats out its predecessor the Droid X.
So if this is the DROID you’ve been looking for, the wait is over. Head on over to Verizon Wireless and check out the deal today.

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Motorola Droid X2 in Costco stores before Verizon [update]

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It looks like Costco is getting in on some Droid X2 action also. I am sure you all know plenty about the Droid X, and its bigger brother the X2 coming this week with an improved higher resolution display and blazing fast dual-core CPU to speed things along. We recently posted about it officially heading to Verizon online and stores starting tomorrow and the 26th in store. Costco might beat them to in-store access.

According to the Verizon announcement the Droid X will be available for purchase on Verizon starting tomorrow May 19th, and then in-store on the 26th, but after seeing the photo above Costco has it listed as “launching in kiosks starting as early as May 20th”. I doubt Verizon would let Costco sell them physically in store, before Verizon stores themselves so maybe that is why it mentions “as early as” May 20th, and not actually for sure on Friday.
Either way the Droid X2 will be making it into buyers hands starting early next week, or some lucky buyers online tomorrow might get it Friday if they do overnight shipping. For now we only have the screenshot above to go on, so it is possible they will be “in stores” at Costco starting Friday May 20th but I have a feeling they wont be physically there until the 26th just like at the Verizon stores. Stay tuned as we will update this story once we hear more.
Update: It looks like new information just dropped again, and according to AndroidCentral the Droid X2 has been ready to sell for more than a week now, and most stores probably already have stock. The last information we just received shows an email stating sales “can start” starting Thursday at retail locations. So if your not busy tomorrow, or really want the Droid X2 feel free to check with some Verizon retail stores and hope you get lucky.

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Interviewing a DROID Charge Hunter from Start to Delivery

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As you may know, if you’ve been following Verizon’s DROID hub on twitter, on their DROID DOES site, or on basically every Android-centric blog on these internets, Verizon is running a contest where people are winning DROID Charge units. They’ve been running this contest for a few weeks now, straight through the days when we didn’t know if the phone was dead before being released all the way to now, when you’re able to run right in to a Target or a Verizon store and pick one up. We’ve got San Diego winner David Baldwin on the line here with all the juicy details of those uncertain days. How did he survive such terror of not knowing? We shall see.

The following interview took place between yours truly and the real David Baldwin, finder of the San Diego Anomaly winning him his very own DROID Charge unit via Verizon. Have a peek at the video showing him and a few other people running around like mad, then head down to the full talk.


This interview takes place over the course of several days, so be sure to note the date changes over each section. The interview began on May 9th, 2011:
Chris Burns: Hi David, this is Chris Burns from Android Community. Which city did you win the contest in?
David Baldwin: San Diego
CB: It looks like in the video you’re handed a Droid Charge box – was it a dummy box? Have they not let you know when you’re going to receive a fully functional model?
DB: When I found the flyer they handed me a demo phone and its box to take pictures with. I asked when I would actually get one and they said soon. But the one they handed me was a fully activated phone with full 4G so at least I was able to see what it was all about, I kinda wished they had given me a t-shirt or something droid branded. What I walked away with was the flyer about finding the “anomaly” and a $50 Verizon gift card.
CB: What’s your past regarding DROID and Verizon? Have you been staying “brand-loyal” to DROID or Verizon Wireless as a carrier? How about Android?
DB: I have been a Verizon customer for about 8 years and have been an android user since the HTC Incredible came out. I currently have the Droid X and am waiting for another Motorola device with LTE such as the “Targa” handset. Currently my wife uses a Droid 2 which is on its last legs so she is getting the free upgrade. As far as “brand-loyalty” we are a droid only household, and I have always been treated well with Verizon so I have not had a reason to change.

