Verizon's third Android device to have MiFi capabilities (Phone Arena News)

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Verizon's third Android device to have MiFi capabilities

Verizon's third Android device to have MiFi capabilities

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Published on: 13 October, 2009 by PhoneArena Team

Verizon's third Android device to have MiFi capabilities

This article contains unofficial information.

Verizon recently came away from their meetings with Google with the plan to have 3 Android phones in its line-up by early 2010. While two of the handsets will be branded with well-known names, the third handset will be manufactured by a small company and will have the ability to act as a personal router. Unsung has learned that it will be the first Android phone certified through Verizon's Open Development Program. This program is supposed to make it fast and easy for a handset to make it onto Big Red's CDMA network.

To meet the specifications of the Open Development Program, vendors must meet the E911 emergency standard, the ability to activate the device OTA, and have support for SMS text messaging. The third Android phone will also have Mi-Fi support so it can act as a personal router. This phone will be available in early 2010. Lowell McAdams, Verizon Wireless CEO, said that the first two Android hansdsets will be ready for launch in a few weeks. One is expected to be the Motorola Droid/Sholes/Tao. A recent story suggested that Verizon might be offering the Android powered HTC Hero sometime in November.

Verizon's Mi-Fi technology allows up to 5 devices to have access to Big Red's 3G EV-DO network and has antennas for both Wi-Fi and CDMA. Having Mi-Fi on a handset would be like carrying your own personal server with you, wherever you go. And for Verizon, it is a win-win because subscribers get to grab a fast 3G network from just about anywhere while the carrier still is getting paid for the use of its' network.

HTC Hero Preliminary Specifications (CDMA)
Motorola Droid Preliminary Specifications

.source: Unstrung

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1.

ggp @ 13 October, 2009 12:41:25 AM

pondering... would vzw require full time mobile broadband connect feature? if not, sounds like a sweet setup to have mifi on an android phone!

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rjt185 @ 13 October, 2009 05:55:33 AM

Maybe I will wait to upgrade my LG Voyager even longer. ((Still bitter that I missed out on the 24-Hr 79.99 sale of the enV Touch))

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3.

jskrenes @ 13 October, 2009 06:59:53 AM

Phonearena, I think you got it wrong: WIFI on a phone is a win-win since VZW still gets paid for a data connection but it doesn't take its network bandwidth. MIFI goes through a cellular network, so the win for Verizon here is additional data revenue through tethering plans. And make no mistake, you will have to add a tethering plan if you want to use this phone as a mifi.

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12.

Symbianlover @ 13 October, 2009 05:12:21 PM

Excuse my while i yawn... I'm guessing Joikispot is an unknown App? That "Feature" to use your phone as a Mifi device is not new. It's been around for atleast two years now.

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13.

dubracer223 @ 13 October, 2009 05:25:40 PM

people really need to calm the down over this my phone company is better than yours. do you think they really care what goes on in these forums?? is your phone company getting money to bash other companies? Its not a gang!!!!!

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16.

Pitt4l @ 13 October, 2009 06:51:44 PM

No it is not a gang--- It is fun--- we all to much time on our hands to begin with writing on these forums. I do however like VZW.

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17.

scroffy @ 13 October, 2009 07:32:10 PM

Dang, you mean I've been imagining using my vzw omnia and ozone as wireless routers? Damn the drugs!

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dubracer223 @ 16 October, 2009 01:31:59 PM

....and we all know "drugs are bad...mmmmkay" cheesy i know but i had to do it anyway since im on it

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