Verizon Wireless R2-D2 Droid 2 Smartphone

Verizon Wireless will release the R2-D2 Droid 2 smartphone on September 30th, 2010. The skinned phone comes with a Star Wars media dock and wired stereo headset all in a custom box resembling carbonite.

The phone also features R2-D2 notification sounds and ringtones, Live Wallpapers (Blast the Probe Droid; Luke Balancing Yoda; Navigating the Asteroid Field; Watch Bespin’s Cloud City), R2-D2 Clock Widget, Exclusive Binoculars App and “The Best of R2-D2? video with the original Cantina music.

The R2-D2 Droid retails for $249 (after a $100 mail-in rebate) and must sign up for a two-year voice and data plan. [Android Community]

Verizon’s Motorola Droid X Confirmed

Verizon Wireless has officially confirmed the availability of the Motorola Droid X. The phone features a large 4.3-inch display with a 1280 x 720 pixels resolution and an HDMI output, so you can connect this handset to your HDTV. Too bad, there is no further info about the Motorola Droid X at the moment. Stay tuned for more updates. [Verizon Wireless]

Verizon’s Motorola Droid X Confirmed

Verizon’s Droid Update Improves Some Features

Though it’s only been available for a few weeks, Verizon Wireless already has released an update package for the Motorola Droid, an Android-based smartphone. A Verizon spokesperson said the update started Monday and will continue for about a week.

Verizon’s web site says the update offers 14 improvements or corrections, including stabilization of the operating system, three-way calling enhancements, improved camera autofocus, longer battery life, and better audio.

Tinkering Needed

The update, which is being done at low usage times to avoid inconveniencing users, is a good move, said William Stofega, program manager for mobile device technology and trends for IDC. "Like a lot of new devices, the Droid needs some tinkering," he said. "For instance, focusing the camera is an issue and voice quality is an issue. At lot of these things can be done in software rather than hardware."

Stofega said the update touches on key functions which, if left uncorrected, could hurt the Droid’s popularity.

"They’re really important. There were some flaws. The camera was the most advertised. There always are some software bugs that get into [the product] that happen out of the box. It is very important and significant that they confront it and do it fairly quickly," Stofega said. "I think its good Verizon is listening to customers and making sure they get the code updates to them before the real complaints start, and especially before they are faced with considering whether or not to get it for a gift."

First Impressions Last

Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for the NPD Group, agreed that the update is a good step. "The Droid update that Verizon is reported to be rolling out is a minor update, albeit one that can create a meaningful improvement to its users’ experience," he wrote in an e-mail. "In an age of advanced smartphones, it…

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Apple, Verizon Consider an iPhone Deal

Verizon and Apple are discussing the possible development of an iPhone for Verizon, with the goal of introducing it next year, people familiar with the situation say.

It would mark the first time Apple has produced a version of the iPhone for a CDMA wireless network, which is different from AT&T’s GSM technology. Vodafone, co-owner of Verizon Wireless, already sells the iPhone in Europe.

The New York-based telecom entered into “high-level” discussions with Apple management a few months ago, when CEO Steve Jobs was overseeing day-to-day business, these sources say. They declined to be named because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly.

Jobs is on medical leave until June, but the conversations are continuing, they say. Apple declined to comment.

AT&T has exclusive U.S. distribution rights to the iPhone into 2010, though specifics aren’t known. The deal was struck in 2006, when the iPhone was still on the drawing board. Many telecom analysts expect AT&T to try to persuade Apple to extend the contract for another year, at least.

Should Verizon succeed, it would be a big loss for AT&T, says Roger Entner, head of telecom research for Nielsen. “Breaking the (iPhone) exclusivity with AT&T is a huge thing,” he says. “That would send shivers into AT&T’s stock and senior leadership.”

The power of the iPhone was on full display last week, when AT&T reported stellar wireless results. AT&T signed up 1.6 million iPhone customers during the quarter — 40 percent of them new to AT&T. Revenue from mobile data was up almost 40 percent. Verizon reports results today.

By linking arms with Verizon, Entner says, Apple would gain access to its 80 million customers. While a few may already have an iPhone (some people have more than one carrier), the bulk don’t.

Regardless, Entner says, Apple would likely maintain ties with AT&T. The biggest winners, by…

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AT&T, Verizon Entering E-book Reader Market?

As far as business relationships go, Amazon and Sprint’s Kindle lovechild has proven to be a fruitful endeavor. So it’s with little surprise that other manufacturers have been seeking out that same feeling of carrier companionship. According to Verizon Wireless VP of open development Tony Lewis, there are five e-book readers in the works from various companies that are looking to be certified for use on the network, possibly in the same way Kindle uses its connectivity to download books on the fly.

While he wouldn’t provide any names, he did hint they were looking at segments of the market Kindle isn’t currently catering to, such as college textbooks. We’ve also got word that AT&T’s looking to hop on the bandwagon, with head of emerging devices Glenn Lurie chiming in that they want to be a part of that market. If that Whispernet connectivity is the feature that’s been tempting you to go Kindle, looks like you’ll have a few more options on the horizon, if you’re patient.

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