Verizon plans to support Google Voice, will launch two 'game-changing' Android devices in coming weeks

We're currently on a press call with Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam and Google CEO Eric Schmidt to discuss their new partnership, and while it's mostly a love-fest between the two with no real announcements, there's been some interesting tidbits. First off, Verizon will be launching two Android products in the coming weeks -- we'd say at least one of them will be the Motorola Sholes, and while the other is still a mystery, Google says it'll be "game-changing." Very intriguing. Second, and perhaps much more interestingly, Verizon's making a big push to be seen as the "open" carrier, and flatly stated that they'll be supporting Google Voice on their network: "Either you have an open device or you don't." That's a big change for Big Red -- just remember that a year ago Google and Verizon were still at each other's throats over 700MHz open-access rules. Now? Rainbows and kittens all around. Lastly, there will be a major app push coming from these two -- Verizon's obviously going to preload Android Market on its devices, and there should be some 10,000 apps available when all is said and done. Not a bad show of support by Verizon, we'd say -- and there was a lot of talk about long-term roadmaps and a "family" of products, so we'd expect much more than just two phones and smiles over the next few months. Things are certainly getting interesting, no?

Verizon, Google schedule joint press conference for this morning

In case you hadn't noticed, rumors of an imminent Android launch on Verizon -- the carrier's first -- have been at a fever pitch the past few weeks, and like clockwork, the States' largest wireless network has gone ahead and scheduled a conference call with Google for 7AM Pacific Time / 10AM Eastern Time today. To be fair, it's not a guarantee this is Android-related, and it is interesting that Motorola isn't listed as a participant on the call considering that its Sholes / Tao / Droid had been rumored as Verizon's first Android device -- but none other than Eric Schmidt and Verizon chief Lowell McAdam will be in attendance, so we expect it to be something big. Stay tuned.

Verizon Storm Unlocked and Using T-Mobile

***Update:Alright, here is what we have all been waiting for. The Verizon BlackBerry Storm does in fact work for GSM carriers!! I have not yet resolved my service book issue directly with Verizon yet, however I did get my internet browser up and running perfectly on T-Mobile's EDGE network. I am not positive on why this worked but, I put the Verizon SIM card back in when I couldn't get the browser to work and then I just put my T-Mobile SIM card back in. I noticed that everything Verizon loaded back on the home screen menu, including things like VCAST and such. Then I noticed that the Storm was still running my Verizon number and not my T-Mobile number even though my T-Mobile SIM card was in the device. It took me a while to think of this, but I finally realized that I should switch the mobile network. So I switched over to the 2G GSM network and MAGNIFICO it worked, browser and all. I must say, the internet browsing is not half bad. It is much faster than I ever imagined running on OS 4.7. So if any of you are thinking of buying an unlocked Storm 9530 and was wondering if it would work with your carrier, yes it will. comment and tell me what you guys think!

**Update: So I was on the phone with Verizon for about 30 mins and my problem was not resolved, I still have no browser service books. Apparently they could not log in to my account (not my personal Verizon account) and when they tried to delete it to re set it up, it was apparently non existent. So they are going to work on it and will call me when it is resolved. I'm not giving up!!
*Update: I am currently on the phone with Verizon and I am getting my service books sent to the phone for my internet browser. I will let you know if it all works out. Cross your fingers.

Alright, I've been wanting to post about this for a while, but I have been too lazy to actually get my Verizon Storm unlocked. I finally did it, and great news...it works!!! I am a bit let down though, because I have not recieved the service books for my internet browser, so I do not have the browser icon yet. I am working on getting my internet up, so I will update this post when I have it working how I want. I aslo am unable to set up my email manually on the device, but I was able to do it through my T-Mobile account online. Other than that, I may keep this phone for my T-Mobile account if I can get it working correctly.

Verizon BlackBerry Niagara and Apex 8230 Info and demo models

So, we haven't heard from these little guys in a while. The BlackBerry code name Niagara, which is the Bold/8900 type CDMA device and the code name Apex 8230, which is the CDMA Pearl Flip. BGR got some news about these devices and their impending release.

First the Apex (Flip) has been removed from Verizon's device release road map. This will most likely mean that it is on its way very soon, or that they scrapped it, which is not very likely especially since we have seen Verizon branded Flips in the wild.

More importantly, we have the code name Niagra which will be the Bold/8900 form factor device. The image above is an old image of what it is said to be like, however that could have changed or it could have never looked like that. Anyway, this will run on Verizon's EVDO Rev A network, have a sweet 624mhz processor that the Bold has, 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS, will most likely run OS 4.6, support BES 5.0, and probably have the same screen resolution as the Bold which is 480x320. The release is obviously uncertain but is rumored to be around May 2009.

Good Stuff to come from Verizon.

Verizon Announces BlackBerry Storm Official Release Date Nov. 21st!!!

*Updated: It was late last night and I had been working on a paper for 11 hours so forgive me for forgetting to tell you the price of the Storm will be $199 with a 2 year contract after a $50 mail in rebate. Sorry I left that little detail detail, so in store you will pay $250 and then get $50 mail in rebate.

I just saw this as I was getting into bed, and I just had to get up and post it for you guys. Verizon finally announced the official release date and price for the BlackBerry Storm for November 21st for $199!!! I was wrong, and I'm glad I was wrong, because this baby would sell no matter the price (within reason of course). This means that come the 21st, the Storm will be available online and in store for purchase. We are also told that stores will have tons of stock, so hopefully they will have a few left for when I go to get mine next Friday. So, all you Verizon customers better go out and get your Storm so you can brag to all your friends. I know I will.

So the price will be $199 with a 2 year contract and it will be released November 21st. Don't forget.

Verizon Will Release Wi-Fi Enabled BlackBerry 8530

Crackberry.com

It looks as though Verizon will finally start to embrace Wi-Fi technology with the future release of the BlackBerry Curve 8530 (Aries). RIM is certainly on a role lately and why not continue the run.

In the past Verizon stayed away from the Wi-Fi circuit but it seems they finally smartened up and this may be for good. Word is the Curve 8530 will come packaged with Wi-Fi and OS 5.0 which will be the first BlackBerry device to tout this operating software.

8530 Specs:

• 320×240 resolution screen
• 1xRTT, EV-DO
• QWERTY keyboard
• 2 megapixel camera
• OS 5.0
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi b,g

This means the Tour was the last Verizon device not to have Wi-Fi, maybe I should've waited to upgrade?

BlackBerry Storm 2 and Curve 2 Release Dates Revealed

As we get a little closer to the Fall release season we have some big news regarding the BlackBerry Storm 2 and the BlackBerry Curve 2. BGR was able to get their hands on a release calendar for Verizon Wireless that covers their upcoming phone releases. Right off the bat you'll notice that they anticipate an October release for the Storm 2. This is exciting news because we previously thought November would be the month we saw the Storm 2 in the US. While we still can't officially confirm this is the final release date we can certainly say it sure looks like it.

The BlackBerry Curve 2 has been a hot topic around the community lately and now we have a potential release date to talk about. According to the calendar we could see it no later than a month after the Storm 2 is released. Officially the Curve 2 will be part of the 8500 series, 8530 to be exact. The big news with Verizon's next Curve is it will be Wi-Fi enabled just like the Storm 2. It looks like Verizon will stay away from the numbers and just call it the BlackBerry Curve 2, smart move in my opinion.