Verizon and Google form axis against AT&T/Apple - but how open is it?
Published: 7 October, 2009
READ MORE: US | Verizon | Google | Application Environment | CDMA | Android | Apple | AT&T
Continued ...
The multiyear roadmap for the Verizon-Google collaborations includes phones and netbooks, and potentially other formats in future, and two devices will be announced "shortly".
Symbian may derive hope from Schmidt's unabashed championing of the Verizon network, saying: "It's an absolute fact that Verizon's network is the best by far. We had known about that reach. We didn't know that they'd take a lead in openness. This is a network engineering company that makes it work and makes it scale. This is a major milestone in the Android platform." Perhaps his comments might have been more tempered had he retained hopes of a similarly strategic alliance with AT&T as well?
As well as PR value, both companies should gain in terms of choice of devices and apps, and speed to market. Google's weight will help Verizon Wireless in its ongoing campaign to woo open developers, after years when it did not need to look beyond its own platforms and partners. And the support of the major carrier should increase the confidence of developers and handset vendors in Android, encouraging them to create more products for the OS and to move existing projects up the agenda.
As well as the joint devices with Google, expected early next year, Verizon Wireless confirmed that it will introduce other Android products within the next few weeks. These are widely expected to be the Tao/Sholes from Motorola and one or more smartphones from HTC.
In an attempt to pull some of the string of the Verizon/Google comments, AT&T chose the same day to allow iPhone users to run VoIP over its 3G connection, rather than just Wi-Fi. It will hope this move will divert FCC attention as well as placating angry customers. "Today's decision was made after evaluating our customers' expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer," explained Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, in a statement.
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