Verizon Wireless' fall lineup has been leaked via an internal document, according to gadget blog IGN. The Droid Bionic, Samsung Stratosphere and a 4G RIM Blackberry Curve lead the way.
Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZW) appears to have set a Sept. 8
launch data for the Motorola Droid Bionic, the 4G Android smartphone the phone
maker delayed by a few months for unconfirmed reasons.
Gadget blog IGN scored an internal document displaying upcoming devices and
their release dates the No. 2 U.S. wireless carrier has planned for the fall. A
Verizon spokesperson declined to confirm whether the document was accurate or
not.
Sept. 8 is a major launch date, apparently. Specifically, the 4G Samsung Stratosphere, which
IGN said is Verizon's iteration of the Samsung Galaxy S II, will reportedly launch
that day. Verizon is also reportedly launching a BlackBerry Curve from Research
in Motion Sept. 8.
Finally, for that day: the storied Droid Bionic, a
fascinating study in how not to pre-announce a device when it can't be ready on
time.
Motorola Mobility (NYSE:MMI) touted the Droid Bionic,
along with the Atrix 4G, at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in January. The
Atrix 4G appeared on AT&T in February. The Droid Bionic, due in the second
quarter, was
pushed back so Motorola could improve the hardware and software.
"Based on compelling feedback since the show, we are
incorporating several enhancements to make this an even better consumer
experience," Motorola said in a statement. "This includes expanded
features, functionality and an improved form factor."
Speculation roved from Motorola trying to better differentiate with other
smartphones on Verizon, such as the HTC
Thunderbolt and Samsung Droid Charge, to the phone maker simply not being able
to get the 4G radio right to handle Verizon's speedy 4G LTE network.
Motorola
also delayed its 4G LTE Xoom tablet, putting more wood behind the argument that
the company was struggling with the 4G upgrade for Verizon's network.
Whatever the case,
the Droid Bionic teaser page is live.
This device will be powered by Google's
Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" operating system and a Texas Instruments
OMAP dual-core processor.
With so many devices allegedly launching Sept. 8, Verizon might even do well to hold a launch event in New York City to trumpet
the news as competition with AT&T (NYSE:T) heats up.
IGN said Verizon has picked Sept. 29 to launch the Gingerbread-powered
HTC Bliss; Oct. 13 to launch the LG Crescendo, and Oct. 20 for the arrival of
LG Revolution 2.
Finally, the documents reports a November launch for the Samsung
Galaxy Tab P8, which could be the 4G LTE-powered 8.9-inch little brother to the
Galaxy Tab 10.1 Verizon is currently hawking.
Verizon is selling the 4G LTE Tab 10.1 in as 16GB model for $529.99 and a 32GB flavor
for $629.99.
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