Site News
Verizon Wireless To Launch 4G Wireless By The End Of 2010
by The Robot Droid on Mar.08, 2010, under Site News
4G Available to 100 Million Americans in 25 to 30 U.S. Markets by End of 2010. Verizon Wireless announced March 8,2010 that its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network field trials in the United States have demonstrated wireless data speeds that are significantly faster than today’s 3G network speeds. Trials in Boston and Seattle indicate the network is capable of peak download speeds of 40 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps) and peak upload speeds of 20 to 25 Mbps. The speeds are significantly faster than Verizon Wireless and other wireless providers’ current or promised 3G network speeds.
Verizon Wireless has been testing its forthcoming 4G LTE network in both Boston and Seattle since August, 2009. Successful data calls involved streaming video, file uploads and downloads, and Web browsing, as well as calls with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice transmissions over the LTE network. Verizon Wireless engineers report LTE average data rates of 5-12 Mbps on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world environments and will offer Verizon Wireless customers mobile browsing speeds comparable to customers’ current, typical online Internet experience.
“Our LTE rollout plan positions Verizon Wireless to be a global leader in 4G LTE deployment. We are on track to deliver an outstanding wireless data experience to customers in 25 to 30 markets covering roughly 100 million people by year’s end,” said Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technical officer at Verizon Wireless. “As device makers, manufacturers and others around the world begin to introduce newer and faster products to take advantage of these incredible new speeds, Verizon Wireless will be positioned to offer our customers new and exciting products on the nation’s first 4G LTE network.”
By leveraging its 700 MHz spectrum for LTE deployment in the United States, Verizon Wireless is capable of quickly deploying a high-quality wireless broadband network with excellent coverage and in-building penetration. Verizon Wireless is currently installing LTE equipment at existing cell sites and switching centers around the United States as part of its extensive, ongoing investment in its voice and data network infrastructure.
Android 2.1 OTA Update For Motorola Droid Is Evolution Working
by The Robot Droid on Feb.24, 2010, under Site News
There has been a great deal of hype surrounding the upcoming Android 2.1 OTA update for the Droid. The SDK for 2.1 was released on January 11, 2010. The hype and annoyance people are leveling at Motorola for continually pushing back the release date of their next update, the much vaunted Android 2.1, that has been anticipated and lusted after for nearly a month. All this has left lots of time for rumors to circulate.
One particular rumor that seems to be persistent is that the Eris will receive it before the Droid. This does make a certain kind of sense due to the fact that the Eris has labored under the 1.5 framework for months now and badly needs and update of this type to remain current. Despite their complaints, however, the buzz still proves that people are very interested in the promised updates as well as a few desired bug fixes that might be added to the over the air update.
The Android 2.1 OTA update for the Droid is cited to have several upgrades for the Droid. Some of the most sought after updates are true voice recognition, a fully integrated virtual keyboard that will be made larger to accommodated quick typists, a 3D gallery that utilizes finger swipes. The addition of more home screens is sure improve the UI as well.
The voice recognition system is tied into the virtual keyboard and involves a single finger swipe across the virtual keyboard before dictating the information you wish to send. The update will apparently allow the Droid to truly understand English so that typing will not be required.
The Upgraded virtual keyboard will feature auto-correct and auto-complete features that allow mobile device owner's to send more professional seeming text messages. The individual keys will be larger and possibly more responsive as well.
The 3D gallery is something many individuals have wanted for a while as it will allow for a much greater variety of usage in their multimedia functions. The Droid will be able to take all of the owner's photos and videos as well as album art and other images from their Picasa Web albums account online. They will then be displayed via three-dimensional stacks that will slightly move in a manner the phone is tilted. To scroll through the chosen media all that is required will be a single finger flick or slide. This will allow the app user to choose a thumbnail version of what they want from their media. Once the object of their interest is located a simple finger tap will select and expand it for playback or viewing. To share media such as pictures or the app user will need to perform a long-press on the object to transfer. This can be done for single images or bulks transfers when using Facebook, MMS, and E-mail.
