Congrats to Annalise Rose, winner of the $100 iTunes Gift Card. Look for an email for details on how to redeem your iTunes Gift Card.
The iPhone 5 should be coming along fairly soon, and we wanted to take a moment to gauge where our readers were at with their current service and their plans for their future service. Because, of course you’re gonna get an iPhone 5, right? We hope to use this data to make some recommendations on what the best provider for the iPhone 5 will be for you, in your area.
To get this data, we need your help. We need you to spread the word about this survey — the more responses we get, the better the results will be. Please take a second and tweet or post on your Facebook wall about this survey. All you need to do is hit those convenient tweet or like buttons at the top of the page for a quick post, or feel free to put the mention in your own words.
In the United States, AT&T has had exclusive iPhone rights up until January of this year, but now the Verizon is in on the game. And T-Mobile too, if you buy the unlocked iPhone 4 from Apple. There have been tons of complaints about service quality on the AT&T network in large cities like New York and San Francisco (and Las Vegas during CES). Switching providers to one that has better coverage for a user’s specific location may make sense. Of course, AT&T customers who have been with the telecom giant for a while might lose those grandfathered unlimited data plans, as only Sprint has unlimited data plans at this point. Of course, many of us use less data than we think, so we’ve included a spot for survey takers to measure that and report as well.
So tell us, 148Apps readers (and all your friends), what is your phone service like now? What will you choose to do once the iPhone 5 is released? Each completed surve will get a chance to be randomly selected for a $100 iTunes Gift card, on us. Make sense? Open to US iTunes accounts, only, please.
So, you’ve broken free of AT&T and now own a shiny new Verizon iPhone 4. How are you going to protect it? Speck has the answer with new fitted cases for the Verizon iPhone 4, and we have ten to give away starting Thursday, February 10th.
All you have to do to win is keep watching our Facebook page. Sometime on the 10th, and then for the next ten days, we’ll post on our wall that the daily contest is on. You then have to “like” our post and comment below it to be eligible to win. We’ll choose one winner at random from all of the commenters, so please keep it to just one comment per contest day.
Winners will need to provide us with a valid email address as well as a physical mailing address, since we can’t electronically transmit your case to you.
As much as I hate resorting to use of Apple’s famous catchphrase, there has never been a situation where it seemed more apropos. Unless you spent the last three days in a deep coma, you probably have heard the groundswell of news coverage surrounding the iPhone finally welcoming Verizon customers into the iOS fold. This was a huge revelation to be sure, but lets all be honest and admit that it was long overdue.
In anticipation of the masses making the jump from the good (albeit admittedly overcrowded) ship USS ATT, developer Two Steps Beyond has created an app that will give you a better idea of what your new cellular and 3G networks are going to look like. The interestingly named Coverage? not only provides you maps of AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile’s nationwide coverage, but it will allow you to zoom into your precise location and compare each carrier.
Here is a video walk through, demonstrating how exactly the app operates:
If you were even slightly curious about what to expect while changing your cellular provider, Coverage? could prove to be an irreplaceable tool. Heck, who knows? Maybe it could even sway you away from making the transition.
While this has a timely use to ravenous consumers, its true purpose is actually to indulge your inner road warrior. When I try to get away from it all and embrace the wilderness, I try to disconnect from the outside world. However, there is an whole seperate sub-culture of Americans that would never leave home without their handy Blackberry, iPad, and even iPhone in tow. For these crazy people, Coverage? would allow them to camp in comfort, while sleeping soundly knowing that they are not going to run up drastically overpriced roaming charges.
Just be sure to consult the software before you pitch your tent. Your wallet will thank you later.
So let’s say you’re planning on buying an iPhone for a loved one for the holiday season, where are you going to buy it? AT&T, Best Buy and the Apple Store already offer the devices, but starting November 7 you can also pick up the machine at your local Target. The company has confirmed that it will carry both the iPhone 4 as well as the iPhone 3GS just in time for your holiday shopping needs.
