verizon

We've heard that the Verizon HTC Trophy is on the cusp of release--we know it's in tester hands, has a NoDo update (though not the latest, whatever that means) and we've heard that "end of March" was the time frame for release. Of course we also heard, though we expressed skepticism, that June may be the date as well.

Well good news, as things look to be sliding towards the end of March, specifically Thursday the 24th. Yes, in just under two-weeks time, Verizon will reportedly begin stocking and selling their first Windows Phone device, which is a global phone to boot. Featuring a 3.8" screen, 16GB of memory and a 5MP camera, the phone should be more than adequate for Verizon users.

The email above comes from our sister site Android Central, who got their hands evidently on a Verizon/third party vendor email. It is noted that "Launch Dates Are subject to change", so anything is possible. But we think Verizon will have more to say at CTIA in Orlando in a few weeks (yes, we'll have people there for coverage). We also expect more info to start pouring out about this phone about....now?

Source: Android Central

We've heard rumors that the HTC Trophy would land at Verizon sometime in March. Pictures of the new Windows Phone are now beginning to surface.

It is our understanding that the pictured Trophy is running the updated version of Windows Phone 7, complete with copy/paste. To help complete the Verizon branding, HTC has also changed the yellow underside to red.

The Verizon Trophy is expected to be introduced with the pricing point of $200 (more than likely $199.99) after contractual discounts.

Source: Engadget

Although Windows Phone 7 coverage at CES 2011 has been a bust (more on that later) a CDMA verion of the HTC Trophy has run its way through the FCC guantlet.  There was no direct mention of the "Trophy" name; however, a nearly identical model number to the European version of the Trophy was mentioned in the docs (PC40200 vs PC40100).  The device was also granted approval through the WiFi Alliance using the same certificate as HTC's Mozart and Surround.

As previously reported, Verizon is intending to release a WP7 Trophy in early 2011.  While it is unclear when exactly "early" refers to, this FCC approval means it's on the horizon. Our bet? Latest: end of February.

Source: FCC; via: PocketNow

The title says it all, but let us get into some details about the closing of Microsoft's KIN Studio, which was the backbone in the cloud for the device.

Evidently, come January 31st, people with KINs (all two of you) will lose the ability to do everything over-the-air, except use your Zune Pass over WiFi and email. What exactly is everything? Check it:

• Feed Reader will stop working
• Search Near me will stop working
• Posting Photos to social sites will no longer be possible
• Most pictures currently on Kin will only appear at thumbnail resolution
• Posting to Social Networks will no longer work.
• No comments from the loop
• Social network contacts will disappear.
• Loop will stop to work
• Kin Spot will only send to emails.
• Social networks only accessed from web browser.

So outside of making phone calls and playing music, the KIN is really, truly dead. Why even bother after that last, half attempt at a re-launch? We have no idea either. But Verizon is trying to make things right by letting users know now to back up their data now and going one step further, allowing them to pick a 3G phone of their choice for FREE. Offer is valid only through March 31st. Attached are some images from the pamphlet that Verizon is sending out to KIN customers. More can be found here.

Thanks, Conflipper, for the info!

We knew that eventually, Verizon would join the Windows Phone 7 movement. From the Twitter posts of recent we knew it would be in early 2011. From the Verizon pre-order program for Microsoft Employees we knew it would be the HTC Trophy.

We just couldn't narrow down how early, "early 2011" meant.  Could it be by the end of the first quarter or sooner? 

According to a one sentence post over at Windows Phone Secrets, the "early" means January.  Not much detail beyond that and it will be interesting to see if the Trophy can beat the iPhone to Verizon's lineup.

The good news is that once we all survive the Holidays and College Bowl season, January is right around the corner. If we hear anything sooner, we'll be sure to pass it on.

Source: Windows Phone Secrets

Update: We think the Windows Phone team may be getting their releases mixed up as in a follow up tweet they now say "Verizon is a valued partner and we look forward to seeing Windows Phone 7 devices in their stores in 2011." Going further, they evidently deleted the earlier tweet you see snapped above ;-/

It appears that Verizon customers will be enjoying Windows Phone 7 this holiday season after all. A tweet from @windowsphone is giving a strong indication of such and not mincing words about it either; "devices will be rolling into Verizon stores this holiday season and more will arrive in early 2011."

It's a shame these tweets didn't offer more detail such as when exactly the Windows Phone will hit Verizon and which phone(s) will be first. We've seen signs that the HTC Trophy 7 is confirmed for Verizon but not expected until early 2011. Could the production time table have shortened for the Trophy?

Or will we see another Windows Phone 7 device appear on the radar for the holidays and the Trophy will be a part of the "more" devices in early 2011?

Source: Twitter, Thanks, Eric, for the tip!

Well that didn't take too long. Just 24 hours after we posted about Verizon warming up to Microsoft and Windows Phone 7 comes an official advertisement for the HTC Trophy 7 coming in "early 2011".

Like Sprint and the 7 Pro, this is an early program for Microsoft employees to pre-order the device, but either way we can expect it for us regular folk sometime soon after.

The good news is the phone is a also a quad-band GSM world phone, perfect for you globe trotting business peeps. The bad news is that it's the HTC Trophy. While a solid little phone with generally positive reviews, it is pretty much the runt of the litter with a 3.8" screen, 16GB of memory (not bad), Wi-Fi and a 5MP camera (the Mozart with the unibody design and 8MP camera is the upgraded version)

But hey, at least we know Verizon is now on the up and up with WP7 and that's always good news.

Source: Engadget

Verizon has updated it's Network Extender to offer 3G data coverage. Earlier models offers slower data connections but the updated version allows you to surf the web, download applications, send/receive text messages, and check your email at five bars of 3G speed.

The Samsung network extender will cost you $249.99 and provides up to 40 feet of coverage. There is no additional monthly charge for using the Verizon Wireless 3G Network Extender. According to the FAQ Section on Verizon's website,

"There are no additional costs to use just the Network Extender. You can simply purchase the unit and enjoy the benefit of enhanced in-home coverage. All rates and policies associated with your chosen calling plan will apply when connected to the Network Extender."

Which is a round about way of saying that the data and voice calls made through your Network Extender will eat into your package minutes and data plan.

If you live in an area that has poor coverage, these extenders are worth every penny. You can find out more about the Network Extender at Verizon and follow the break for the full presser.

via AndroidCentral

By now, we're hoping that the news has sunken in, you've sobered up, gone back to your job and reacquainted yourself with your current beater-of-a-smartphone, sporting technology nearly a year old. The fact that there will be no Windows Phone 7 devices for CDMA (Sprint, Verizon, etc.) till "first half of 2011" was quite a blow, wuddinit?

This obviously puts a monkey wrench in a lot of our holiday plans and, like some of you, we're considering alternates e.g. getting an AT&T account (ahem, while keeping our Sprint SERO plan on the side).

But what are your plans? Switching carriers? Hold out with Sprint/Verizon till spring 2011? Going with Android, like so many Windows Mobile "power users"?

Take the poll and sound off in comments, we're curious and you need to vent!

Since there will be no CDMA Windows Phone 7 devices till mid 2011, what are your plans?Market Research