Verizon Pre 2 confirmed for Q4; Hotspot in tow, Exhibition later 46
We've been wondering when the Pre 2 would land on Verizon and while a lot of signs point to "very soon," officially all we know is "coming months." That time period is distressingly vague, but fear not: a document leaked to PPCGeeks has the Pre 2 included in big V's Q4 2010 lineup.
Of course, there's precious little new information here. We are happy to see that Mobile Hotspot is still going to be on board (and would be even happier if it continued to be free). We are less happy to see that Exhibition mode won't be ready in time - it's one of the most intriguing features in webOS 2.0, so hopefully the wait for it won't be too long.
Target Market? "Singles, Couples, Young Adults, Small/Medium Business, Enterprise." We don't want to be too snarky and make the joke about moms not being included in that list except, well, we kind of just did. We really shouldn't make the point that we hope Verizon will put some marketing weight behind the Pre 2 by embedding their original, patronizing (literally) commercial after the break -- which makes it a good thing that Verizon pulled said videos off YouTube, we suppose.
Q4 launch: check. Mobile hotspot: check. aGPS and serious marketing effort: we'll see.
Source: PPCGeeks; Thanks stung!
46 Comments
I had hoped the rumor that it was going to be launched this week would be true. We thought we were in the "coming month" last month, looks like we're staying in the "coming month" for this month as well.
Yes, because today is November 30th.
I am saying that because the launch could be tomorrow, the 31st of December, or any time in between.
I doubt they're going to make a big splash regarding the Pre2, so don't expect some huge marketing campaign heading up to the release. Do, however, expect that for whatever next-gen devices are announced next year, because failure to make that big splash will be the reason it would fail (with regards to sales/units pushed).
Well of course they won't make a big splash, but the very least they could do is send out some sort of announcement telling people, "Hey, we're gonna be here at this time."
Also, anytime between Nov. 12 and Dec. 12 counts as "the coming month". The fact that they said Q4 just makes you think it would be later rather than sooner.
Hopefully the Pre2 will be released before any of these Droid phones because, as we saw before, verizon reps are going to push the Droid phones over anything palm has to offer. as the great Yogi Berra used to say, it'll be like "deja vu all over again."
Sprint.
Yes. Goddamnit Sprint. Already.
Couples... does that mean they're going to do the BOGO offers again?
I'm all for it because that means it's going to flood the used market... preferably cheap bad ESN ones. :D
This is what I held onto for 16 months- the same form factor with a screen that's too small....except it's not even coming to Sprint if I wanted it! I just bought an Evo a week ago because I can't take the wait anymore. I wish it was running webOS 2.0, but Froyo will do until Palm gets their crap together, and launches a decent device on Sprint. I truly hope I'm drooling over what they bring to market, while my new 1 year contract slowly expires. Truly, I do hope to be back, but this whole saga has been a cluster-bleep as far as I'm concerned.
*sigh* You already got your Froyo, so why are you still hanging around here lamenting webOS? Unless you have big pockets, you won't have a reason to come back for a year...
Droid fans like to see the enhancements to come for their UI two years down the road.
Did you read my whole comment? I got better hardware, not a better OS. I thought I made that clear. And I "hang around" because I hope to be back with a webOS device in a year. Go take your pill...
Very exciting! I like to think that the pre 2 is partially being released now to work out the kinks in webOS 2.0 before the bigger releases in January.
I must be in the minority here, because just purely on aesthetics alone, not screen resolution, the Pre 2 runs laps around thost Motorola phones. Those Moto phones are BUTT UGLY! But I am a graphic designer by trade, not a tech geek. Maybe tech geeks like the "asymmetrical with a lot of misplaced buttons and weird bevels" look. Not me.
Hardware problems aside, I would have loved the Pre more if the screen were bigger, and the build quality were more along the lines of the HTC phones. I'm counting on that being the case with the next generation of webOS phones. I just couldn't hold on to some time in 2011 to see if that was what was coming. It took me all of 2 days to get used to (and like) the larger screen on the Evo. webOS still blows Android away by leaps and bounds, though. It's gonna be a long year.
+1
Excuse me if my math is wrong, but aren't we already in Q4?
I completely agree with rmausser on the styling of the Pre 2 over the Droids...
It depends, a companies fiscal calander does not always line up with the regular calander. For example my company that I work for, FedEx, fiscal year runs from June to May. The year depends on what calander year the fiscal year ends in. So for fedex, right now we are in the 2Q of the 2011 fiscal year.
As for when verizons fiscal year starts and ends I have no idea.
VZ is Jan/Dec.
just spoke to a good friend who works at the local verizon store, says Nov 18 is when they are supposed to receive there shipment of Pre 2
maybe q4 of 2011
A phone few want is delayed and just a few cry about it. Slow news day, huh?
