Today, Verizon and Google announced a partnership to work towards advancing the Android platform.  Both teams will be devoting “substantial resources” to this project.  Verizon is set to debut two new Android phones in the next couple of weeks.  Phones will come with pre-loaded software from Verizon, Google, as well as third party apps.  The makers of the phones will be leading hardware manufactures.  We have already seen leaks about the Motorola Sholes, and Google says the other handset will be ‘game-changing’.   I was thinking maybe a phone from HTC.  They are also big Android supporters.  As a Verizon user, all I can say is ‘Wow’!!! 

I am very excited to see Verizon take a step forward to embrace new and exciting platforms.  This also makes me think that we are seeing a definite divison of support amongst the different carriers.  AT&T is all about the iPhone.  Sprint has put all of its effort into Palm.  It looks like Verizon is going to be pushing Android.  I can’t wait to see how this race shapes up.  AT&T is in the lead, Sprint is trying, but Verizon has a lot of muscle.  This user wants a cool new phone…so bring it on!!!

Press Release

GROUNDBREAKING AGREEMENT BETWEEN VERIZON WIRELESS AND GOOGLE TO LEVERAGE HIGH-SPEED NETWORK AND OPEN ANDROID PLATFORM FOR WIRELESS INNOVATION

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Verizon Wireless and Google™ today announced a strategic partnership that will leverage the Verizon Wireless network and the best of the Android™ open platform to deliver leading-edge mobile applications, services and devices. Both companies view this agreement as an opportunity to offer consumers an array of products that combine the speed of the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network with the flexibility of the Android mobile platform.

Integral to this agreement is a commitment by the companies to devote substantial resources to accelerate delivery of leading-edge innovation that will put unique applications in the hands of consumers quickly. The two industry leaders will create, market and distribute products and services, with Verizon Wireless also contributing the breadth of its nationwide distribution channels. Consumers will be able to purchase products resulting from the collaboration in Verizon Wireless retail and online stores.

Verizon Wireless and Google plan to co-develop several Android-based devices that will be pre-loaded with innovative applications from both parties as well as third-party developers. The family of Android phones on the Verizon Wireless network will come from leading handset manufacturers.

“The nation’s best wireless broadband network is a perfect complement to the innovation of Android-powered services and devices,” said Lowell McAdam, chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless. “Together, we’ll work to deliver a compelling new experience to our customers.”

“The Android platform allows Verizon Wireless customers to experience faster and easier access to the web from any location,” said Eric Schmidt, chairman and chief executive officer for Google. “Through this partnership, we hope to deliver greater innovation in the mobile space to consumers across the U.S.”

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