The News

Today, October 6, 2009, Verizon Wireless, the Fortune 500 wireless company, announced that they would be launching several devices with Google’s Android Operating system within the next few weeks. It is speculated that this is to combat against the iphone which is exclusively available on AT&T.

The news is a little surprising, as Verizon Wireless has historically not allowed other operating systems than their own onto their network, but the arrangement may give Verizon a bit a fresh air and new features that will give them a little more edge.

The operating system will allow Verizon customers to have faster access to the web from anywhere, making America’s largest network faster than it is already. Customers will be able to begin purchasing the devices either on the Internet or in stores in just a few weeks, and no information is given about how much will be charged for monthly services to these phones. If it is like RIM’s Blackberry at Verizon Wireless, it could be an additional $29.99 a month for the Internet plan. 

The devices will be preloaded with Verizon, Google and other applications and will probably have the option to download extra applications for a fee.

Possible Applications

Though no news has been given about the applications that will be on the new Android devices, it will most likely still include Verizon applications such as VZ Navigator (turn by turn directions and business information lookup), VZ Rhapsody (unlimited music downloads for a monthly fee), possibly VCAST (selected videos and information) and other smaller applications.

In addition, Google may bring applications such as Sky Map (shows constellations and planets), Spreadsheet (a spreadsheet creator), wpToGo (a portable way to blog made by WordPress.com) and other applications.

Possible Features

Devices will probably have music capability, a camera, text messaging and have Internet capability, though no information has been released about any of the devices yet.