TheUnlockr » Verizon News

Verizon Systems Point to February 10th For Droid 4 Launch

Amy Eichelberg — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:18:17 +0000

For those of you patiently waiting around for the Verizon Droid 4 to make its official debut, the time may be drawing near. According to a recently leaked screenshot of Verizon’s equipment guide, the device is slated for a February 10th launch everywhere. So, before you hit up Star Wars 3D (which is scheduled for release in theaters the same day), you should be able to stop by your local Verizon store for some serious Droid 4 action.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the handset is expected to run $199 on contract. Enthusiastic future owners can look forward to 4G LTE speeds, a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4″ qHD screen, dual cameras, and edge lit keys atop a full slider.

Woah, Star Wars in 3D and the Droid 4 all in one day? Did anyone else just get really excited?

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Verizon Prepping For Family Plans Data Plans?

Amy Eichelberg — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:11:11 +0000

Ever since Verizon’s CEO mentioned possible family data plans for 2012, we’ve been waiting for the signs that this could actually be the year. According to a leaked screen (shown below) of an internal training document, it shows a new section labeled “account level data plans.” The new section apparently shows an account level charge for data allowance and a 9.99 charge per line.

Naturally, no official word yet from Verizon on if a real shared data solution is on the horizon, but at least there’s still hope.

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Jailbreaking exemption in the DMCA about to expire, we all need to make sure it doesn’t

David Cogen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:39:55 +0000

You may or may not be aware of this, but back in 2010 in the midst of Apple chasing and complaining about users jailbreaking their devices, the government added something to the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) originally created in 1998. They added a few clauses about jailbreaking. These additions essentially made it legal for anyone to jailbreak (or root) their own cell phone.

This essentially shut down Apple’s complaints that jailbreaking your device violating copyright as it allowed you to use unapproved applications on their product which, of course, is ridiculous. If you pay for a product, what you do with that product after the fact is entirely your business. And jailbreaking a device does not necessarily mean you are doing so to try and violate copyrighted material. If Apple’s argument were true, it would insinuate that you don’t own your iPhone after you pay for it, they still do and they can determine what you put on it. Thanks to the government and the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) that had massive support for the exemption, Apple didn’t get their way.Which brings us to why we are mentioning it today, the exemption was never made permanent and as such is about to expire. In order to continue this protection for users everywhere, the EFF asks for your help. If you want to help extend this exemption or learn more about it, please head to the EFF’s site and contact the Copyright Office and explain to them how being able to freely modify your own handset is something you firmly believe in and is something that effects you. Hurry though, comments must be in to the Copyright Office by February 5th, 2012.

EFF Jailbreaking Page

Verizon Now Speculated to Launch Voice Over LTE Early 2013

Amy Eichelberg — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:26:45 +0000

According to Light Over Mobile, Verizon plans to execute their Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) plans early 2013. It appears that the new 2013 timeline seems more realistic, as Verizon has been following an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) in two separate markets.

Verizon was originally expected to roll out VoLTE during 2012, and still may hit that goal by the end of the year but with limited markets to start. Here’s what a Verizon spokesperson had to say about the new VoLTE timeline,

“We’re continuing to work on VoLTE and the services it brings, and will share any launch or availability plans in due course.”

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Verizon Unveils The Droid RAZR Again This Time In Purple: $200 On Contract, January 23rd Launch

Amy Eichelberg — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:32:24 +0000

In an attempt to keep the consumer’s attention with a fresh new outfit, Verizon has unveiled the Droid RAZR again. The only major difference this time around being the handset’s new metallic purple color. Interested consumers can look to score the eye catching handset for a cool $200, which is $100 cheaper than the recently unveiled Droid MAXX.

So if shades of purple and some Kevlar-skin are all it takes to get you excited, then mark your calendar for January 23rd as the date you can add this gadget to your accessory collection. Continue reading for Verizon’s full press statement.

