[opendtv] Rumors: Verizon could get 'iPhone Nano' and 'Zune phone'

From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:21:31 -0400
I have to say, the iPhone is looking awfully clunky these days, compared
with the iTouch for instance, but also when used as a cell phone. Seems
huge, especially in women's hands.

That's an aside. The intriguing part about this is the exclusivity
deals, and how they are circumvented. Methinks Verizon is taking the
better approach, offering the Apple products as an option rather than
identifying itself solely with Apple.

Bert

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http://www.rethink-wireless.com/?article_id=1318

Rumors: Verizon could get 'iPhone Nano' and 'Zune phone'
Published : 29/04/2009 by Caroline Gabriel

The 'iPhone Nano' has become one of those rumors that is just too good
to let go, and a cutdown version of the Apple handset has been linked to
just about every wireless partner and event this year, without actually
materializing. The latest candidate to launch the device is Verizon
Wireless, which was reported this week to be in talks with Apple about a
CDMA version of its flagship smartphone.

The reports have grown more detailed overnight, and BusinessWeek cites
sources that claim there will be two iPhones for Verizon, both different
from current models (which could arguably get round any commitments to
AT&T even if it extends its exclusive to 2011). These will be, say the
unnamed sources, a low cost handset called 'iPhone Lite', and a media
pad with a Wi-Fi connection. The latter would be geared to images, music
and video and would fall into the emerging hybrid category of
tablet/netbooks, which have also been spotted at Samsung and various
European operators such as O2 and Orange.

Verizon is certainly determined not to put all its eggs in one handset
basket as AT&T has done. This week's rumor mill also included talks
between the number one US cellco and Microsoft, plus an Android
phonemaker, while the operator is also expected to launch an upgraded
BlackBerry Storm this summer, following the phone's outstanding
contribution to its data ARPU in the first quarter.

The Wall Street Journal trumped BusinessWeek's story with a report that
Verizon is in talks with Microsoft about a musicphone running the Zune
software - like the cutdown iPhone, a Zune handset is one of the
industry's favorite recurring rumors this year. Microsoft is unlikely to
risk developing its own hardware just as it is signing up more big name
supporters for Windows Mobile, so a Verizon branded device would likely
come from an existing CDMA phonemaker, with the bets on LG, Microsoft's
closest ally in the sector and a long time Verizon supplier.

"Microsoft's strategy has not changed, it is and has always been to
provide a software platform for the industry," a company spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Venture Beat speculates that Verizon is also looking to
launch an Android phone this year. The cellco has been lukewarm about
Google's software platform, unlike CDMA rival Sprint, which was a
founder member of the Open Handset Alliance, the body that supports
Android. However, with the platform gaining profile, it could decide to
get in early, perhaps working with Samsung, which just launched its
first Android handset in Europe with O2.
 
 
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[opendtv] Rumors: Verizon could get 'iPhone Nano' and 'Zune phone'

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