The Android 2.1 OTA Update for Droid has been long awaited and with the many updates the new version will bring many wonder at the direction Motorola is taking. Some cite that they would prefer more bug fixes over other types of updates, for instance. However, they still await the next update with baited breath because it has been promised and they desire to see how things will go.
The addition of home screen will surly improve the user interface experience. As users find more ways to incorporate the Droid Phone into all aspects of life real estate on home screens is prime. We have seen 6 home screens on flashed updates, but we hope for more in the 2.1 OTA Update. Not holding our breath though.
While the date for the OTA update has been pushed back twice now, first from January 22, 2010 to February 12, 2010 and from then it was determined that it would be released "soon", the functionality the update represents continues to draw interest. There are several interesting facets to the update and as with all OTA updates any Motorola Droid owner will be able to simply shut down their phone and turn it back on to receive a prompt for downloading the update. The only charge discussed is the typical connection fee for downloading anything.
The three primary reasons individuals are interested in the new Android 2.1 OTA update for Motorola Droid phone users are not the only upgrades that will be occurring once the new additions go live. There are several more customer's might find interesting and useful. Notable additions are pinch to zoom, map updates, improvements to battery life, and so much more.
The multi-touch features that many Verizon Droid owners have been desiring are finally coming to their preferred mobile device. Pinch to zoom will make its way to the Motorola Droid along with its other touch enhanced features and higher sensitivity to such. Pinch to zoom is most often cited as being used with Google maps and similar applications but it can be used with other downloaded app software as well. Speaking of Google maps will go live with the new Android 2.1 OTA update for Motorola Droid phone usage. While some individuals do not see what the fuss is about others enjoy the face that they will have a more accurate map system that has greater sensitivity and capacity to actually locate what they desire to find.
There are supposed to be other updates designated by Motorola for the Droid. One of the most hoped for of these is an extension to the battery life by means of making the operating system more energy efficient. How much of an improvement isn't really specified and Motorola has recently removed its update list citing that it was placed online too soon and was never meant to be released at the time it was.
Some individuals are fascinated and thankful that the news and weather widgets that appeared on the Nexus One phone will actually make their way to the Droid. These widgets are quite advanced and accurate for what they do so at least people will always have access to the local environmental conditions and news casting if they so choose.
This is either a relief or an annoyance to people that are eagerly awaiting this update due to the fact that two omissions on the update list were the 3D rotating grid app screens and live wallpapers. Understandably this would only be a primarily cosmetic omission but disallowing something like this has started many rumors about the legalities and Capacity of the Droid to use the full android 2.1 OS.
Rumors generated about cell phone updates always run rampant online. Some websites are notorious for starting them and in the words of some individuals they are likened to "twelve year old schoolgirls giggling in the bathroom". However, the strange truth is that many of the rumors started are based in reality even if specifics might be missing. One of the most noted and feared rumors is that certain functionality types, such as live wallpapers, will only be available to Google Phones. The reason for this rumor is that mechanically speaking the hardware of the Motorola Droid is more than capable of handling live wallpaper updates and rotating 3D grid icons.
The other version of that exclusion rumor is simply that the update list really was sent out too early and the omission of these two capacities was in fact just that, an omission. The rumor mongers that speak of this cite the fact once again that the Droid is entirely capable of handling this type of software programming. In the end only time and the actual update will quell these rumors.
Over the last few weeks we have heard of some users having the Android 2.1 Update drop to there phones. In fact we received the Google Maps update. Still waiting for the OS though. We suspect that some of the reports are developers flashing the update in order to test there apps. It has also been in a couple videos floating around the web were users have flashed 2.1. We don't recommend flashing 2.1, but it is available. The reason we don't recommend forcing the update is that it most probably not complete. Unless you are a developer there is no reason to.
Its understandable that users are growing impatient waiting. Think of it like this: The Droid and Android are evolving and that takes time. We are fortunate to have devices that will be updated as long as we own them. That is very cool. It may take awhile, but as a Droid Phone owner you will always get the newest software on your mobile Phone. What more can we need? Really! lets us know what you think Droid need next.