DROID RAZR™ By Motorola Now Available For $199.99 Online On The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network01/17/2012The DROID RAZR™ by Motorola in Black is now available online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Equipped with 16 GB on-board memory, the DROID RAZR is 7.1 mm thin, made with KEVLAR

Verizon slashes price of Motorola Droid 3 to $99

Dax Krishna — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:32:39 +0000

The most obvious reason for this cut by Verizon is probably to make space on its shelves for the newly announced Motorola Droid 4 which is scheduled to pop up some time soon in the coming weeks. Anyways, the current price for the Droid 3 will stand at $99 which seems like a good price if you don’t need 4G speeds. Sadly though, you will still have to ink a two-year contract, which seems a tad bit too long to hold on to a device that is already aging by current standards.

For $99, you will be taking home an Android 2.3 device that can do 3G with its 1GHz dual-core processor aided by 512MB RAM, 16GB of onboard memory, an 8MP 1080p camera and a 4-inch qHD display. As the other Droids, the Droid 3 has a QWERTY keypad too, which is bound to a feature that many look for easier typing, and the usual aGPS, Bluetooth, WiFi and HDMI output are also tucked in neatly in its 2.5 x 4.9 x 0.5 inch body.Head over to Verizon if you are interested right now.Source

Verizon Has $200 Droid RAZR Promo In The Works, 16GB microSD Card Not Included

Amy Eichelberg — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:09:41 +0000

Like many Verizon users, you’ve probably been eyeing that pretty little Droid RAZR but may be on the fence about forking over $300 just to call it yours. Well, Verizon is hoping that an upcoming Droid RAZR promo will grab the attention of the money conscious with the incentive of dropping the price $100.

Starting January 23rd, Big Red plans to offer up the RAZR for only $200 with a 2-year contract, which is a full $100 price drop. So what’s the catch? Interested consumers looking to save a Benjamin will have to do without the complimentary 16GB microSD card. Bummer, we know. Users can still look forward to all of the specs staying the same including: a 1.2GHz TI OMAP 4430 CPU, 16GB of internal storage, a 4.3-inch AMOLED display and Verizon’s blazing fast LTE connectivity.Don’t worry the microSD slot will still work, but just be prepared to come with your own card. Verizon plans to launch the promo January 23rd.Source

HTC adds a few more devices to the unlocked bootloader list – Droid Incredible, Desire Z, Aria and ChaCha among others

Dax Krishna — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:18:10 +0000

Continuing with its quest to be more “open,” HTC has announced the unlock solution for a few more of its Android handsets. The current crop of devices includes the Aria, ChaCha, the T-Mobile G2, Droid Incredible, Desire Z, and the Status.

What does an unlocked bootload mean to me, you ask? Only that it will allow you to flash a custom ROM of your choice without having to circumvent the bootloader to actually do it, which means better ROMs that are more stable and bug free. HTC has taken the right step forward in this particular area we think – we only wish that other companies had similar thoughts – are you listening Moto?Head over to HTCdev if to see if your device has made it to the list yet.Source

Motorola adds Droid RAZR MAXX to its arsenal

Dax Krishna — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:21:21 +0000

Along with the Droid 4 unveiled at CES 2012, Moto has another member to add to its Droid family. The Droid RAZR MAXX will be the latest iteration of its revamped RAZR line and as with the Droid 4, the Razr Maxx will ply on Verizon’s 4G LTE waves and in addition offer an amazing 21 hours of talk time on a single charge with its 3300 mAh battery – that sounds good but will this make a difference when browsing at 4G speeds of more than 20Mbps? We’ll know when the device is released in the next few weeks at a price of $300 on a two-year contract.Other features include a dual-core 1.2GHz CPU and a 4.3-inch sAMOLED Advanced display that is armed with Dupont Kevlar fiber, Corning Gorilla Glass and a “force field” of nanoparticles to repel water and scratches. There’s 32GB of onboard storage and a camera of unknown specifications but looking at the back of the device reveals “HD, 1080p” right next to the lens, so it should be a pretty good one. The only letdown is Android 2.3 instead of Ice Cream Sandwich for the operating system, but Motorola says this will be fixed in the second quarter of 2012.On a side note, the company has also announced the original Droid RAZR in purple which will go at $199.99, also to be released in the coming weeks.

