Verizon Announces Droid Incredible by HTC
It's been a long time coming, with all sorts of leaks, documents, and blurry cam images to make any Android fanatic out there ache in the knees to get some kind of official announcement by Verizon Wireless about the existence of the handset. Well, for all of you out there who were waiting to see what all the fuss was about, here you are. The Droid Incredible by HTC has gone on the record as being the latest member of the Droid army for the nation's largest wireless carrier. And it's as every bit as good as we had heard rumored.
The Droid Incredible by HTC is an Android-based device, running the latest (Android 2.1) version, but upgraded with the latest version of HTC's Sense User Interface (as we've seen on the Desire). It's got a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED capacitive display, optical joystick, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8GB of on board storage, and an 8MP camera on the back of the handset.
As for availability, Verizon Wireless will begin taking preorders on April 19th, and it will officially hit store shelves on April 29th. Pricing is going to start at $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate, and if you sign-up for a new two year agreement. Verizon Wireless also wants to make sure that customers know they'll need to sign up for one of their smartphone plans, which start at $39.99 for unlimited email and web access. So now that you've got the official details, are you going to run out there and pick up your very own when the time comes? Will you actually preorder? Full press release below for your consumption needs.
IT'S A DROID, IT'S INCREDIBLE, IT'S ON THE NATION'S LARGEST AND MOST RELIABLE 3G NETWORK
DROID Incredible™ by HTC Combines Power of Android™, Usability of HTC Sense™, Exclusively from Verizon Wireless
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and NEW YORK – Verizon Wireless today announced DROID Incredible by HTC, the newest Android device on the nation's most reliable wireless 3G network, will be available beginning April 29.
Featuring a "topographic" design that demonstrates the powerful engineering just beneath the surface, DROID Incredible by HTC is designed with craftsmanship and precision while making it easier than ever to stay connected.
DROID Incredible by HTC features the newest version of the HTC Sense experience, a seven-panel home screen with a wide selection of interactive widgets so the most important content is immediately available at a touch. Customers will enjoy seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync®, quick and easy access to Flickr for sharing and viewing pictures, video, and Android Market™ with more than 30,000 Google applications. DROID Incredible by HTC is the first Verizon Wireless phone that takes advantage of Qualcomm's 1GHz superfast Snapdragon processor, and it's the first available phone from Verizon Wireless to include an 8 megapixel camera.
Shortly after the phone becomes available, customers will be able to enjoy two of the latest exclusive apps from Verizon Wireless – NFL Mobile and Skype mobile™.
Additional Key features:
Android 2.1 with HTC Sense experience
1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor for maximum responsiveness
Friend Stream for unified Flickr, Facebook and Twitter updates
"Leap" view for quick access to all seven home screen panels
8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash for crisp, detailed images
Razor-sharp 3.7 inch WVGA (480x800) AMOLED capacitive touch display
Optical joystick for smooth navigation
Dedicated, touch-sensitive Home, Menu, Back and Search keys
Proximity sensor, light sensor and digital compass
Integrated GPS
Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
3.5 mm headset jack
Price and availability:
DROID Incredible will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com beginning on April 19 and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on April 29. Pricing will be $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
DROID Incredible customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.
For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of DROID Incredible by HTC in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.