Verizon and Google Team Up?
In a webcast this morning Big Red and Google announced the arrival of Android powered phones on Verizon. With their strong dies and reliance on RIM's devices it is an interesting move for Verizon, but one that makes sense with their new found talks of an "open network".
It is also a great strategic move to help aid their upcoming app store, with androids open platform allowing the easy development of plenty of fun and useful apps to help compliment their store.
"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."
Also stated during this webcast, a blow to ATT and Apple, was Verizons flat out statement that they do infact support Google Voice, replying that "Either you have an open device or you don't."
Engadget has reported that in the press photos that followed the webcast, they spied a much anticipated android phone yet to have been released, the Motorola Shules, in the hands of Verizon Wireless' CEO.
Verizon has really taken this "Open Network" idea to heart, and I'm sure this is just the beginning of surprises.