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Announce New Additions to DROID Family at CES 2012New DROIDS and new colors – Verizon Wireless and Motorola have something for everyoneLAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced an expansion of the DROID RAZR™ family. In coming weeks, customers will see the DROID RAZR™ by Motorola in Purple and the DROID RAZR™ MAXX™ by Motorola. Both new DROIDs are powered by America’s fastest, most reliable 4G network and build upon the successful DROID RAZR by Motorola.DROID RAZR – Thin, Powerful and now in Purple

DROID RAZR in Purple will debut in the coming weeks with 16 GB on-board memory and gives customers a third stylish option from which to choose. Regardless of color – classic Black, pristine White or Purple, the DROID RAZR is equipped with the same great features that let customers search the Web or download more than 300,000 Android Market™ apps at breakneck speeds on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. The DROID RAZR in Purple will be $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Taking DROID RAZR to the MAXX

The DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola will join the DROID family for customers who want all the great features of the DROID RAZR, but need a smartphone that overachieves. DROID RAZR MAXX is designed for customers who spend their days and nights multi-tasking. This smartphone is a marathon runner with enough endurance to let customers talk on the phone for over 21 hours straight on a single charge. It’s the longest-lasting smartphone on the block, and at just 8.99 mm, the device is still impossibly thin. The DROID RAZR MAXX comes equipped with 32 GB of total memory and will be $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

The DROID Family by Motorola Complete with Tablets

The DROID family also includes the two recently launched DROID XYBOARD tablets by Motorola. Both boast the blazing speeds of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network and the power of dual-core 1.2 GHz processors for lightning-fast Web browsing and multi-tasking. Customers can select what size XYBOARD they want to command by choosing either the 10.1-inch or 8.2-inch DROID.

Ice Cream Sandwich Update

DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX are powered by the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and run on Android™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The DROID XYBOARD tablets will also be upgraded to Android 4.0. Both DROID smartphones will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.

Additional Features and Smart Accessories

A full suite of accessories that extend the power of DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola are also available from Verizon Wireless. Accessories compatible with both DROIDs include the 10.1-inch Lapdock 100, 14-inch Lapdock 500 Pro with built-in webcam and Ethernet connection, HD Dock, HD Station and vehicle navigation mount. Plus, each device has all the software needed to customize DROID RAZR or DROID RAZR MAXX to the fullest. Stream music, photos and videos from home or work computers straight to the smartphone with MotoCast™, or automate everyday tasks by creating rules using Smart Actions.

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Announce New Additions to DROID Family at CES 2012

New DROIDS and new colors – Verizon Wireless and Motorola have something for everyone

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – From the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced an expansion of the DROID RAZR^™ family. In coming weeks, customers will see the DROID RAZR^™ by Motorola in Purple and the DROID RAZR^™ MAXX^™ by Motorola. Both new DROIDs are powered by America’s fastest, most reliable 4G network and build upon the successful DROID RAZR by Motorola.

DROID RAZR – Thin, Powerful and now in Purple

DROID RAZR in Purple will debut in the coming weeks with 16 GB on-board memory and gives customers a third stylish option from which to choose. Regardless of color – classic Black, pristine White or Purple, the DROID RAZR is equipped with the same great features that let customers search the Web or download more than 300,000 Android Market^™ apps at breakneck speeds on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. The DROID RAZR in Purple will be $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

Taking DROID RAZR to the MAXX

The DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola will join the DROID family for customers who want all the great features of the DROID RAZR, but need a smartphone that overachieves. DROID RAZR MAXX is designed for customers who spend their days and nights multi-tasking. This smartphone is a marathon runner with enough endurance to let customers talk on the phone for over 21 hours straight on a single charge. It’s the longest-lasting smartphone on the block, and at just 8.99 mm, the device is still impossibly thin. The DROID RAZR MAXX comes equipped with 32 GB of total memory and will be $299.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

The DROID Family by Motorola Complete with Tablets

The DROID family also includes the two recently launched DROID XYBOARD tablets by Motorola. Both boast the blazing speeds of Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network and the power of dual-core 1.2 GHz processors for lightning-fast Web browsing and multi-tasking. Customers can select what size XYBOARD they want to command by choosing either the 10.1-inch or 8.2-inch DROID.