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Motorola DROID Verizon Wireless no contract | ![]() |
15 Bids | US $275.00 | 18m |
Verizon Wireless And Skype Join Forces For New Service
by The Robot Droid on Feb.21, 2010, under Site News
At the 2010 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain, Verizon Wireless and Skype announced a strategic relationship that will bring Skype to Verizon Wireless smartphones in March 2010. The new Skype mobile™ product enhances Verizon Wireless’ smartphones for users who have data plans by offering a new way to call around the globe, while also giving hundreds of millions of Skype users around the world the opportunity to communicate with friends, family and business colleagues in the United States using Verizon Wireless.
The two companies have created an exclusive, easy-to-use Skype mobile offering for 3G smartphones. Verizon Wireless 3G smartphone users with data plans can use Skype mobile to:
- make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America’s most reliable wireless network;
- call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
- send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
- remain always connected with the ability to see friends’ online presence.
Initially, Skype mobile will be available on millions of best-selling Verizon Wireless 3G smartphones with data plans, including the BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530, Storm2™ 9550, Curve™ 8330, Curve™ 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour™ 9630 smartphones, as well as DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS™ by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR™.
John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, said, “Skype mobile on Verizon Wireless changes the game. For Verizon Wireless’ more than 90 million customers, Skype mobile adds great value because we’re effectively giving customers with smartphones and data plans the option to extend their unlimited calling community to hundreds of millions of Skype users around the globe. And you’re not limited to using a single type of phone; we’ll have nine smartphones ready right at launch in March.”
Josh Silverman, chief executive officer of Skype, noted, “People want to take their Skype conversations with them wherever they go, whether it’s on a PC, TV or increasingly mobile phones. Verizon Wireless will give U.S. consumers the best Skype experience on mobile phones and will truly change the way people call their friends and family internationally.”
Last Minute Shopping With Free Overnight Shipping At Verizon
by The Robot Droid on Dec.22, 2009, under Site News
Just 3 days before Christmas and you still need a gift idea. If you where considering a Droid or Droid Eris now is the time to reconsider.
First and foremost Verizon will ship your order FREE overnight to your door by Christmas if you order before 4PM 12/22/09. You can track your order via FedEx.
Another reason is Verizon Wireless will give new users a free HTC Droid Eris when they purchase a Motorola Droid. This is a awesome deal. You can get the phone everyone is talking about, (The Droid A855 w/Android 2.1.0) and a important person in your life can have the second best phone (HTC Droid Eris). Or Vise Versa.
There are so many ways to look at why this is one of the Best Droid Deals.
(1) You can give someone special a great phone.
(2) If you give a Verizon Phone to your kids you can track them 2 different ways. (Google Latitude or Verizon Family Finder)
(3) Free Overnight Shipping. (See Verizon!)
Its not to late to grab a Android Phone from Verizon and have it under the tree for Christmas, but you better act now!
Overnight Shipping Order must be placed by 4pm local time on Tuesday, December 22nd to ensure arrival on or before Thursday, December 24th. Verizon's website has all the details and exp dates for promotions.
Verizon Wireless Begins 4G Network Update And Roll Out in 2010
by The Robot Droid on Dec.21, 2009, under Site News
This is more network news than Android news but it pertains to all wireless users. Up till now Sprint had the only 4G service in parts of the USA. Now Verizon is rolling out 4G Cell Network updates.
"BASKING RIDGE, NJ -- Verizon Wireless today announced it will host a webcast on Jan. 20, 2010, to review updated specifications for wireless devices that will run on the nationwide 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network it is building on the Upper 700 MHz C-Block spectrum. Released today, the updated specifications address network access and SMS requirements and data retry test plans, as well as include new information about lab and signaling conformance, the open development device approval and introduction process and more. These documents will help guide developers into the next phase of bringing their LTE devices to the Verizon Wireless network.
Verizon Wireless plans to launch its 4G LTE wireless network in 25 to 30 markets next year and cover virtually all of its current nationwide 3G footprint with the next-generation network by the end of 2013. The company’s 4G LTE network will ultimately connect a full range of electronics devices and machines.
