Verizon is planning to release their own version of the tablet computer with a as-yet-unnamed manufacturer who will be using Google’s software on the device.
Verizon’s CEO, Lowell McAdam, confirmed that the partnership with Google has been in the works to help Verizon catch up to rival AT&T with a device similar to Apple’s iPad.
“We’re working on tablets together, for example. We’re looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience.” McAdam said in an interview with WSJ.
Verizon would not discuss a manufacturer or timing, and Google declined to comment about Verizon, but offered that any company may use their open source software to create mobile devices.
Verizon is installing a new network to replace its clunky CDMA technology and Verizon hopes to have devices ready to operate by early 2011 that will be able to stream video at speeds comparable to or exceeding that of AT&T’s current network.
Verizon acknowledges that they are playing catchup to AT&T and Apple, and are pushing to offer consumers a choice of products. For now, AT&T and Apple will continue to enjoy a virtual monopoly on the tablet market until the end of 2010. This story will get more interesting when we find out who is making the device, and what price range it will be sold in.
Source: Wall Street Journal, Mashable
I hope it doesn’t look like that.