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.”

Engadget Mobile is reporting an update on the rumored HTC Dragon Android phone. The device is thought to run the… wait for it… SnapDRAGON 1GHz processor. There isn’t a whole lot to offer on this update, just a few screenshots, but it looks to be running the HTC Sense UI, which is good, at a resolution of 800×480, which is also good. We’ll be looking for more information as it becomes available and will be sure to pass it along.

Android Community is reporting here that Verizon and Google are scheduled for a joint press conference this morning at 10:00 Eastern Time. The article suggests that this could be the announcement of the long-sought first Android phone for Verizon, most likely the Motorola Sholes/Droid. If so, this would be a major step for Verizon, definitely a welcome one for power-users! Tune in for further details as we learn them.

As a follow-up to Brian’s recent post, Quick Look: SPB Mobile Shell 3.5 for Windows Mobile Professional , Mobility Site has  posted a really nice in-depth Tips and Tricks article with lots of nice screenshots and insightful tips on getting the most out of this really great UI enhancement. 

Head on over to read the full article here>>>Mobile Shell 3.5 – Power User Tips and Tricks

With the advent of WebOS 1.2 last week, the App Catalog was setup for the arrival of paid apps.  You could create your account, but there were no apps to buy.  You could only sit poised ready to purchase when the time came.  Well, today, that time came as a plethora of paid apps started showing up in the App Catalog.  Earlier today, there were only three games, but a few hours later there are nearly 20 paid apps and games, and I am sure plenty more are coming. 

I also checked out the purchasing experience, which is pretty seamless.  Your credit card information is stored in your online Palm account, not on your device. So, if you lose your device then your information is safe.  Still, I was not terribly thrilled to find that they accept only Mastercard and Visa.  No PayPal?  Hopefully Palm will consider getting PayPal in there. 

I can’t wait to see all of the apps and games which will be coming down the road.  I have already heard from a number of my favorite developers, many of whom reported having WebOS projects in the works, so hopefully those will start trickling out.  I also noticed quite a few apps which I recognized from the Homebrew App Catalog, so congrats to those folks as well.