Verizon Moto X owners take note as feedback from Motorola’s forums confirm the newest soak test is in fact Android 4.4 KitKat. Considering that Verizon is often the last to see a major Android update, we’re pleasantly surprised that they are moving fast to squash bugs by putting this out in a soak test.
Motorola’s world may be concentrated on the release of the Moto G this week but Big Red is working to shift some attention back to the Moto X. The carrier is offering a $50 promotion on customized orders through Moto Maker until November 18th.
Verizon Wireless, once the gold standard for LTE, has admitted that it is struggling to keep up with demand in the big cities – with some users being dropped down to slower 3G speeds. The carrier’s Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo said yesterday:
There are certain pockets where we’re absolutely going to experience that down tick from the LTE network down to 3G because of capacity constraints …
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I’ll be the first to admit that I think all smartphones look better dressed in white (no fingerprints!) and this newly leaked image of the LG G2 is no exception. However, even if the white looks more decadent than the black LG G2 that doesn’t take away from those horrible, eye-gouging Verizon logos that are so prominently placed. Twitter tipster @evleaks dropped the press image late last night and oh who am I kidding, those logos, kill them with fire.
When Motorola launched its first smartphone as a Google company with the Moto X back in August, the big stand out feature for the device was the ability to apply over 2000 customizations at the time of purchase. Motorola let users pick the front, back, and accent colors, match headphone and case colors, and more all though its MotoMaker.com online ordering tool. Unfortunately, until today the MotoMaker tool was exclusive to AT&T with other carriers only selling white and black models of the Moto X.
The good news is AT&T’s exclusivity window has now officially ended and starting today you can order a customized Moto X through Moto Maker from all major US carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
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If you have a Nexus 7 you’re waiting to activate on Verizon’s LTE network, there’s good news and bad news …
The good news is Verizon has acknowledged the issue that has been preventing the device registering on its network, and says that a solution is in hand. The bad new is that solution is to wait for KitKat to be installed on the tablet, and there’s as yet no word on when this may be. Google has said only that it will be “in the coming weeks” and that is for the Wifi versions …
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T-Mobile today announced that it is launching a new un-carrier initiative for tablets next month (November). The plan will offer tablets to T-Mobile customers (new and existing) for no money down. Like with smartphones, the customers will be able to pay for the device over the life of a 24-month plan. T-Mobile is yet to provide pricing specifics for tablets other than the iPad, but those details will arrive soon. What is known now: customers on T-Mobile with tablets will be able to get 200MB of data per month for free. T-Mobile recently announced the Simple Choice international unlimited data free roaming plan, and T-Mobile will likely support this for tablets.
The Moto X developer edition is available starting today through Motorola’s website in both black and white woven backs for a price tag of $650 with SIM included. There are two variants of the device available, both 32GB models: One works with GSM networks including AT&T and T-Mobile, and the other is for compatible with Verizon’s network. The device comes with an unlockable bootloader, 32GB, and “developer edition” stamped on the back, but otherwise it’s the same Moto X that’s been available through carriers and Moto Maker. You won’t, however, be able to customize the developer edition through Moto Maker, which is still exclusive to AT&T customers.
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After being unveiled back in August and shown off again during IFA in Berlin last week, LG’s new flagship LG G2 smartphone is officially launching today on most major US carriers (except for Sprint). The 5.2-inch device is now available to order from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, while Sprint customers will have to wait until October 11 to begin preordering the device. For the most part all carriers are getting the same device– a Snapdragon 800 processor, 13 megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM, microSD slot, 3000mAh battery, and 5.2-inch full-HD display– but there are slight differences between the AT&T and T-Mobile versions and the Verizon model. Specifically, Verizon’s version will come with built-in wireless charging, which means the profile is a little thicker. It’s also changed the look and feel of the buttons located on the back of the device.
Pricing also varies depending on the carrier: AT&T and Verizon are offering the LG G2 for $199 on the usual two year agreement, while T-Mobile has the device for a $99 down payment through its monthly instalment plans. Purchasing the LG G2 off contract will run you $575 from AT&T, $600 from Verizon, and about $605 from T-Mobile.
Just as rumors suggested, Best Buy will begin to offer the HTC One in a Metallic Blue flavor beginning September 15th. While the retail giant doesn’t specifically confirm which carrier variants it will offer the blue model in, it simply teases that it will be available “with the option of 4G LTE service from AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon.” Last month, a leaked document suggested that the blue HTC One would be available from Sprint, while we saw leaked images of the Verizon model.
The award-winning HTC One will be available in a stunning new Metallic Blue exclusively through Best Buy in the United States with the option of 4G LTE service from AT&T, Sprint or Verizon at the more than 1,400 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores as well as on BestBuy.comon Sunday, Sept. 15.
