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John MatareseWatch out, Apple!
Verizon Wireless is about to launch the toughest competitor yet to the popular iPhone.
Its a Google-based, touch screen phone built by Motorola called the
Droid, using Google's new Android technology.
Better than the iPhone?Will it finally be an iPhone killer? Probably not, but Verizon's new Droid is expected to be the toughest competitor yet to Apple's phone.
For customers who took an advance look at it at the Kenwood Verizon store in Cincinnati-- like Alysha Coombs --it was a case of shock and awe. Alysha told me "I think it's....awesome!"
iPhone Features....Plus MoreThe Droid is the same size as the iPhone -- just a bit heavier -- and copies many of its best features....such as flip through web pages and photos, and easy access to social network sites like facebook and YouTube.
But Verizon's Matt Hoog demonstrated for me some features many iPhone users probably wish they had, but don't.
The Droid's extra features include a:
- Slideout QWERTY keyboard for fumbly fingers. Matt says "it gives you your full touch screen, plus a real keyboard with hard buttons, plus a mouse to toggle back and forth."
- Real time GPS from Google. No need for a separate GPS unit in your car any more. This could be cause for concern for Garmin and Tom Tom, but that's for another story.
- A 5 megapixel video and still camera...and finally, a flash, for talking photos on night streets or darkly lit parties and restaurants. The iPhone doesn't have that.
- Verizon's super fast 3G network, which may be its biggest advantage, as it has been ranked the best nationwide in several surveys.
Matt says "hands down, the network is the biggest selling point."
However, there are several clear downsides.
Next: The Downsides...Plus How Much it Costs
