Verizon Wireless says it will begin selling the HTC Droid Incredible April 29 for $199, getting a jump on Apple's iPhone 4.0. The Incredible is based on the Android 2.1 operating system and runs the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The gadget has a 3.7-inch WVGA (480 by 800) AMOLED capacitive touch screen. Customers will also be able to access such exclusive Verizon apps as NFL Mobile and Skype mobile. It's also the first Verizon gadget to sport an 8-megapixel camera, which boasts dual LED with flash. An integrated GPS and 802.11b/g WiFi are on board.
Verizon Wireless April 15 said it will begin selling the
HTC Droid Incredible April 29 for $199 with a $100
mail-in rebate and a two-year contract.
The Incredible is based on the Android 2.1 operating system and runs the
1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that impressed users of the
Google Nexus One smartphone. The gadget has a 3.7-inch
WVGA (480 by 800) AMOLED capacitive touch screen.
Incredible employs the HTC Sense
experience, including a seven-panel home screen with "Leap" view to
let users quickly access their weather, social media and other widgets with one
touch.
Customers will also be able to access such exclusive Verizon apps as NFL
Mobile and Skype mobile, the long-awaited mobile VOIP app that
lets Verizon customers make and receive unlimited
Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user; call international phone numbers
at Skype Out calling rates; and send and receive instant messages to other
Skype users.
The device will also have a button for Android Market, where users can
choose from more than 30,000 Google applications, and integration with
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for those who need to check their corporate
e-mail.
The Incredible is the first high-end smartphone based on Google Android from
the top U.S.
wireless carrier since its November 2009 launch of the Motorola Droid, which
just got an upgrade to Android 2.1. It's also the first Verizon
gadget to sport an 8-megapixel camera, which boasts dual LED with flash. An
integrated GPS and 802.11b/g WiFi are on
board.
The Incredible's hype
reached its zenith when Boy Genius Report
posted equipment documentation about the device April 13.
That same day, eWEEK showed the documentation to a Verizon spokesperson, who
confirmed the device but declined to say when it might be available to Verizon
customers and consumers in the market for a new smartphone.
"Looks like a great Android device. Everyone will want one. No
comment," the spokesperson said. Others reported the Incredible would hit
stores April 29. As it turned out, they were right.
Verizon confirmed the rumors in this
press
release today. If all goes according to plan, the Incredible will hit the
street a full seven weeks before the iPhone 4.0, giving it a good jump on the
hot smartphone that has shipped more than 50 million units to date. Verizon
wants to offer the iPhone and
suggested Apple is the reason for the hold-up.
Customers interested in getting the device when it's available may preorder
it beginning April 19 at Verizon Wireless' Website
here. The $100 rebate will
come to customers as a debit card, which customers can use anywhere debit cards
are accepted.
Those who buy the phone must subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk
and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99
per month. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited
access.
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