As expected, the Moto X is now at the Verizon Wireless store and at Best Buy for $199+2 year commitment in any color so long as it is black or white.
We’re expecting this device to come down in price over the next few months so waiting might be an option
Where to get a Verizon Moto X: Best Buy, Verizon
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Five days after arriving on AT&T, Motorola announced today that its new Moto X flagship smartphone is now available to purchase directly through its Moto Maker website. Previously customers were forced to purchase the device through AT&T and enter a code on the Moto Maker site to start the customization process. Starting today, Motorola will allow AT&T customers to purchase the device directly through the Moto Maker site for $199 (16GB) or $299 (32GB) on contract, and it’s also making the device available without a contract for $579 (16GB) or $629 (32GB). While Motorola originally planned to ship devices ordered through Moto Maker in 4 days, the site is currently quoting a shipping time of 8 days.
The Moto Maker tool is the standout feature of the Moto X, allowing users to choose from over 2000 customization options for back, front and accent colors, unique wallpapers, and engraving. Unfortunately, we found out earlier this month that engraving won’t be available initially due to some manufacturing issues.
Verizon announced that Moto X would arrive in black and white on August 29, but the Moto Maker customization tool remains and exclusive to AT&T. Other major US carriers are expected to start carrying the Moto X by early September.
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https://twitter.com/VZWnews/status/372079298259066880
Following a launch on AT&T last week, Verizon confirmed today that it will be launching Motorola’s new flagship Moto X smartphone starting August 29. Leaks leading up to the launch of the device pointed to an August 29th release date for the Verizon version of the device through Best Buy, but Verizon only mentioned online availability in its announcement today. It did note that the Moto X will become available in stores in the coming weeks.
The 16GB model will sell for the same $199 on contract as AT&T (the 32GB is exclusive to AT&T), but Verizon will only offer white and black versions. The customization options available through the Moto Maker tool are currently still available exclusively to AT&T customers.
Moto X is expected to launch on all major US carriers by early September.
Just as it announced last week, the HTC One is now finally available from Verizon Wireless for $199.99 with a new two-year agreement. The device is being sold only in a 32GB capacity and in a silver color option. It ships with Android 4.2.2, and as you would expect, comes with Sense 5 loaded on top. Unique to the Verizon model, however, are the 4G LTE and Verizon logos plastered on the back.
The specs are the same as the AT&T variant, which launched a staggering four months ago. The HTC One is powered by a Snapdragon 600 processor paired with 2GB of RAM, which even four months later, are pretty solid specifications.
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https://twitter.com/VZWnews/statuses/368366543379247104
Verizon has finally announced a release date for the HTC One via its official Twitter account today. The device will become available on August 22 and will sell for $199 on the usual two year contract. There’s no word yet on an announcement for the new Moto X, but perhaps we’ll get confirmation before the release of the HTC One for those trying to decide between the two devices. AT&T confirmed this morning that the Moto X would arrive on August 23.
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After several months of speculation, Verizon has just launched a sign-up page for its HTC One variant. The carrier has been promising to offer the device since June, but the launch has been pushed back by every possible delay. The sign-up page doesn’t offer any additional details as to what we can expect from Verizon’s HTC One variant, though we do now know where the 4G LTE and Verizon logos will be located.
Earlier rumors pointed to the device as launching on August 1st, but as we’re all well aware of, that date has come and gone with no launch. At this point, it looks like we may see finally see a launch sometime this month. More than 5 months after other carriers.
While previous leaks have pointed to an August 23rd release date for the majority of US carriers, the latest leaked shot from Best Buy’s inventory system (via AndroidCentral) shows that you might have to wait a little longer to get your hands on the device. Nothing’s official, but the image above shows the Verizon version of the Moto X will arrive on August 29. Motorola hasn’t confirmed an official launch date other than “late August/early September”, but we know the $199, 4.7-inch device will be landing on all four major US carriers, as well as in Canada and Latin America, by early next month. However, the device’s big new selling point– the Moto X online tool that allows users to choose from over 2000 customization options– will be exclusive to AT&T until sometime later this year.
Notorious leakster @evleaks has just shared an image of the HTC One in a new shade of blue. There’s not much to go off of, but the device will supposedly be released sometime in 2013. There is no carrier branding on the phone, which leads us to believe that it will be sold internationally only, though PhoneArena is reporting that the device has appeared in Verizon’s internal system. Aside from the different color shade, the device is identical to the other HTC One models in every way. The front-facing BoomSound speakers are clearly visible, as is the Beats Audio logo on the back.
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AndroidCentral is reporting that the image above has leaked from Verizon’s inventory system showing an August 23rd release date for the recently announced Moto X. Motorola never mentioned specific availability beyond “late August/early September”, but today’s leak lines up with a previously leaked roadmap for the carrier that also pegged the Moto X for an August 23rd street date. No word on availability for other carriers yet, but we know the $199, 4.7-inch device will be landing on the majority of major US carriers, as well as in Canada and Latin America, by early next month.
