Liveblog: Verizon Press Conference
Jan 6, 2011, 3:55 PM by Philip Berne
We're live from the Verizon 4G LTE press conference, where the V is expected to announce its launch lineup of 4G LTE phones and other devices. Tune in for live updates.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:57 PM: Wrapping up the press conference, now time for hands-on demos.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:56 PM: Verizon won't comment on pricing plans for upcoming LTE devices in any way. Nothing about data plans, tethering, etc.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:52 PM: Verizon devices will be more open, thanks to their use of SIM cards. You might be able to use a VZW LTE phone on other networks.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:50 PM: Verizon Wireless is working on global roaming arrangements for LTE or 3G service.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:49 PM: Battery performance in LTE phones "will meet our customer's expectations."
Jan 6, 2011, 4:48 PM: Verizon says that the estimate of 5-12 Mbps downloads on LTE is for a fully-loaded network, with plenty of smartphone users.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:46 PM: Q&A session with the Verizon Wireless execs.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:46 PM: Motorola Droid Bionic will be 4G-enabled. The Motorola Xoom tablet will also be LTE-capable, eventually (after a hardware upgrade).
Jan 6, 2011, 4:45 PM: Samsung's LTE phone is either unnamed, or will be called the "Samsung 4G LTE Smartphone." We'll have more details soon.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:44 PM: LTE Galaxy Tab will use a 1.2 GHz processor. Mobile hotspot will use LTE and 3G EV-DO networking.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:43 PM: Shin gets applause for pulling a Galaxy Tab from his suit jacket pocket, where it hid unnoticed.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:43 PM: Samsung's phone has an 8-megapixel camera, HD video recording and playback, and a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:42 PM: Samsung's LTE phone will use a 4.3-inch super AMOLED Plus display.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:42 PM: Samsung launching 1 mobile hotspot, 1 smartphone, and an LTE-enabled Galaxy Tab.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:41 PM: Samsung is launching 3 new LTE devices for Verizon Wireless.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:41 PM: JK Shin, President of Samsung Mobile, takes the stage.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:39 PM: EA talking about playing Rock Band collaboratively with friends across the LTE network.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:38 PM: EA VP of Worldwide Studios, Travis Boatman, takes the stage.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:36 PM: Thunderbolt uses a super LCD screen. Features Wi-Fi hotspot to share LTE network.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:36 PM: Skype Video Chat is integrated with HTC's Sense Interface experience.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:35 PM: Peter Chou showing off the HTC Thunderbolt in hand.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:34 PM: HTC Thunderbolt is officially announced for Verizon Wireless' LTE network.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:33 PM: Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, takes the stage.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:33 PM: Skype mobile on Verizon LTE phones will be always-on, and the answering experience will mirror voice calls.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:31 PM: Skype will allow video calls on Verizon Wireless' Android smartphones.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:30 PM: CEO of Skype, Tony Bates, takes the stage before any more handset manufacturers.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:29 PM: LG Revolution will be the first LG LTE smartphone on Verizon Wireless.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:29 PM: LG's Dr. Jong-Seok Park, head of mobile technology, introducing the LTE phone.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:27 PM: Verizon is launching 4 LTE smartphones and 2 mobile hotspots by mid-year.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:27 PM: Verizon Execs standing behind a large panel of devices. 2 tablets. 4 phones. 2 laptop. 2 mobile hotspots.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:25 PM: Verizon will cover the entire U.S. within 3 years. By mid 2012, will cover 200 million pops, 2/3 of the US population. 140 more markets will be added.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:20 PM: Tony Malone, Verizon Wireless CTO, talking LTE.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:17 PM: Now talking about the benefits of 700Mhz spectrum, and also partnerships with rural carriers.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:15 PM: Verizon showing a video with network and manufacturing partners talking about how great LTE is.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:14 PM: Partners listed include LG, Motorola, Samsung, HTC, Alcatel-Lucent, Novatel Wireless, and Electronic Arts.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:13 PM: Verizon Wireless VPs take the stage to talk about partners and LTE development.
Jan 6, 2011, 4:11 PM: Press conference has begun.
Jan 6, 2011, 3:48 PM: We're seated front row and ready to bring you all the Verizon news as it's announced today.
Comments
LTE Smartphone with GSM for Global??
If it's only a few months out then I would probably wait, but if it's going to be 1+ years (like from the launch of Droid to the D2G), then I'd probably get the D2G now and upgrade to LTE next time around.
Of course, we haven't heard anything about LTE voice plans yet, so that could always derail my plan here, but we'd have to see once launched.
What have you guys he...
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