Those wishing to grab the phone will have to head to one of Target’s 846 stores which have a mobile center tucked inside, but the good news is your phone can be bought and activated all in one stop. “At Target we continue to offer our guests the best in electronics so we’re happy to add iPhone to our Target Mobile offerings,” said Mark Schindele, senior vice president or merchandising. “With expert support from Target Mobile specialists and in-store activation, our guests will be able to leave the store with a new, working iPhone3GS or iPhone4 in-hand.”
Now the only question is when people think of the iPhone, will they think of Target? There are no shortages of places to buy Apple’s device, as in addition to the retailers listed above it’s also pretty easy to find the phone online and have it shipped right to your doorstep rather than venturing out to the store. Could it be that the mega-retailer is too late to the game to make a difference?
Actually, we doubt that very much, as we expect the chain to see a pretty considerable sales bump from the iPhone. Considering the fact that Target is a major outlet for holiday shopping anyway, the idea that consumers can also buy their smartphone there makes the big red stores even more appealing. You can also expect to see a major marketing blitz telling consumers all about how the store is now carrying the machine, prompting even more excitement. And if nothing else, the addition of Target as an outlet gives consumers even more choice, and choice is always a good thing.
There is great excitement over yesterday being the day when AT&T and Verizon began selling the iPad, but the good feelings between Apple and wireless service providers may not last much longer. Reports out of Europe state that Apple is working on a special SIM card which will allow users to buy iPhones directly from Apple and turn on service via the App Store. The new card will apparently be built directly into the phone and will let users effectively cut out the middleman.
The device is a joint venture between Apple and Gemalto, and the new SIM card will prompt users to select their carrier and activate their phone via an App Store download rather than having to call or physically visit a store to get things set up and working properly. The chip’s built-in ROM already has all the technical and security aspects written on it, leaving space where users fill in the carrier info via download. Thus, your phone is a blank slate, ready to roll as soon as you pop the last piece of the puzzle in place.
This rumor, if true, would basically allow Apple to fling open the doors and let just about any carrier they authorize provide iPhone service. While the device is already available on multiple carriers in Europe, moving from one company to another is still a cumbersome task. With this new SIM card changing to a new wireless plan is as simple as downloading a new bit of software, allowing consumers to be much more mobile with their mobile phones. Imagine that!
Such a setup would be a sweetheart deal for customers, who could easily jump from carrier to carrier in order to constantly get the best deal. Having a permanent, phone-specific SIM card means you’ll never lose your personal information and saved numbers, so all you have to worry about is how to save the most money. The only ones upset by this would be the wireless carriers, but it’s hard to drum up much sympathy for that lot.
Two weeks ago, Apple announced officially that AT&T rival network carrier Verizon would carry the iPad in “over 2,000 Verizon Wireless Stores nationwide” from October 28. That day is finally here.
“This is the perfect pairing for holiday travels,” said John Stratton, chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless. “iPad together with the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G data network allows customers to easily connect on the go wherever they are.” But Stratton makes the process sound more integrated than it actually is – in a bizarre twist to the announcement, Verizon won’t be carrying 3G models of Apple’s rival tablet device. Instead, customers have the option of picking up a Verizon MiFI 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot – a device launched in May 2009 that converts Verizon’s cellular 3G signal into a Wi-Fi connection which your iPad can connect to, just like any other wireless network.
1GB of data through MiFi will cost $20 per month, with additional service options of 3GB ($35/month) and 5GB ($50/month) available to all users, according to Newsi.es. This contrasts with AT&T’s available options of 250MB of data for $14.99/month or 2GB for $25/month, which beforehand were the only legal options iPad owners could choose from. The prices of devices in Verizon stores are as follows:
$629.99 for 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi) + MiFi
$729.99 for 32GB iPad (Wi-Fi) + MiFi
$829.99 for 64GB iPad (Wi-Fi) + MiFi
Note that these prices are $1 extra than Apple’s WiFi + 3G models, but include the MiFi device which would otherwise cost $269 standalone. Verizon will sell all three devices without MiFi, presumably for the same cost as the iPad in your local Apple store. For now, it looks like if you walk into the Apple store seeking an iPad with data, AT&T is the only way forward; but if you take a trip to your local Verizon Wireless store, things will be a little different. Apple noted in their official press release two weeks ago that “customers can sign up for more information on Apple’s iPad together with Verizon Wireless’ MiFi 2200 at www.verizonwireless.com/iPad” – no mention of Apple in-store service.