Yes, if they were to just increase the size of the screen to 3.5 inches, it would make a huge impact. This would also cause the keyboard size to increase automatically. I've looked at those HTC phones and the Blackberry Torch, which Rim copied from Palm, and they are just too big and somewhat difficult to lug around.
I had a chance to use the BB Torch. I love the Pre's keyboard, but I like the Torch's keyboard because it is a bit roomier.
I agree with you 100%. Increase the screen size to 3.5". Increase the overall device size (about .33" wider and .5" higher) a bit to accommodate the bigger screen, AND increase the keyboard size to make the keys bigger and (IMO) a bit less clicky while still maintaining the obvious "I clicked you" feeling. I actually wish I could get a combo of the Torch and Pre keyboards, because they're both good.
"coming months" more like "Coming years" months are years in the teenage world.
i just hope so, i am looking forward to this ''superphone'' but i sure hope they put in some new tech into webos that waow's our pants off! not that 2.0 isnt waowing us. It will be nice to see what HP bring to Webos.
All signs seem to be pointing towards a launch in the 2011 Q4 :( I wish it were coming out before the holidays so that I could snag one and not have it overshadowed by newer phones. I would love to have a pre 2 as it would be my first pre. I just don't know if I should wait for it.....
Something tells me this isn't going to do so well. Why would anyone chose this over an Android device that has full document editing and a ton more features and apps.
Because people don't buy phones for apps. Me and you might, but most people I know with android phones only have them because they believe it's the only smartphone available. Document editing on a phone? Honestly, the majority of people don't care (not that it's wrong of you to want it, but it's a niche feature).
People will get the Pre 2 if they see it and think it's cute.
If you like the Pre 2's form factor like I do (and you don't mind paying a premium for the network), this is a great phone that can only get better with every OS release. The only question is: how long will WebOS remain compatible with the Pre 2, and how long will Verizon pass those updates on to their customers?
Hmmm. They left exhibition out. I have a feeling that the "superphone," that will be released in H1 of next yr, will have an update of webOS software, like webOS 2.3, with some of HP's input and technology.
What is the point of getting a phone that can barely do anything? I had the Pre for a year and still have it but recently got the epic 4g and wow. I can do so many things with my phone now that I couldn't do with the Pre. Everything is super fast and I can find app for basically anything that I need to do. Palm allowed Webos to get too far behind the competition so imo the future doesn't look too good.
There is another thing working against Palm right now. The Pre 2 looks basically the same as the first Pre that left a bad taste in so many consumers. Faulthy hardware that is extrememly slow.
The Kin is coming back to Verizon, also, so it looks like Verizon is releasing all of the zombie phones.
-1 for Dieter's use of title which infers that hotspot is included (v. Available).
willing to offer him +1 if he and Leo Apothecer (sp?) agree to reenact a SNL Sprockets skit.
This was said to be released this week in at least two different articles. Now you don't even recant your statement? You casually state we really don't know? Essentially you made up a date, apparently you didn't take journalism 101, where they continuously mention credibility.
Apparently you skipped both Journalism 101 and English 101. PreCentral has only reported rumors and leaks, and never has said there was a confirmed release date. How about you post links to "at least two different articles" that state a confirmed ship date for the Verizon Pre 2?
Do you understand the concept of "rumor". You want PC to recant a rumor?
If you want an official release date go where you belong: www.verizon.com
:/ where is the WebOS beast I was promised.
Problem is that all of the Verizon Pre owners like myself won't be able to purchase the Pre 2 for less than $500. Who will buy this? FWIW...I like the Pre's size and form factor.
Like all cell phone companies, Verizon hopes to entice new subscribers. I also like the Pre size and form factor so I plan to leave Sprint.
Stopped in a Verizon store last night and aside from the sales dorks being complete tools they did let me know the Pre2 is a Verizon exclusive this time. Maybe Palm decided based on the weak launch with Sprint to go for the bigger player this time. I'm staying loyal to Sprint though because the coverage is acceptable and the service for the money is well worth it to me.
Exclusive except for the GSM unlocked?
the pre2 will be palm's flagship phone for the time being - even if it wont be shipped with flagship specs (droid 2 has faster processor). sad
Droid 2 is saddled with droid o/s. The world is still in balance. Unless you have a Ferrari Maranello in your driveway your car is a total POS. Does that make you feel better?
why or how is the exhibition mode one of the more intruiging features of 2.0?
Nice to see the Pre at the top of the list. Shame it apparently doesn't have a large 3.1" screen and qwerty keyboard like the Droid pro, though.
Um?
Nice that you dont need a holster or purse to ferry it around.