FROM: Javamancy, the Weblog
Starting today is Starbucks’ [SBUX] free Wi-Fi service, which leverages the existing AT&T [T] based Wi-Fi hotspots for the general Starbucks audience, not just the Starbucks Rewards and AT&T Wireless customers.
So, when you’re waiting in line for your grande no-foam skinny two-pump-dolce extra-hot latte with your blinged-out Droid smartphone, you now can switch to the Wi-Fi hotspot and keep browsing. 
So, it seems that the technocrowd buzz revolves around more rumors about the end of the AT&T [T] exclusivity over Apple’s [AAPL] iPhone, and the heavily anticipated offering of the same smartphone by AT&T’s rival, Verizon [VZ].
The timeframe for the iPhone being offered to Verizon customers appears to be January 2011.
Here’s a snapshot of the slide that Steve Jobs is showing, on the iPad pricing:
iPad pricing, at Apple product announcement (photo courtesy of Gizmodo)
Now, keep in mind that a lot of people are not fans of AT&T [T] data service, especially in metropolitan areas. And it does seem that there is no subsidized pricing for the iPad, so the attractiveness of the device may be initially to iPod touch users who have yearned for significantly larger screens and more features.
Well, there will apparently be a “WiFi + 3G” version (at least one) of the iPad, with an accompanying optional data plan from AT&T [T].
For unlimited data transfer: $29.99/month.
For up to 250 MB data transfer per month: $14.99/month.
Natali del Conte (you remember her, right?) has mentioned in today’s Loaded episode that Verizon [VZ] is preparing to receive Palm [PALM] Pre devices on their network, sometime in 2010.
Of course, this makes sense, since there is not much retooling required for Palm, since both Sprint and Verizon run their cellular networks on CDMA/EvDO tech, as opposed to GSM-based suites offered by the likes of AT&T [T].
Once the Pre arrives for Verizon customers, the Sprint exclusivity for the Pre would naturally be over, and with the Palm Eos expected to make its debut with AT&T… Well, we will have to wait and see whether Sprint’s deal to acquire Virgin Mobile will offset the changes in fortune.
Wow, when was the last time we heard from Nat…? 
Steve 1:38 PM on July 28, 2009 Permalink |
Not sure if you folks have also been following some of the other Verizon news about upcoming layoffs…
But in light of this news, which was actually mentioned much earlier (back in May 2009, in fact– about the Palm Pre coming to Verizon), the question is whether Verizon should be considered a positive due to the job cuts, a negative due to the job cuts, or a positive due to the possible consumer demand for the Pre and other mobile devices (like the Eos and even new models from RIM).