May 16th, 2011

CB: Have you hear anything additional about the Charge at this point?
DB: I still haven’t received a phone, after tracking it down they said I “should” have it this week.
CB: Are you referring to tracking down the original flyer or tracking down Verizon more recently?
DB: At the winning of the contest they could not tell me when I would get it, but after some tracking down I finally got in touch with someone and then they said some time this week
CB: How far back did you get in touch with Verizon?
DB: As soon as I found out it was being released on Saturday I tracked down and called the direct marketing person at the West coast HQ in Irvine, CA. According to the marketing rep. I should have it in my hands today *crosses fingers*.
May 17th, 2011

CB: Did you get it?
DB: Got the phone and the wife loves it! Box included nothing out of the ordinary save for instructions for the store to activate the new device.
Thusly the saga did end, and David and his wife lived happily ever after with their load of DROID devices they kept with them at their bedside. Will they continue to be in love with the big D after they take the Charge for a ride for a few weeks? Only time will tell. And you, the other proud owners of this lovely device – what are your thoughts on the device thus far? Loving it?

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Motorola Droid X2 heads to Verizon online tomorrow, stores May 26

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Yesterday I mentioned that the user guide for the Droid X2 has landed on the Motorola website and we were looking forward to the smartphone hitting stores. Verizon has now announced that the Droid X2 will be available online starting tomorrow and will be in stores on May 26. The X2 is the first dual-core 1GHz smartphone that will come to the Verizon Wireless network. The smartphone will have all the features we expect of a high-end Android offering.

It will have a 4.3-inch screen with scratch resistant and anti-reflective glass and qHD resolution. The smartphone supports Flash content and the rear camera is an 8MP unit that can record video in HD resolution. The X2 comes with apps for uploading and tagging photos to sites like Flickr and Facebook from a single place. The Droid X2 runs Android 2.2 at launch and will be updated to Android 2.3.
Other features include the ability to shoot consent out to your TV in the living room. The X2 is ready for enterprise use with support for security and IT policies. It will also be used as a mobile hotspot and share the 3G connection with up to five devices. Verizon will offer the Droid X2 for $199.99 with a new 2-year agreement and the purchase of a voice and data plan.

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DROID Charge Receives OTA Update at Launch

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This mystical magical phone manufactured by Samsung and released by Verizon as the DROID Charge has been an object of some mystery as of late, having been sent out to reviewers (including Android Community) earlier than launch, a bit of a delay affecting the launch, then the device launching nationwide over this past weekend at locations like Verizon standalone stores as well as Target’s mobile section. Now, not a few days after its official sending-off party, the DROID Charge has its first over the air update. It’s not too big, but you should sure download it.

We’ve literally just loaded the update in less than five minutes and again, so should you. This update does a couple of things that you might find interesting, listed in the text and flyer below:
• A software change was made to the Media Hub application to prevent downloading content over the 3G network. This application will only work in the 4G network or when using Wi-Fi to ensure quality and speed.
• A pop up message was added to the Media Hub application to inform customers of the size of the download when in a 4G coverage area before downloading.
To get this download if you’ve not already seen it pop up on your phone automatically, head to Home” > “Menu” > “Settings” > “About phone” > “System updates”. There you’ll be greeted by the screen above and you’ll have a gay ol’ time moving on up.

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Verizon XPERIA Play arrives May 19 with seven game bundle

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Verizon Wireless has confirmed launch details for the Sony Ericsson XPERIA Play, which will drop on May 19. Priced at $199.99 with a new, two-year agreement, the Android smartphone will be pre-loaded with seven bundled games.

They will consist of Madden NFL 11 (EA Sports), Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior (Digital Legends), Asphalt 6: Adrenaline (Gameloft), The Sims 3 (EA), Star Battalion (Gameloft), Crash Bandicoot (Sony Playstation) and Tetris. There’ll be a further fifty titles available in the V CAST Apps store for download.
Online availability will kick off on May 19, while the Play will arrive in Verizon stores on May 26.
Press Release:

Verizon Wireless And Sony Ericsson Take Mobile Gaming To The Next Level With The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY
The World’s First PlayStation® Certified Smartphone Combines PlayStation®-Quality Gaming Experience with the Latest Android Smartphone Technology
05/17/2011
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Take conference calls, send emails and win football’s biggest game, all on one device. The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, exclusive for a limited time for Verizon Wireless, redefines mobile gaming by combining all the features customers expect from a fully-featured smartphone with the ultimate gaming experience.
Powered by Android 2.3, Gingerbread, the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will come pre-loaded with seven game titles including, Madden NFL 11 (EA Sports), Bruce Lee Dragon Warrior (Digital Legends), Asphalt 6: Adrenaline (Gameloft), The Sims 3 (EA), Star Battalion (Gameloft), Crash Bandicoot (Sony Playstation) and Tetris. Customers can expand their video game library with more than 50 game titles available at launch for download via V CAST Apps. Customers easily become gamers with the slide out game pad revealing a directional keypad, dual analog touch joystick, two shoulder buttons and the four iconic PlayStation® symbol keys: circle, X, square and triangle.
Additional Features:
1 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® II processor with Adreno 205 GPU
Adobe Flash Player
4-inch multi-touch display
5-megapixel rear-facing camera
VGA front-facing camera for still shots and video chatting
Support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk, Google Search, Google Maps and access to more than 200,000 apps available to download from Android Market™
Mobile hotspot capability- share 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices
Pricing and Availability
The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning May 19, and in stores on May 26 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ Play customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a smartphone data package. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access and an unlimited smartphone data plan is $29.99 for monthly access.
Game Developers
The gaming experience can only get better as additional games are being created. Developers have the flexibility to focus on content and not worry about binary file sizes when submitting apps to V CAST Apps. Developers can visit http://developer.verizon.com/play for additional information about game development for the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. To learn more about the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY, visit www.sonyericsson.com.

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Motorola Droid X2 lands on Motorola and Verizon sites, specs confirmed

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Last week we talked a bit about the Motorola Droid X2 when we learned that the smartphone was set to land on May 26. That day will be here before we know it and today the specs of the X2 have again been confirmed via support pages for the X2 on the Motorola website. I guess at this point the smartphone is not exactly a big secret any longer, especially with Motorola offering the full user guide in PDF form. This is your chance to learn all about the smartphone ahead of its expected launch next week.

Other than the PDF user guide on the Motorola website, the Droid X2 has been spied along side some accessories on Verizon’s site as well. The specs of the smartphone will include a big 4.3-inch display, and it will have a 1GHz dual core processor as well. That big screen is the qHD resolution offering we expected. The smartphone also has a micro USB port on the side along with a HDMI port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The smartphone has WiFi and Bluetooth naturally along with GPS.
It’s nice to see the Droid X2 getting ready for the big time. One of the only things left to learn at this point is what the phone will cost. Other specs that have surfaced since the phone was unveiled include an 8MP rear camera with 720p video recording, 8GB microSD card for storage, and Android 2.3 for the operating system. The price is not known at this time, but I would think it would be the typical $199.99 or very close.

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Verizon Rolls Out 4G LTE in New Cities This Week

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Verizon’s 4G LTE coverage, the fastest 4G in the west, is coming to several new cities this week. Verizon made the announcement as a series of Twitter messages. The cities include Pensacola, FL; Mobile, AL; Denver, CO; Montgomery, AL; Gainesville, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Philadelphia, PA and more. The coverage officially begins on Thursday, May 19th.

The covered cities may be seeing occasional 4G LTE coverage now, but probably not a steady signal until Thursday. With the DROID Charge just released on Saturday, Verizon now has two 4G phones in its lineup. Back on April 27th, Verizon’s 4G LTE Network went down nationwide just a day before the Charge was to be released, and the Charge release was delayed for over two weeks.
There is no question that Verizon’s brand of 4G is the fastest, and our own Chris “Burnsy” Burns was impressed with the 4G performance when he did a review of the DROID Charge.
Press release:

4G Smartphones, Modems And Hot Spots Arrive On The Verizon Wireless LTE Network In Pensacola, Florida, On May 19
PENSACOLA, FL — Starting Thursday, Verizon Wireless customers in Pensacola will be able to surf the web, download files and share music and photos up to 10 times faster than before with Verizon Wireless’ 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.
The network launches on May 19 and will be available to customers in the following cities and towns:
Pensacola, Fla.
“We are proud to help Pensacola residents, small businesses and local government connect faster and more fully with each other and those outside our community,” said Kay Henze, president of the Houston/Gulf Coast region for Verizon Wireless. “Our 4G LTE network is revolutionizing the way people communicate, and we know this connectivity will be a key communications and technology enabler for many years to come.”
Smartphones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems
Residents of Pensacola can choose from an array of devices that have already launched to access the blazingly fast speeds of the 4G LTE network, including:
Just introduced on Saturday, the DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED™ Plus display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for both stills and video chatting, Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or the 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $299.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.
ThunderBolt™ by HTC smartphone is powered by Android™ 2.2 and has an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording, 1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities, newest generation of the 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot capability that lets customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Available for $249.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.
Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510L and the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at the same time. Each available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.
Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes equipped with a fold-out USB connector, a four color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.
The LG VL600 4G LTE modem comes equipped with a fixed USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna. Available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.
Pantech’s UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and a internal antenna. Available for $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.
Coverage
In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, 4G LTE users should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink, so customers in the Pensacola area can enjoy the fast speeds of the world’s first large-scale 4G LTE network. Verizon Wireless began introducing the globe’s first large-scale LTE network on December 5, 2010, covering more than 110 million Americans, and is quickly expanding national coverage. In addition to expanding five new markets, the company is adding nine new markets this week, for a total of 55 metropolitan areas covered. The company is rapidly building out its 4G LTE network, and is on course to deliver 4G LTE to its entire 3G wireless footprint by the end of 2013. In addition, the company is working with rural communications companies to collaboratively build and operate a 4G network in those areas using the tower and backhaul assets of the rural company and Verizon Wireless’ core 4G LTE equipment and premium 700 MHz spectrum.
When customers travel outside of a 4G coverage area, the devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable network in the country, allowing customers with laptops and smartphones to download and use cool apps, from mobile social networking platforms to GPS-enabled maps, rapidly browse the web to keep up with news, sports, stock quotes, Hollywood gossip and more, work on-the-go with fast file sharing and stream must-see video and customized radio stations.
4G LTE Data Plans, Promotions and Local Store Information
With the DROID Charge by Samsung and the ThunderBolt by HTC, customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a 4G LTE data package. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access and an Unlimited 4G LTE data plan is $29.99 monthly access.
4G LTE Mobile Broadband plans for the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi® 4510, Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L, LG VL600 4G LTE modem and Pantech UML290 USB modem begin at $50 monthly access for 5 GB of data. Data usage can be tracked by logging on to My Verizon online at www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.

Droid Charge unboxing video:

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DROID Charge Released with Slew of Ads

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Joyous day! Now that the DROID Charge is released officially, Verizon has released what’s now one of their biggest set of ad efforts to date. This massively well produced commercial features suspicious looking folks running around left and right, converging in an underground laboratory / testing arena where two ultimate powers: DROID and 4G LTE will be combined to create the ultimate mega-power. Upon converging to the two, the DROID Charge is revealed, an I Am Robot force to be reckoned with.


Blues and reds abound! Have a look at all the different versions of this single ad spot and marvel at how although each ad is the same, tiny changes make for a slightly different look for your eyeballs. You’ll want to watch it over and over again and, like the Scorcher film series, you’ll wish this was much more expanded. Purchase the DROID Charge now and find out how awesome the loading screen is too – seriously excellent.
Also note that we’ve got a full review of the DROID Charge for you just sitting in wait for you to take a peek. DROID Charge Review your way all the way down to your local Verizon or Target store for this fat amazing Super AMOLED Plus Samsung device that you’ll not regret purchasing for even a second.
Brilliant looks indeed!

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