Photo: Yahoo News
While we already knew that the Droid MAXX, Droid Ultra and Droid Mini, like all Droids would be exclusive to Verizon (‘Droid’ is a Verizon brand licensed from LucasArts after all!). CNET now reports that the exclusivity will work in reverse too: with all Droid-branded devices being manufactured exclusively by Motorola.
Starting with the Droid Ultra lineup, Motorola will be the only smartphone manufacturer to build Droid smartphones, Verizon marketing executive Jeff Dietel told CNET on Tuesday.
Verizon had previously used the Droid brand for handsets from a range of manufacturers, including HTC’s Incredible series and Samsung’s Droid Charge. With HTC moving to its own ‘One’ branding and Samsung’s own, more powerful Galaxy branding, the news doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
These latest handsets are likely the last vestiges of pre-Google Motorola and with the Moto X coming in a few short days, these are likely some of, if not the last devices designed before the takeover by Google. Google-installed CEO Dennis Woodside noted earlier this year that Google was working to clear some mediocre inventory that had been been built by his predecessors. With due respect to Mr. Woodside, the 48-hour battery life and other specs on these are going to give the X phones a run for their money.
Verizon and Motorola are set to unveil a new series of DROID devices tomorrow at a press event, but almost everything has already been leaked ahead of time. Motorola fan site HelloMotoHK (via Droid Life) has just published an image of a “Limited Edition” DROID ULTRA variant with a red stripe running down the back.
It’s unclear exactly how or if the device will be offered to consumers. There’s a strong possibility that it will be an employee edition, common practice by Verizon and Motorola.
We’ll be sure to let you know what Verizon has to offer up at its press event tomorrow, but it seems pretty like that its a new DROID series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o4NwlACq3Ew
As much as people wish it would change, Google Fiber is only available to a select group of cities, which means that the rest of us are stuck with other alternatives, like Verizon FiOS. Today, Verizon has announced its fastest tier of FiOS to date, but it’s still not as fast, or cheap, as Google’s offerings. Dubbed Quantum, the plan offers theoretical download speeds of 500Mbps and 100Mbps uploads. For comparison’s sake, Google Fiber offers one gigabit both up and down.
Where Verizon’s offerings really differ, however, are in price. FiOS Quantum requires that you have a “double play” package, which starts at a whopping $309.99 a month. For a “triple play” bundle, which in includes phone service, the price jumps to $329.99. Both those packages also require a two-year contract. Google Fiber, on the other hand, costs $70 a month for just internet, and $120 for internet and TV.
The 500Mbps/100Mbps plans are available “in parts” of every existing FiOS market, with Verizon looking to bring it to more places soon.
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Even though other carriers have been offering the HTC One for months now, Verizon has yet to announce availability for the flagship device, simply stringing customers along as far as possible. According to a new document obtained by PhoneArena, however, we’re still a little less than a month away from a launch.
The leaked roadmap claims that we will see the HTC One on Verizon’s LTE network August 1st. This falls in line with what Verizon announced earlier last month when it promised a launch this summer. The document also claims that Verizon will release the highly anticipated Moto X Phone on August 23. We’re thinking that may be a pre-order date, however, as Motorola CEO Dennis Woodside said himself at the AllThingsD conference that the device is coming this October.
We all know that Verizon is almost always the last carrier to launch a phone when it’s released universally on carriers, such was the case with the Galaxy S4, but the carrier does have a good relationship with Motorola. The two have had a strong relationship because of the DROID line of devices, which could mean that they have advanced knowledge of one another’s plans and that Verizon could launch the X Phone ahead of other carriers.
Keep in mind that this is a rumor and something like this could be faked pretty easily, but we’ll definitely keep you updated on further developments regarding these two devices.
It looks like Motorola and Verizon are set to team up for yet another lineup of DROID devices this fall, as press images from @evleaks and story boards from Android Central have leaked. First off, the DROID MAXX looks to be the successor the popular DROID RAZR MAXX from last year. Specs are still a mystery for the most part, but seeing how the RAZR MAXX was a flagship last year, it seems likely that its successor will also feature high-end internals. The big selling according to the leaked ad, however, will still be the battery life. The ad teases that the DROID MAXX will have “48 hours of worry-free battery life.” The RAZR MAXX was advertised with 32 hours of talk time, so two full days of usage is pretty impressive.
The DROID ULTA’s storyboard doesn’t really give us any hints as to what to expect from the device, but it does mention that the device will be “Only on Verizon. 8-8-13.” More than likely, the DROID ULTRA will be very similar to the DROID MAXX, but with less impressive battery life and a thinner design.
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