Jan. 20, 2010, Webcast for Developers will Review Specifications and Answer Developer Questions. Please see Verizon's press room for details."
North American laggs behind in 4G technology for many reasons. The biggest reason is old infrastructure. In America we have had telephones and communications for so long that many systems are built on whats there. This makes change hard to implement.
In newer and developing countries infrastructure is built from the ground up using newest technology. That's why if you travel to parts Europe the speed of wireless makes Americas Wireless feel like dial up.
This is very exciting and will insure that the Android movement has room to grow. We have heard estimates of Android grabbing 30% of the Cell Phone Market by 2011. If Verizon can improve faster than the other guy then the Droid will benefit for sure.
What Is The Google Phone And Why The Hype, Is It Nexus One ?
by The Robot Droid on Dec.14, 2009, under Site News
All weekend long starting around midnight Dec 11, 2009 the world is a buzz about "The Google Phone". So just what is a Google Phone is the question people should be asking. Is The phone named Nexus One, Is it a G Phone.
Over two years ago was when Google announced it was buying android and starting a group to work on it. Then the SDK was released and T-Mobile and Big G released what most thought was the first G-Phone. The HTC G1.
We had the G1 being sold to the public and a developers version for the group working on the OS. Knowone truly knew what direction the company would take, but those of us use to working with the King Of Search trusted it would be good. We purchased our first Gphone domain in 2006.
Along comes Droid and Eris and wahla the world is Android crazy. All of a sudden we have a boat load of experts and websites. Whats happening we are asking Our little world of Android is now popular. We knew it would come. You know how when you know something will happen,but don't want to believe it, then it happens and your taken back. That's how we feel around here.
So when we saw the trending topic the weekend of Dec 11 we are asking ourselves. Whats this The phone is already here. Its the Droid. It has the Google brand on it.
The argument turned to those phones aren't G-Phones because they are made by another company then that they are co branded. Non of this makes any sense. Very few tech or device companies build there own hardware.
Well in the end what happened is Google decided to Dog Food a Phone. That's G's term for beta testing. We saw it with Google Goggles. The visual search function. Its not new.
The bloggers and Tech guys spotted some tweets from employees after they received there Dog Food (GPhones) Friday 12/11/09.
Here's what the Official Google Mobile Blog said.
"Saturday, December 12, 2009 8:58 AM
At Google, we are constantly experimenting with new products and technologies, and often ask employees to test these products for quick feedback and suggestions for improvements in a process we call dogfooding (from "eating your own dogfood"). Well this holiday season, we are taking dogfooding to a new level.
We recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile features and capabilities, and we shared this device with Google employees across the globe. This means they get to test out a new technology and help improve it.
Unfortunately, because dogfooding is a process exclusively for Google employees, we cannot share specific product details. We hope to share more after our dogfood diet."
After it was finally confirmed employees where given the Dog Food trends on the Internet turned to "Is The A Google Phone"? Well that all depends on your definition.
I submit to the world that the Nexus One as its being called is nothing more than a developers phone. What I think they have done was wait for the SDK to be updated and the firmwire 2.0.1 or better update to be released then give the phones to employee's to develop.
That's how Google does things. They set something up and then let the group or community build it. Then they wait to see which direction the project takes. Why pay someone to develop something when you can give them the tools and reap the benefits of others work.
It doesn't matter what you call the phone employees received as a Christmas gift the phone will evolve before any of us get it. It won't be the same tomorrow as it is today. That's what Android is about.
We believe the company simply gave the employee's the most powerful updated version of the developers phone which is the model for the first Google Phone aka Nexus Cell Phones.
So around here the definition of a "Google Phone" is a phone that is branded by G and built by the community. That's what G's method of operation normally is.
So back to the weekend hype. It was really to do with nothing. The concept of the Google Phone has been around for a couple years. Just because you read in the NY Times or Washington Post that Google Phone has arrived is mute. Its been here all along.
Android and Google Phone is a state of mind. Not self indulging hype to sell phones on the Holidays. You know who you are.
What is true is that Google is entering the retail market with a phone branded for them and built by HTC. Unlocked or what its called doesn't really matter. What that phone turns out to be remains to be seen. The company changing the way we use cell phones is the real news.