Verizon stores are apparently opening early to deal with potential high demand, so be sure to get down bright and early if you’re after the AT&T alternative.
It seems the end may indeed be nigh for AT&T’s status as the exclusive provider of the iPhone. Bloomberg reports that the wireless retailer has begun increasing shipments of other smartphones and has begun to retrain staff to emphasize sales of other devices over the iPhone. So far the plan seems to be working, as AT&T has managed to sway roughly half the customers interested in an iPhone over to other devices.
“AT&T clearly has tried to diversify themselves away from the iPhone, and that’s probably the right strategy since they’ve relied so heavily on the iPhone these past few years,” said Stifel Nicolaus & Co. analyst Chris King. “This handset strategy could shelter them from some customer losses.”
Current rumors suggest that Verizon will begin selling the iPhone in January, making this the last holiday season in which AT&T can rely on Apple’s smartphone to bolster sales. Still, it looks like under the current strategy AT&T is already trying to diversify customer interested and lead consumers toward Blackberry, Windows or other phones.
For their part, AT&T is denying that they’re planning for life after the iPhone, but rather are trying to provide consumers with the most comprehensive information and best available selection for their smartphone needs.
“We made a conscious decision to give our customers a choice and let them decide what is best for them,” said AT&T devices senior vice president Jeff Bradley. “We’re probably there now, at a critical mass.”
Complimenting this new strategy is a new training program for employees which will teach them the finer points of each smartphone the carrier stocks, rather than only the virtues of the iPhone. Stores are also being rearranged to de-emphasize Apple’s phone and shine a spotlight on other models. After years of trying to steer every smartphone customer to one specific device, this is a major change as the retailer looks to encourage sales of multiple brands.
Though the strategy is a sound one it’s strange to see AT&T seemingly concede defeat to Verizon before the competitor even begins to offer the iPhone. While Verizon may indeed offer better pricing or service, it’s not like no one will ever come to AT&T wanting to buy an iPhone again, so why try and steer them away? It will be interesting to see what Verizon has to offer when they begin carrying the product, because if they can truly offer a better experience then they may become the de facto exclusive carrier. We can only wait and see how it all pans out.
We all believe that the iPhone yearns to be free to be sold by multiple carriers, and it would seem that this once-mythical day is nearly upon us. According to reports, iPhone model 3,2 (the CDMA-compatible model) is in the “AP” field testing phase. That basically means the hardware is all done, the software is practically done, and if these final tests go well then the phone will be ready for retail release. For those keeping score at home, a CDMA-compatible phone means that carriers such as Verizon would be able to carry the device and offer the same (or better) service as AT&T.
If you want to be a pessimist then there’s also the distinct possibility that this new model of iPhone isn’t the “Verizon version” at all, but rather a minor hardware redesign that will simply solve some of the antenna problems plaguing current phones. Because of our boundless hope that someday the iPhone will be untethered from AT&T we don’t want to believe this is the true reason for the new hardware, but it’s very likely that Occam’s Razor will come back to bite us if we claim otherwise. For now, we’ll just treat the whole thing with tempered enthusiasm.
Traditional iPhone users will also be pleased to hear that the iPhone 5 is apparently in EVT (engineering verification testing) right now. While we don’t have an approximate ETA for this next major hardware refresh, don’t go thinking you’ve got the top-of-the-line phone just because you have an iPhone 4. Apple definitely plans to make you upgrade yet again, it’s just a matter of time.
Just in case the temptation to buy an iPad isn’t already great enough, Apple will begin offering its tablet at both wireless retailers on October 28th. AT&T will sell the device at normal prices with 3G support, so when you go pick up that new iPhone 4 why not grab an iPad while at the store?
“We can’t wait to showcase the amazing features of iPad Wi-Fi + 3G in our stores across the country just in time for the holidays,” said Glenn Lurie, AT&T President of Emerging Devices, Resale and Partnerships, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With our breakthrough iPad data plans starting at just $14.99 and access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots around the country at no extra cost, our customers will have the best of both worlds.”
