Verizon + Google = Tablet.

[Phobic9]

Seems like there's been a lot of news in this gadget forum lately and now there's word that Verizon has been working with Google to make a tablet device.

Verizon Wireless is working with Google Inc. on a tablet computer, Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Lowell McAdam said Tuesday, as the company works to catch up with iPad host AT&T Inc. in the area of devices that connect to wireless networks.

Tablets are part of the "next big wave of opportunities," Mr. McAdam said in an interview. He said the work on a tablet is part of a deepening relationship between the largest U.S. wireless carrier by subscribers and Google, which has carved out a space in mobile devices with its Android operating system.

"We're looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience," he said.

Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100...6288.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection

No doubt that Verizon & Google are trying to steer people away from the iPad + AT&T combo. What a great time for the gadget-obsessed geek like myself. :awe: It will be interesting to see what comes of those iPhone/Verizon rumors since Google and Apple are having a little tiff at the moment.

 

[rudeguy]

I just hope this whole tablet thing spawns data only plans that are reasonably priced. Let me run skype/google voice over 3G/wifi for my voice and text needs.

 

[jpeyton]

And I'm betting Google's tablet will actually have a webcam, because Verizon's network can actually handle video-chat.

 

[QueBert]

I just hope this whole tablet thing spawns data only plans that are reasonably priced. Let me run skype/google voice over 3G/wifi for my voice and text needs.

Verizon + bolded = umpossible. Since this is Verizon I could see them making a full phone plan mandatory, and if they offer a data only one, it won't be cheap. Verizon is one of the most greedy companies in the USA.

 

[jpeyton]

Verizon + bolded = umpossible. Since this is Verizon I could see them making a full phone plan mandatory

Maybe you missed the part where we are discussing tablets, not smartphones.

and if they offer a data only one

They already do offer data only plans. And since a tablet isn't a phone, it's going to have a data only plan.

it won't be cheap. Verizon is one of the most greedy companies in the USA.

Their rate plans mirror AT&T exactly, so my guess is that their iPad-competitor tablet data only plan will mirror AT&T as well.

And if by your definition Verizon is "greedy", what would you call AT&T for charging the same price as Verizon for a shoddier network?

 

[JS80]

As long as they make a wifi only version...wifi + EVO 4G hotspot = win

 

[QueBert]

Maybe you missed the part where we are discussing tablets, not smartphones.

And I have little doubt you won't be able to get this tablet without having Verizon cell phone service, I definitely wouldn't put this past them. Hell last year I thought I wanted that whiz bang touch screen VoIP device the put out. They told me I had to have Verizon cell phone service to buy it. Mind you it has nothing to do with their cell phones, and uses high speed internet for the bandwidth. This is on top of the $30 a month fee for the VoIP service. This makes absolutely no sense and had to be because they want to milk their customers for every penny they can. I mean really? I want your VoIP phone service so I gotta sign a fucking cell phone contract? AWESOME SAUCE! Their stance here might have changed, but I had them for years as a cell provider so I doubt it, they're retarded. The pricing plans for the Kin phones are a perfect example of how they're greedy to the point it will blow up in their face.

They already do offer data only plans. And since a tablet isn't a phone, it's going to have a data only plan.

Their rate plans mirror AT&T exactly, so my guess is that their iPad-competitor tablet data only plan will mirror AT&T as well.

And if by your definition Verizon is "greedy", what would you call AT&T for charging the same price as Verizon for a shoddier network?

AT&T's network might not be as large, but if your in an area with good coverage the 3G's faster, and they give you roll over minutes. In my opinion if AT&T has good coverage in your area the roll over minutes alone make it worth going with them. It's not fair to say they charge the same price when you get more from AT&T. Coverage can suck from either depending where you're at, so that's only a point for Verizon if you're in an area with shitty AT&T service. Roll over minutes should be something Verizon offers.

 

[jaydee]

They already do offer data only plans. And since a tablet isn't a phone, it's going to have a data only plan.

Really? You can get a data/no voice plan from Verizon?

 

[Pliablemoose]

Interesting.

Schmidt made a comment a couple of months ago that a tablet was coming and added that they'd likely screw it up too...

I'm waiting for something compatible with TMobile's data with an Android OS, and I'll be looking at a 2nd gen product as well.

HTC said they'd be building the Google tablet in the past few months.