The definition of Nexus is very appropriate for the company.
noun, plural nex?us?es, nex?us.
1. a means of connection; tie; link.
2. a connected series or group.
3. the core or center, as of a matter or situation.
4. Cell Biology. a specialized area of the cell membrane involved in intercellular communication and adhesion.
Time Magazines 2009 Top 10 List Picks Droid As Number One Gadget
by The Robot Droid on Dec.10, 2009, under Site News
The year end reviews and top 10 lists are rolling out for the Holiday's. Its not the tech magazine everyone looks to, but Time is very credible. They have been making top 10 lists for many years. They had iPhone at number 3 in 2008 and iPhone 3GS in 4th place for 09. Some of the Gadgets on their lists never go anywhere. That won't happen with the #1 Gadget in 09.
Not only did Time Magazine put 2 phones on the list for 2009, but they picked the Motorola Droid as number one Gadget for the year. That is impressive for a device launched only 5 weeks earlier.
Here's what TIME had to say "Everybody likes Android, Google's open-source smartphone operating system. But a smartphone operating system isn't all that satisfying without an actual kick-ass smartphone wrapped around it. Now Android has one: The Droid is a hefty beast, a metal behemoth without the gloss and finish of the iPhone, but you don't miss it. The Droid's touchscreen is phenomenally sharp and vivid, it has an actual physical (not great, but good enough) keyboard, and best of all, the Droid is on Verizon's best-of-breed 3G network. It's Android's first credible challenge to the iPhone. Price: $300." See full list at Time Magazine
Time quotes the price at $300 beans but we know you wouldn't pay that around here. Order it online from Verizon Wireless and skip the $100.00 rebate. Order from WireFly and get both Droid and Eris even cheaper.
All the reviews we are reading and watching have been good. We are really surprised around here. Normally when a phone or device like the Droid is launched people trash it pretty fast. We haven't seen any of the negatives we saw with some recent launches like the Storm. Which even got negative remarks on network TV.
The negatives we have heard from people is mostly about things that can be fixed easy. Camera, Bluetooth, Battery Life and a few other issues. The list of fix's in the 2.0.1 took care of some initial problems with Droid only 5 weeks after launch. When have you heard of a fix for a device being sent that fast. The answer is never from the manufacture itself. Its the users that make work around until manufacturers build them usually.
The wonders of Android will spread as most of us have seen. Once people see what these phones can do they are hooked. Another hook is so much of what you get is free. Just the turn by turn GPS is enough to sell most people. Just the fact that you can expect Android to only grow and grow with its users is a bonus.
2 For 1 HTC Eris at Verizon Will Put Android In More Users Hands
by The Robot Droid on Dec.05, 2009, under Site News
This has to be one of the best Smartphone Deals for the 2009 Christmas Gift Idea season. Everyone is scrambling to find gifts and Cell Phones are a great way to make someone happy.
The trend with mobile phones is web based and users know it. Networks are reporting record numbers of users accessing the Internet through there phones in North America. That's nothing new in the rest of the world. In the US wireless users are discovering what most other countries have known for a few years. Who need a PC, Laptop or Mac to get online. All one needs is a great phone and network.
A great opportunity to do the same as the rest of the world is here from Verizon. The arguably best wireless network in the USA will give you a second Eris Android Phone when you activate two lines. Most people don't need two phones, but this is a great time to introduce someone to the Mobile Web.
This deal is very limited and as far as we know it is only good this weekend. December 5th and 6th 2009.
Here's Verizon's description of the HTC Eris. "Now operating on the Android platform, the new Droid Eris by HTC combines performance and functionality in one sleek package. Eris offers the HTC Sense UI on a 3.2”, touch screen zoom capability, a virtual QWERTY keyboard, and a 3.5mm headset jack in addition to the Virtual Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Search). The ultra–slim Eris can filter your Inbox, and stay connected securely with your office via HTC Sync. Take advantage of WiFi connectivity and its 5MP camera w/auto focus and video capture. Social networking is a breeze with easy access to your Favorite contacts, YouTube and Facebook. The Droid Eris by HTC is the ultimate in customizable handset that puts the customer at the center and it’s all about you, you, and you…
DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license. "
Note: "Buy One, Get One Free" or "Buy One, Get Up to 4 Free" promotions are limited to 1 set per order. You can place a separate order to take advantage of additional promotions.