“We look forward to expanding the reach of iPad, allowing even more customers to experience the magic of iPad for themselves,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s COO. “As we approach the holiday season, we are very happy that customers will now be able to buy iPad Wi-Fi + 3G at AT&T Stores.”
Perhaps the more surprising story is the fact that the iPad will also be offered at Verizon, though under slightly different pricing and wireless capabilities. Verizon will only be selling the Wi-fi enabled iPads, but will also be bundling the machines with their Mi-fi service. The end result is that prices for Verizon iPads will run $630, $730 and $830.
“This is the perfect pairing for holiday travels,” said John Stratton, chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless. “iPad together with the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G data network allows customers to easily connect on the go wherever they are.”
“We’re thrilled to be working with Verizon Wireless to get iPad into the hands of even more customers this holiday season,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s COO. “iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before, and together with Verizon Wireless we’re offering an easy way to stay connected wherever you go.”
The fact that Verizon is selling Apple’s hot new tablet fuels the fire of the rumors that the wireless retailer may also soon start selling the iPhone, Apple’s flagship product. Rumors began swirling in 2009 that Verizon would carry the iPhone this year, but the latest reports have pushed back such a deal to 2011. Could Apple be testing the waters with the iPad to see if Verizon is worthy of the iPhone? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Verizon, the company that is rumored to get the iPhone onto their network in the not so distant future, has an app planned that will bring live TV to FiOS subscribing iPad users (FiOS, for those who don’t know (which included me until about an hour ago), is Verizon’s bundled home communications service which includes internet, TV, and phone). The live TV in the app will be a completely separate experience, letting the iPad work as an independent TV rather than an extension of another, a la Slingbox.
While the news is not quite as epic as a confirmed by Apple Verizon phone, the ability to stream live TV is something that iPad owners have been yearning for.
There is a major limitation though, as the service can only be used in your home due to Verizon’s need to authenticate users to send them the correct content. While it is unfortunate for the end user, it wouldn’t make sense for every user of the app to get every premium channel just for having it. The eventual goal is to provide a TV anywhere model, but there are apparently some kinks that need to be worked out.
Verizon is also planning a video on-demand store to be ready in Q4 2010 (which may or may not be before the release of the iPad app) that will let you stream rented and or paid for movies on the fly. Instead of making you store the content on-device though, the service saves the media onto a 70 GB HD in the clouds that is specifically dedicated to you. This capability allows users to watch the videos on whatever device they choose, from one of the TV’s connected to FiOS to a supported mobile device.
Verizon doesn’t have a set date for the apps arrival as they are waiting for all of the content partners to get on board, something that could be very difficult in today’s world where everyone is trying to make money in the App Store, but the “cloud TV” experience could be right around the corner. If you are one of the lucky 2.5 million FiOS TV customers, your TV on the iPad dreams could soon come true.
Mac Rumors has received unofficial word that Sprint may become a carrier of the iPhone as early as this summer. The site points to skeptical claims made by a Sprint employee who has been reliable in the past and to a TechUpdate post covering information from a BestBuy employee who has similar information.
We reported recently that AT&T’s iPhone exclusivity may be under threat from other carriers and that it narrowly avoided losing sole rights to iPhone tariffs by offering a very competitive data plan for the 3G iPad. Verizon is the most hotly tipped network to take on the iPhone but, should AT&T’s exclusivity come to an end, Apple may well consider multiple iPhone carriers as it has done in Europe. As Mac Rumors points out, multiple contracts would also see a boost in iPhone uptake as has been seen with Android-based handsets. TechUpdate’s unnamed BestBuy employee feels that AT&T’s exclusivity has already been lost with the blow softened by exclusive iPad tariffs in the meantime.
Steve Jobs is set to host a Keynote at the start of Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference on June 7 so perhaps we will find out more then.
It seems that AT&T may have made one last Hail Mary play in order to remain the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the US. According to Wall Street analyst Brian Marshall, quoted by Computerworld, AT&T may have been allowed to hang on to the deal until the end of 2010 by offering significantly discounted data plans for Apple’s iPad 3G.
