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Would Verizon iPhone Kill Droid on Big Red?

Without a doubt the Android platform has meant big business for Verizon Wireless with the likes of the original Motorola Droid, the HTC Droid Incredible, the Droid X and the upcoming Droid 2, all doing well for the Big Red.

Recently there is much speculation that the thus far mythical Verizon iPhone may make its debut in January 2011, whether that turns out to be a reality remains to be seen. But what effect would the Verizon iPhone have on Droid devices?

If and it’s still a big if, the Verizon iPhone does materialise in January 2011 would Android devices with the Big Red suffer? After all with the arrival of the Droid phones, the BlackBerry Storms don’t seem to have done too well.

It was recently reported that Android has now overtaken Apple’s iOS as the dominant operating system in the US, which shows that Android is a well liked platform with consumers, but a Verizon iPhone could change that.

There are many consumers in the states that want a Verizon iPhone. Verizon has a huge customer base, and the general feeling is that if Verizon ever gets the iPhone, many would defect from current iPhone carrier AT&T, which could mean there would be quite an influx on new iPhone customers to the Big Red; good for Apple, good for Verizon, but would it be good for Droid?

So the big question is would a Verizon iPhone kill off the interest in Droid smartphones, or could Droid comfortably exist alongside a Verizon iPhone?

Comments

7 thoughts on “Would Verizon iPhone Kill Droid on Big Red?”

  1. HowdyDoody says:

    iPhone can come to all carriers, it won't change the fact that it will eventually become just a niche player. The reason for this is simple.

    Innovation within the Android ecosystem out-pace innovation within Apple's ecosystem due to the resources poured in behind them. Apple is a single company Android is every other company. In the DOS era this proved to be effective, and again it has shown to be a the correct strategy.

    A clear example of this is Swype or SwiftKey, once you try it an realize you can type 50wpm or better on a cellphone with spell correction built-in, typing on an iPhone is awkward at best. When you try Google Translation you see the difference. Its open nature allows for innovation, which makes all the difference in the world.

    iPhone will have its market share, small, but it will be there. But can it take on Android as a Global ecosystem, only if they can consistently provide useful innovation and not just style like the 4G.

  2. Liz Taylor says:

    I recently traded my regular cell in for a smart phone – LG Ally – with Verizon. My first choice would have been an iPhone with Verizon but not possible. I have an iPod Touch and love it. Find it much easier to use and has better screen quality than the LG Ally. My new droid type phone drops calls, experiences breaking up etc so I went back to my local Verizon store. My complaints were met with questions like how often did I power it off? Did I take the battery out regularly? And comments like "Its not a landline" and "that is actually a computer" (duh} I guess hence the need to restart when it is not working right?? (Not a familiar experience with my iMac or MacBook Pro but unpleasantly familiar with my PC at work) Not only does this phone have OS issues (re need to restart/remove battery) but I suspect it also has antenna issues. The tech person said they re-installed the OS (why?) and completely tested my phone and it was working perfectly implying my problems were in my head not the phone. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper. I am trying to decide if it would be worth it to take the hit for early contract withdrawal and go get an iPhone with AT&T (shudder) or wait until January to see if Verizon gets the iPhone. Hmm – not feeling so loyal to Verizon right now…

    1. ghawk says:

      I am also a Mac computer user… I gambled to buy my first iPhone in July '09, the 3GS, after about 15 years with Verizon Wireless phones. My gamble was good, as ATT signals improved in my area after two months. I love having a portfolio of images moved to iPhone, created in cameras, the syncing of calendars, contacts, emails, etc. I have .mac – MobileMe account for years; thus wireless syncing.

      Will a droid device sync like iPhone/Mac? After a year, I think I'd be lost w/o syncing!

      I have not purchased iPhone 4; rumors of a 5 for early 2011 are interesting, BUT I will not buy till I am happy with a case. Took several cases on my 3GS to find one that actually is functional; my most desired feature is a non-slippery outer surface, and fairly easy to remove to place phone in my vent mounted bracket in car as I am very happy with a 3rd party navigation app!

  3. Kevin says:

    I’m confident that Google’s Android has come far enough to compete with or possibly overshadow iOS, even with the arrival of a Verizon iPhone. Sure, we may have losers like AT&T and RIM, but the average consumer gets more choices with a decently solid carrier.

    Coming from an Apple junkie, I've had Verizon for years and waited for the iPhone since it came out with AT&T. At first I insisted on the iPhone for Verizon, but after such a huge delay, Android phones look really inviting. At least a few Verizon users should share my feelings.

    So to answer your question, Droid should do fairly well, more so in countries where Apple’s blundering lost significant market share. iPhone may have Apple’s App Store, but Android is catching up fairly quickly and has integrated Google’s own free services as separate apps.

  4. Kevin says:

    I’m confident that Google’s Android has come far enough to compete with or possibly overshadow iOS, even with the arrival of a Verizon iPhone. Sure, we may have losers like AT&T and RIM, but the average consumer gets more choices with a decently solid carrier.

    So to answer your question, Droid should do fairly well, more so in countries where Apple’s blundering lost significant market share. iPhone may have Apple’s App Store, but Android is catching up fairly quickly and has inegrated Google’s own free services as separate apps.

  5. kurbage says:

    Id just like to say the iphone is shit compared to the droid. The only thing I see it has over the droid was being out for sale longer then the droid wich is why it has more apps. On the other end of things droid is open source and the number of apps popping out will surpase iphones in no time. I also hear things like the os is better on apple ?? How can that be when you can alter droids OS any way you want ? I can make it look just like iphones if you would like .

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