You can buy a Droid Eris from WireFly for $49.99 if this deal isn't for you. They also have special pricing for the Droid by Motorola. Check it out.
LG Android Phones To Watch For In North America, GW620 and GW880
by The Robot Droid on Dec.05, 2009, under Site News
We heard about LG being involved in the Android Open Source Project many moons ago. LG being involved with development of Android is no secrete. They are listed as a partner so whats the news. The news is they have let us see there new telephones for the OS.
We do not know if these phones will make it to the US, but Canada is close enough for us to be excited. Think of it like a preview of what LG will have for us in the near future.
LG EVE GW620 sold in Canada is a social network phone for sure. The Eves slick S-class interface lets you navigate your social networks, contacts, multimedia and Android Market apps seamlessly. Link your Facebook™ and Twitter™ accounts with your contact list so you can manage your social networks quickly and easily. The integrated 5.0 MP camera combines with a gorgeous media gallery and video editor to provide an unprecedented multimedia experience from your smartphone. Once you've discovered all the great features that come with the Eve, explore the Android Market for new and exciting apps to customize your LG Eve.
GSM Bands: 850/900/1800/1900
HSPA Bands: 850/1900
Network Speed (HSPA): 7.2 Mbps*
WiFi
GPS
Display Size: 3.0
Number of Colours: 262k
Resolution: 320 x 480
Screen Type: HVGA Touch
Camera Resolution: 5.0 MP
Camera Zoom: 4x
Live video capture
Internal memory 150 MB
Expandable: Up to 16 GB microSD
LG GW880 OPhone is offered in Asia. Since LG is a South Korean company there phones generally take some time to get to North America unless they are branded for specific network like Verizon.
Its been hard obtaining the specs for the GW880, but we found photos on Flicker from some Chinese news agencies and second hand reports from the web. Operation is touchscreen-based, as the phone does not have a hardware keyboard we do know.
OPhone SDK is compatible with Android SDK, Android software can be easily used on OPhone platform with the same API.
It is not clear when LG will introduce the Android Phones for the US, but if the past is a indicator we would guess very soon.
Adding Android Video And Knowledge Base To Site Very Soon
by The Robot Droid on Dec.05, 2009, under Site News
If you have been with us for any period of time you may have heard us discuss the future of Droid Cell Phone. With any website we are going through a beta process. This would include us watching where our users are coming from and what they are reading etc. You can help us by linking to this site from your blog, MySpace Page, FaceBook, Twitter or wherever you socialize online. When we see incoming links we can see what users want.
Our beta process also helps us determine which direction to take as we move forward. One of the trends we see is users of Android Phones looking for "How To" and "Best Apps" information. This has prompted us to begin the development of a knowledge base and a Video How To series.
We hope to reorganize the website and have a place for these new features very soon. For now you can view the Video's on our Droid Cell Phone YouTube Channel. We are just getting started so make sure you subscribe to get updates from YouTube. Feel free to comment on the video's. You will notice that I'm making the how to's . I am no rock star when it comes to making video. We may hire someone to do them for us to make them more professional.
Even though we have only been live for a short period of time we have seen thousands of users everyday. You may remember us being down a couple times. That was us not watching bandwidth usage. My Bad.
We have received a couple emails asking why we don't allow comments. Well the answer is spam. We have been building websites like this for many years and comment spam is a huge problem. This is just another reason to consider us a beta site. We are moving slow to see what happens. As of today comments will be allowed, but need to be approved.
A final note: I (Bill) have been watching the development of Android since the very first day. I have been sitting back and watching to see what will happen. Now that the OS is being embraced this site will grow very fast. We are starting to develop some applications and are participating in the Open Source Movement. We hope to become a real authority on the Internet for Android.
Please link to us!





