We knew
good and well this thing was coming sometime in November, and now Verizon Wireless has made it official: the Motorola DROID will hit Big Red on November 6th for $199 on contract (after a $100 mail-in rebate). Naturally, the
DROID itself is just the first of what
could be many Android-laced phones coming to the carrier, and Verizon Wireless CMO John Stratton even stated that the phone "is wide open" -- pretty big words from a company like VZW. Android 2.0 will be front and center, along with Visual Voicemail, a 3.7-inch display (854 x 480 resolution), 5 megapixel camera (with dual-LED flash), a bundled 16GB memory card and a beta version of
Google Maps Navigation(!). For those wondering, yeah -- the DROID is the first phone to offer that, which transforms Google Maps into a turn-by-turn routing system that'll have your dedicated TomTom / Garmin trembling in fear. There's also a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3G, WiFi, voice-activated search and over-the-air Amazon MP3 downloads. With all that, who needs the iPhone,
right Ivan?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Psyko @ Oct 28th 2009 10:57AM
Excellent. I'm in for one.
bean9 @ Oct 28th 2009 11:12AM
so will verizon finally unlock gps or will we have to pay for that feature?
Michael @ Oct 28th 2009 11:49AM
@bean9
From the press release:
"Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device"
It appears it comes with free GPS Nav from Google, so yes, it's unlocked.
rockstar323 @ Oct 28th 2009 12:02PM
nothing on this phone will be locked down. it will be completely open. Google Navigation will be free.
AndyS @ Oct 28th 2009 11:22AM
I really like the form factor this phone seems to have, but coming from Sprint with work discounts applied to both Verizon and Sprint...I would end up spending $20+ more a month for either the 450 or 900 minute plans (with data). Not to mention free mobile to any mobile minutes that Sprint gives you.
So. I'm still considering Pre, Hero, and Moment. None exactly fit what I want right now, and this phone is a pretty close fit, but I can't justify the added plan cost when my Sprint voice/data plans works just fine for me.
My current phone is ancient and I'm ready to pull the trigger, but the right phone/plan combo seems just out of reach right now. Maybe some Android 2.0 phones will come to Sprint soon with good processors, keyboards, memory slots, and slim form factors...
Braxtron @ Oct 29th 2009 2:56AM
Sure it looks sleek, fast, sexy, functional and all that on a decent network, but...Will it blend?
David @ Oct 28th 2009 11:38AM
phone looks amazing. Really makes me wish I could end my contact early and pick it up. Sweet phone! Makes me excited to see whats going to be available when my contact ends.........anyone want a Tour from sprint? ;)
evilHomer @ Oct 28th 2009 11:44AM
@AndyS: Why do people like you take the time to write about how much you pay for your phone service, or how switching would affect your bill? Who cares? Why not talk about the product which is the point of the blog. No one gives a crap about what your financial situation is and why you WON'T get the Droid.
joefresco @ Oct 28th 2009 12:57PM
Price and other options are always relevant. It's not like he mentioned the iPhone. ;)
Krystalex @ Oct 28th 2009 7:01PM
@evilHomer - If you think AndyS's post was a waste of our time, what are we supposed to think of YOUR vile little post?
Ryan @ Oct 28th 2009 11:45AM
Awesome that there is no VCast Music Store or VZNav.... really proves that VZW has turned over a new leaf.
DigitalMan @ Oct 28th 2009 1:01PM
Amen to THAT.
Jazen @ Oct 28th 2009 3:35PM
Now if only they'll do away with it on their regular phones.
tensa1111 @ Oct 29th 2009 2:12AM
I'd love it...waiting for GSM version...
Zach G. @ Oct 28th 2009 11:56AM
One of the key questions for the non-tech saavy, like me, is whether this device may be used by those of us on a BES.
I've got a Storm (yes, a 1), and I've always been under the impression that I could not use any device other than a Blackberry to get email, calendar and contact info for my work.
Is there some way to get this functionality on Droid? If so, I'm sold.
tshow @ Oct 28th 2009 12:18PM
that is up to your IT dept whether or not they support android. this phone supports exchange so you'll have to ask your IT guys if they will support your phone.
Bill @ Oct 29th 2009 12:48PM
If you have Exchange support yes...
AT @ Oct 28th 2009 11:58AM
Verizon has opened up GPS for a lot of their phones. So I'm guessing this one will be no different. Especially since they've said that the idea of the droid phones will all open. That's my guess at least.
But this is one of the worst demo videos I've seen. I think the phone looks like crap, but the android part and the widescreen is terrific. 16GB storage? Definitely a plus. But I'm waiting for the HTC Passion to see if that's a widescreen android phone.
Stephanie @ Oct 28th 2009 12:05PM
Yay!!! I want it!
Kaz @ Oct 28th 2009 12:58PM
what about the Eris? no info on that at the announcement?
dagamer43 @ Oct 28th 2009 2:24PM
The Droid Eris is just a HTC Hero. Nothing really new to see.
Kaz @ Oct 28th 2009 4:07PM
right, but I meant was there no announcement about release dates..?
Tyrone Biggums @ Oct 28th 2009 1:05PM
Anyone know if this phone will require a data plan?
gigabit @ Oct 28th 2009 1:32PM
what do you think? tard.
fastlane917 @ Oct 29th 2009 8:53PM
Yes, it will require the $29.99 data plan. You will NOT be able to opt for the "pay-as-you-go" plan any more with the new smartphones being released, at least that's according to the rep I just talked to.
