Archives for: January 2011
Verizon changes their contract policies
Jan 16th
Now that Verizon Wireless has the Iphone, they’re taking some time to change their upgrade and return policies.
Make no mistake; these changes came when they did because of that device. Call it a “cost” of selling the device that so many wanted. The iPhone is expensive, and Apple has some VERY specific price points where they sell their product. But there’s no use arguing over the why, what’s important is how it affects you the consumer.
Join us after the break as we go over what’s changing, what isn’t, and what you can do about it.
Motorola Atrix: Is this what the future looks like?
Jan 11th
CES is finally winding down, and while tech sites are falling over themselves to bring you news about that iPhone coming to Verizon, we wanted to focus on some actual innovation.
At first blush, it just looks like all the other high end “4g” phones coming to carriers this year. Dual Core Tegra2 processor, huge screen, some cool HDMI features. But this little device is looking to change how we think about what a mobile device can and cannot do.
Join us after the break to find out about this amazing device, easily the best in show from CES.
Full story »
[Breaking] Verizon iPhone Is Official
Jan 11th
Verizon Wireless and Apple Inc. have officially announced that Verizon Wireless will soon be carrying the Apple iPhone 4.
After years of demand, and a year of heavy rumor-swapping in 2010, the long-awaited Verizon iPhone is a reality.
Not much is known about the device yet, but given the remarks and answers provided by Verizon and Apple leadership, this iteration of the iPhone is nearly identical to the iPhone 4 on AT&T, with the change coming from adding the CDMA chipsets to the device to function on Verizon’s network. The most popular features of the iPhone 4, including Facetime, will be included in this device. Verizon also stated that the device would include mobile hotspot of up to five connections.
The phone will be available for pre-order online on February 3rd, and available in stores, online, or over the phone on February 10.
Expect further coverage as details become available.

Verizon Announces 4G LTE Phones
Jan 6th
Verizon Wireless held a press conference extravaganza this afternoon, announcing new LTE phones, netbooks, and tablets.
There are several sites that have been able to do hand-on inspections of the devices. Unfortunately, PhoneCan couldn’t be there to do the same, so we’ve got a quick side-by-side of the devices for you to look at. First, we’ll look at the LTE phones.
Full story »
The Philosophy of PhoneCan
Jan 6th
From time to time, the writers and editors of PhoneCan have mentioned a few “beliefs” and opinions about the phone industry. To some, we’ve even mentioned a set of core beliefs that this site operates under, which has silently influenced how we write, what we write about, and how we approach certain subjects.
We felt it would be good to take a moment during the lull of waiting for CES 2011 updates to mention the core philosophy of PhoneCan.
Full story »Honeycomb (Android 3.0) announced
Jan 5th
The Consumer Electronics Show is in full swing in Las Vegas and while PhoneCan doesn’t have anyone there this year, we’re doing our best to try and keep up with the flood of new devices and technology. It’s a bit overwhelming, and since we can’t give you any hands on content, we’ve decided to leave that reporting to those who are at the show itself.

But Google used device announcements today to officially unveil Android 3.0 aka Honeycomb. This is the first version of Android that Google built with the intention of it being used on tablets. Details are still a little slim as to all the
differences, but if you check out the video below, you’ll see that it is completely different from what we’ve come to know about Android.
This doesn’t appear to be simply a Phone OS blown up to fit on a larger screen (like the tab) or lightly customized (like the iPad) but instead it appears to be an entirely different operating system designed from the ground up for a tablet form factor.
Details are still a little light, but expect a flood of new information (and devices) in the coming weeks. Forget everything you’ve thought about Android and check out the official announcement video after the break.
Many thanks to [Android Developers] for posting this video.
Full story »
[Editorial] The Current State of the Verizon iPhone
Jan 5th

At the time of this article, we are a day away from Verizon Wireless announcing their first 4G phones. Speculation has run wild in the last year concerning an Apple iPhone coming to Verizon in early 2011. Everyone, media-wise, seems to have input on the issue, and has for some time (with a poor track record of success). The inevitability of an iPhone for Verizon is indisputable. Everything else about it, however, is.
Full story »"Ya, My Phone..." Dealing With a Wireless Rep
Jan 5th
Ya, my phone…
Okay, before I start, let me explain the title. This is a common phrase heard among all the different employees at different carriers. I want this to be a positive reflection of what I’m about to say, but some may take it personal. This is the dreaded phrase that has started many arguments between customer and carrier. Its like Clint Eastwood hearing a gun lever pulled back slowly in a crowded saloon. You’ve just now put yourself on the offensive. To you, you’re only beginning a conversation about the many problems with your phone, but what the sales rep hears is the calm before the storm. He’s ready for the fist shaking, teeth clenching, heart-pounding, ulcer creating showdown where he will tell you ‘No!’ to whatever logical problem you are having with your phone ONLY because he thought you’d go in shooting first!
Full story »From the Counter: The price of "Free."
Jan 3rd
If you’ve followed our articles here at PhoneCan, you might see that we have a thing or two to say about contracts. In fact, some might say we’re talking about them too much, that we should be talking about important things, like iPhone rumors, telling you which carrier is best, and how to brew the perfect cup of coffee.. well, maybe not that last part.
The reason we spend so much time talking about Contracts is that it’s something that we hear about everyday. Customer want to upgrade, but they already used their upgrade and carriers are trying to “punish” them by making them pay “retail.” or a customer wants to know why the phone they bought just a few months ago is already obsolete.
We also believe that contracts are the single largest thing holding back true innovation and pro-consumer change from the US cellphone market. Carrier’s need to change, but before they do we as consumers need to show them that we’re ready for it.
What I’m talking about is our addiction to the term “Free.” We want Free phones, cheap (or free) services, Free accessories, and when we get what we want, we complain about something else.. We complain about only getting to buy a new phone every two years, or how when something breaks we get a used device, or how certain phones REQUIRE features we might not want, like unlimited data.
But nothing is ever free, not really. Sure, you might not pay anything up front for a phone, but you’re paying for the service to use that phone. You might even be paying for services you wouldn’t pay for otherwise to get the phone at that price (some retailers offer steeper discounts if you purchase on a higher value plan). Maybe your paying by giving up the ability to fully customize that phone, or accepting one jammed full of bloatware you can’t remove. Nothing is ever free, so why are carrier’s so quick to offer us “free” phones?
Full story »
[Exclusive] Hunting Down a Unicorn: The VPhone
Jan 3rd
PhoneCan has been trying to hunt down one of the mythical unicorns of the wireless industry. No, it’s not the Verizon iPhone. That’s referred to as the Magical Unicorn Pegasus iPhone. This is something else, entirely.
No, what we’re referring to is the Saygus VPhone. For those familiar with the model, they will immediately recognize a phone that has never truly materialized. For those unfamiliar with the phone, we will help you understand what the phone was specified to have when it was “announced.” We will show you how it’s popped up from time to time across the Internet. And, we will tell you why we think you’ll never actually get to hold one.
Full story »Pages: 1· 2


