Verizon timing a "kick off" with Apple's event
updated 04:25 pm EST, Mon January 25, 2010
Verizon to brief managers at same time as Apple
Verizon is timing one of its retail manager briefings in what could be a sign of a partnership with Apple, an inside scoop claims. The carrier normally has a briefing early on in a quarter to "kick off" the season and detail future devices but has put this quarter's meeting on the 27th, the same day as Apple's special event. Moreover, the company is also asking managers to watch a "live webcast" that will start at 1PM Eastern, the same time as Apple is set to begin its presentation at the Yerba Buena Center.
A chance exists that the timing is coincidental, but it comes on the back of numerous rumors of talks for Verizon 3G on a tablet and less certain talk of a Verizon iPhone. Either may depend on using dual-mode chipsets from Qualcomm that could provide 3G and (on the iPhone) calling for both AT&T and Verizon.
Apple has in the past three years reserved new iPhone introductions for WWDC; it's also suspected that the still secretive AT&T exclusivity deal for the iPhone will end in late June, but neither it nor Apple has ever publicly outlined when the iPhone is free to reach other US providers.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
Video Phone?
I could see the tablet being used as a video phone for the home if it has 3G through Verizon and a built-n camera.