In the run up to the iPad launch, many touted Verizon as a shoe-in to become the next iPhone carrier alongside AT&T as well as to provide data services for the iPad. This never happened.
Although his claims appear unsubstantiated, Marshall, who currently works for BroadPoint AMTech, believes that AT&T, in a desperate bid to hold on to the lucrative iPhone carrier rights, made some serious sacrifices in providing a hugely discounted data contract for iPad owners.
Consumers questioned the need for another 3G contract alongside their iPhone when the iPad was announced with many pundits claiming that the price of the service would be key to Apple’s strategy. By granting an additional six months to AT&T’s exclusivity, it appears Apple was able to meet this target.
AT&T currently offers two data plans for the iPad 3G, one for $14.99 per month for up to 250MB and another at $29.99 for unlimited data. Neither package requires the user to sign a contract and both include free access to AT& Wi-Fi hotspots. By comparison to the competition, this is a very reasonable deal for iPad users and one that will surely have come at a cost to AT&T, which has struggled with wireless data loads since the iPhone was launched.
By contrast to the US, Europe has multiple carriers for the iPhone that are currently fighting to offer data plans for the iPad when it is released this summer.
AT&T’s network has long been criticized for a number of failings including dropped calls and poor coverage, notably so during a very public spat between the company and Verizon. Verizon launched a stinging ad campaign comparing its 3G coverage to AT&T’s while also aping Apple’s iPhone ads with the slogan “There’s a map for that” resulting in a legal back and forth between both companies. In response to AT&T’s suit that claimed the ads mislead the public, Verizon simply commented “the truth hurts”.
Verizon has reportedly conveyed to Apple its desire to carry the iPhone but, at present, it seems they can’t offer the right goods to seal the deal. Not even, it appears, the offer of a better network.
While I don’t think any of the US users if the iPhone are too happy with AT&T, there haven’t been any other options if you wanted to stick with an iPhone. And while I think many of us had placed our hopes on a Verizon iPhone in 2010 when the AT&T exclusivity runs out, I think the latest advertising campaign by Verizon signals that we won’t see an iPhone on their network anytime soon.
The iDon’t ad campaign we’re talking about is for Verizon’s first Android phone, built by Motorola, called the Droid. They campaign has a web site at DroisDoes.com, the phone is to be released next month. The campaign is focused on pointing out the things that the Android phone does that the iPhone doesn’t such as multitasking, physical keyboard, 5 megapixel camera, customization, widgets, and open development. But the troubling part is how derogatory it is to the iPhone.
The concern I have is that if we were to see a Verizon iPhone in 2010, negotiations would already be underway. And if you are negotiating with a company for products that you want to carry, you don’t publicly denigrate them like Verizon has done with their iDon’t campaign. Verizon is publicly ripping into the iPhone. They wouldn’t do so if they were any chance of them selling that product anytime soon.
So when, or if, the AT&T exclusivity expires next year, what options will we have. The only other two networks in the US are Sprint and T-Mobile. And both are even worse than AT&T in most parts of the US. So that basically means, yes, we’re stuck with being treated like second class citizens with AT&T.
The iPhone 5 should be coming along fairly soon, and we wanted to take a moment to gauge where our readers were at with their current service and their plans for their future service. Because, of course you’re gonna get an iPhone 5, right? We hope to use this data to make some recommendations on what the best provider for the iPhone 5 will be for you, in your area.
So, you’ve broken free of AT&T and now own a shiny new Verizon iPhone 4. How are you going to protect it? Speck has the answer with new fitted cases for the Verizon iPhone 4, and we have ten to give away starting Thursday, February 10th.
Verizon, the company that is rumored to get the iPhone onto their network in the not so distant future, has an app planned that will bring live TV to FiOS subscribing iPad users (FiOS, for those who don’t know (which included me until about an hour ago), is Verizon’s bundled home communications service which includes internet, TV, and phone). The live TV in the app will be a completely separate experience, letting the iPad work as an independent TV rather than an extension of another, a la Slingbox. 
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