Ice Cream Sandwich Update

DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX are powered by the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and run on Android^™ 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android^™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The DROID XYBOARD tablets will also be upgraded to Android 4.0. Both DROID smartphones will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com in the coming weeks.

Additional Features and Smart Accessories

A full suite of accessories that extend the power of DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX by Motorola are also available from Verizon Wireless. Accessories compatible with both DROIDs include the 10.1-inch Lapdock 100, 14-inch Lapdock 500 Pro with built-in webcam and Ethernet connection, HD Dock, HD Station and vehicle navigation mount. Plus, each device has all the software needed to customize DROID RAZR or DROID RAZR MAXX to the fullest. Stream music, photos and videos from home or work computers straight to the smartphone with MotoCast^™, or automate everyday tasks by creating rules using Smart Actions.

Verizon Cites “Growing Pains” As Cause For Recent 4G LTE Outage Issues

Amy Eichelberg — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:18:24 +0000

If you’re a Verizon subscriber then you are well aware by now that December has not been an easy month for the nation’s largest 4G LTE carrier. Verizon users have suffered from not one, but three major network outages this month. In a recent press statement on the matter, Verizon offered no apology for the inconvenience, but simply cited “growing pains” as the cause. Interested to hear just what Big Red had to say on the matter?Continue reading for their entirely unapologetic statement below.

Statement From Verizon Wireless on 4GLTE Network

12/29/2011

In light of recent events, Verizon Wireless shared the following statement about its 4GLTE Network:

The Verizon Wireless 4GLTE Network is BY FAR the largest and the most advanced 4GLTE wireless network in the world. It is available in 190 US markets and covers more than 200 million people, providing the fastest 4G Network in the US.Being a pioneer comes with growing pains. The recent issues that affected our customers’ 4GLTE service were unforeseen despite careful, diligent planning, deployment and ongoing upgrade programs.

Problems customers experienced affected connectivity to the 4GLTE Network and data service. Several times, we have proactively “moved” 4GLTE customers onto our 3G Network to ensure all would have a data connection. For brief periods, such as on Wednesday (12/28), 4GLTE customers could not connect to the 3G Network as quickly as we would have liked.Nonetheless, we estimate that 4GLTE connectivity has been available approximately 99 percent of the time this year.Why have these issues occurred with our 4GLTE Network? Each incident has been different from a technical standpoint. Our engineers have successfully diagnosed those past triggering events, and they have not re-occurred. We also work diligently to rectify technical problems in the Network before they affect any customers.

Our 3G and 1X Networks continue to reliably process calls, texts and data for customers with 3G devices and, when necessary, 4GLTE devices. It continues to perform at the high level that established it as the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G Network.

We are taking a number of steps, working closely with our network suppliers, to ensure the integrity of our 4GLTE Network. We continue to fortify and improve its performance, and our goal is that our 4GLTE Network meets the same high standards that our 3G Network has set for performance and reliability.

Among the numerous measures we have taken or will take are: geographic segmentation, which enables us to isolate, contain and rectify network performance issues, and maintain service to the majority of customers when an issue does develop; and software fixes that we have developed, tested and applied regularly – and will continue to do so. Both will improve performance and reliability.

And finally, we are learning from these issues and applying the same gold standard to our 4GLTE Network that make our 3G Network the nation’s largest and most reliable.

Verizon Wireless is a leader and pioneer in this cutting edge technology that provides very fast wireless data speeds, enabling customers to enjoy the best experience in video and other wireless data usage. Clear unbuffered streaming video, super fast file downloads and wide availability are among the advantages we offer to customers. The capabilities of 4GLTE have exceeded many expectations.

We will not rest until our 4GLTE network performs at the very highest levels that our customers have come to expect from us.