Ashton @ Oct 28th 2009 1:07PM
I just got a Hero but I wanna get this instead, but verizons expensive plans are making me think twice
DRC @ Oct 28th 2009 1:21PM
I'm glad that I've been holding out, and using my Samsung that only works on speaker phone since March . . . this will at least make all of my pseudo public phone calls for the last 7 months worth it.
Obj @ Oct 28th 2009 8:02PM
Same here man, samsung phone, only works on speaker since about may and I think the wait is going to pay off.
TangledThorns @ Oct 28th 2009 1:26PM
The phone looks great and cannot wait for future Droid phones when I'm ready to upgrade from my weak LG Dare.
neko @ Oct 28th 2009 3:30PM
has there been any word on tethering? Does android 2.0 support it? I know that doesn't necessarily mean verizon will support it. This would be the only thing missing for me
Jazen @ Oct 28th 2009 3:34PM
Verizon doesn't provide dental? Am I the only one that finds his teeth a little sub par?
hitdog @ Oct 28th 2009 4:46PM
Yes the phone will require a data plan. I wonder why they are not doing a pre sale, I'd buy it today and wait for the shipment.
kmc1828 @ Oct 28th 2009 5:04PM
yeah i called VZW today to ask about it and they said i couldn't preorder it at the moment. they did say to check back periodically to see if that option becomes available before nov 6th. they also said that it will be in stores on nov 6th (i've yet to believe that. but we'll see, heh.), so ill just keep calling probably everyday until nov 6th to see if they allow me to preorder it, if not ill be in line on nov 6th to get it.
Jack @ Oct 28th 2009 10:36PM
"Completely open" -- Does that mean bluetooth/mifi tethering is included without a ridiculous surcharge?
JayMonster @ Oct 28th 2009 5:58PM
I would wager it doesn't mean what you want it to mean. Verizon charges more for tethering because of (in theory) the additional data usage of a phone tethered to a laptop vs. what you will get on your phones browser. Hence that would not be part of the "phone" and thus not part of the "openess" of it.
Darah Wright @ Oct 28th 2009 10:38PM
you guys can get a premium plan which means u will have everything unlimited and u cant get how many minutes you use its cheaper that way
skabrew @ Oct 28th 2009 5:47PM
Tempted to sell my 3GS for this badboy but i get a sweet AT&T discount through my work.
JG @ Oct 29th 2009 9:13AM
I am sorry, but am I the only person who thinks this phone is the ugliest creature since an old original Blackberry.
Take a look...
http://trendycellular.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/evo1blackberry850.jpg
Tell me that doesn't resemble this Droid.... I mean the specs are nice, but the device is just ugly... I guess beauty is in the eye...
heartagram616 @ Oct 29th 2009 12:54AM
I agree it is very ugly indeed but I guess looks mean nothing when it comes to performance but yeah very ugly
DWall @ Oct 28th 2009 10:48PM
One thing I haven't heard about is if Droid will sync with iTunes playlists or if it even supports AAC or AAC+ formats. Does anyone know?
Kulahan @ Oct 29th 2009 12:36AM
Does anyone else think the guy in the video seems like a tool?
david @ Oct 29th 2009 3:38AM
almost perfect. it's only missing one thing -- SNAPDRAGON
jason @ Oct 29th 2009 8:05AM
I don't get it.
So, if I've got a Mifi, charging or not, why would I want to use it as a USB modem? Why on earth wouldn't I just charge it and use it as a wifi router???
This really sounds like a solution in search of a problem...
jason @ Oct 29th 2009 8:07AM
I don't get it.
So, if I've got a Mifi, charging or not, why would I want to use it as a USB modem? Why on earth wouldn't I just charge it and use it as a wifi router???
This really sounds like a solution in search of a problem...
jason @ Oct 29th 2009 8:09AM
So, I got to see one of these yesterday. A guy on my train coming back from NY had one that he'd just picked up from VzW. He heard me talking to someone on the phone about skipping the iphone and waiting for something new & cool with android on it, and let me have a peek. It's a neat device - very unusual for a Verizon Wireless device - where devices are usually dumbed down, locked up and have that absolutely awful "red" UI.
Felt very solid. I'm not about to give up my AT&T service that gets direct billed to work in favor of something I'll have to itemize and expense though.
chris @ Oct 29th 2009 11:54AM
How can it be called completely wide open if they force you to get a data plan? And before some jack455 makes a comment about "why get as smart phone without a data plan", who on earth would get a data plan when they have wifi most places they go and the phone has wifi?
It's not open if you have to pay for a service you wouldn't plan on using.
I want this phone (or one of the droids) but seriously, $60/mo for data is more than I pay for my DSL... silliness.
RonDutt @ Oct 29th 2009 12:22PM
$60/month for data? Where the hell did you get that info...it's $30 for data per month. Define "they" please...I have wifi available at home and at Starbucks. All other wifi access points are private or secured. To be honest, if you want a device to use as a smartphone without actually using it as a smartphone (always connected telephony and Internet device), get a PDA.
Rodney @ Oct 31st 2009 1:28PM
will this require a pda/smartphone plan or just the data plane that is included with the connect plan?
bob @ Nov 1st 2009 10:58AM
they don't make pda's anymore, dumbshit.
Tiep @ Oct 31st 2009 10:48AM
available in europe? =/