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Leaked Verizon Memo Outlines $2 Fee For Paying Your Bill: ACH or Autodraft the Only Way to Avoid Fee

Amy Eichelberg — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:33:04 +0000

We knew that with a new year upon us change would be inevitable, and it looks like Verizon customers are soon to see a big change in Big Red’s billing policy. According to a leaked memo (shown below), effective January 15th, any customer that opts to pay their wireless bill online or over the phone will be charged an extra $2 each month. Additionally, it appears that the only way to avoid the extra fee is to sign up for AutoPay or to pay your bill by electronic check. For anyone unaware of how AutoPay works, the user’s monthly bill automatically drafts from either a linked checking / savings account or a credit card on file.

While we can understand why Verizon would want more control on receiving payment on time, we’re not sold that this new policy change is the best way to handle it. If you’re currently a Verizon customer let us know how you feel about this new policy: hate it, love it, or don’t care?

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Verizon Deals With Third 3G/4G Network Outage This Month

Amy Eichelberg — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:40:08 +0000

Yet again, Verizon’s 3G and 4G data network has gone down in a rather random and irregular fashion today. Big Red users in New York City, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco and Portland are among those to report problems. Sadly, it didn’t seem to get better for Verizon, as users in Florida, South Carolina, Washington, and New Jersey also reported outage issues in various cities as the day wore on.

The repeat outages could stand to potentially hurt Verizon’s reputation, as users will inevitably start to question the network’s reliability. Here is what Verizon had to say about the wide spread outage today:

We are investigating reports of some customers experiencing trouble accessing the 4GLTE network. The network itself continues to operate and all customers continue to be able to make calls, send text messages and utilize data services. 3G devices are operating normally.

Let us know if today’s outage stressed you out, or if you are already back up and running in your area of the country.

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HTC Thunderbolt update to be released to fix minor issues

Dax Krishna — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:17:25 +0000

Apart from adding a new radio, the 2.11.605.9 update fixes a lot of little nags that get in the way using the HTC Thunderbolt daily. This FOTA rollout will correct issues with contact ringtones and notification volume, and also improves the quality of local streaming when a network connection is not available. Also tucked in are improvements to the Twitter API and Exchange ActiveSync with the Clock now appearing as a separate app in the App List on the device.

Verizon hasn’t stated clearly when this update will stop popping up on Thunderbolts across the country, but you could check manually to start it. And be sure you are on 3G/4G or around a good WiFi connection since the update weighs around 36MB and the process will be a lot smoother if you had a solid connection.

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Galaxy Nexus available starting today on Verizon Wireless

Dax Krishna — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:51:53 +0000

Verizon Wireless seems to be first in the race to play host to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, after the drawn-out, date-riddled wait for the next Nexus flagship device to actually launch. The device is available starting today at 1:00 am and anyone with $299 and a willingness to ink a two-year contract can take one home. The news was made official via VZW’s Twitter channel along with an offer to double the data limit at the same monthly commitment as a holiday special.

As one of the most talked about devices this year, the Galaxy Nexus’ specs are pretty well known, but for those not keeping up with the times, the device features a 4.65-inch touchscreen display of 1280×720 resolution, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor with 1GB RAM, a 5-megapixel camera (1.3MP on the front) and the bragging rights on being the first device ever to run Google’s spanking new Android 4.0 OS officially.

You can walk into a Verizon Wireless store in the morning or just get on to their website to order one right now.

LetsTalk Offers the Galaxy Nexus To New Customers For $155 or $175 For Upgrades

Amy Eichelberg — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:21:25 +0000

In the spirit of the official Galaxy Nexus launch, LetsTalk is now offering the Ice Cream Sandwich packed smartphone for as low as $154.99 for new customers, or $174.99 for those eligible for an upgrade. By using a $75 off Verizon coupon, the discount offers a significant savings compared to Verizon’s $299 on contract price.

It appears that the system attempts to switch people over to a tiered data plan, but LetsTalk has confirmed that they do have a ‘keep unlimited’ option when you add the Galaxy Nexus to your shopping cart. We don’t know how long this deal will last, so take advantage of the discount while you still can.

Head to this link at 12:01 PST and plug in the code $75VZN.

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