LAS VEGAS--In the-not-so-distant future, your cell phone provider will likely also be providing wireless Internet access for your digital camera, electronic book reader, or any other electronic gadget you may own.
During the CTIA Wireless 2009 trade show here this week executives from AT&T and Verizon Wireless described a new era in wireless in which their networks would be used not only for cell phones but also to provide network connectivity to everything from e-readers to personal navigation devices to heart monitors.
At a press event here on Thursday Ralph de la Vega, president for AT&T mobility, said that in a few years retail chains, such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart Stores, will be stocked with electronic devices that wirelessly connect to Internet.
"In the next few years, portable devices that aren't connected wirelessly to the Web won't sell," he said. "Wireless connectivity significantly increases the value of devices. And it's what people want."
De la Vega pointed to growth in the smartphone market as an indication that consumers are increasingly becoming more accustomed to always connected devices.
"It's like the PDA market," he said. "When you added wireless to a PDA, it became more useful. And the smartphone market was born. The same will be true of cameras, personal navigation devices or e-readers. And the companies that don't add wireless to their product won't be successful."
While an everything-connected world may sound cool, there are still lingering questions about how much this access will cost consumers and how users will actually pay for it. And if it wireless operators aren't willing to adapt their business models, it may be difficult to get consumers to sign up for pricey data services with lengthy contracts.
Glenn Lurie, president of AT&T's emerging devices business, said he realizes that that wireless operators will have to change how they do business.
"This is going to require a different business model," he said. "And we are going to have to break some rules to bring these devices to market in a customer friendly way."
An untapped market awaits
Today, nearly 85 percent of the U.S. population owns a cell phone. As this penetration rate approaches 100 percent, it's unlikely that cell phone operators will experience much new growth simply by adding new cell phone subscribers. Adding new devices, such as electronic readers and cameras, to the network greatly increases the addressable market. AT&T executives believe the market for connecting devices other than phones to their wireless networks could be as big $90 billion over the next five years.
Verizon Communications' CEO Ivan Seidenberg said during a press conference here this week that he believes people in the U.S. will own multiple wireless devices and that eventually wireless penetration could reach as much as 500 percent in the next few years.
"I'm not saying that people will be carrying around five mobile phones," he said. "But you might have something in your pocketbook that talks to a thermostat or any number of devices that are connected wirelessly across the global Internet."
AT&T has created a special business unit to identify and help get emerging consumer devices ready for its wireless network. Lurie heads up the new business unit and has spent the past five months talking to a wide range of device makers from garage start-ups to established consumer electronics makers.
Verizon Wireless is addressing this new market through its Open Network Initiative, which was launched last year and is designed to expedite the process of certifying devices for Verizon's network. Verizon has already certified some 36 devices, including a smart-grid device that monitors energy consumption and a wireless tablet for the health care industry that serves as a portable medical chart.
Tony Lewis, who leads Verizon's open network, said the company is also talking to consumer electronics makers.
One product category likely to make its way onto carrier networks first is the electronic book reader. Sprint Nextel provides wireless service for the Amazon Kindle. And the product, which allows people to download books, newspapers, and magazines over Sprint's 3G wireless network, has been a huge hit with consumers. Now other e-book manufacturers are looking for ways to wireless enable their devices.
Verizon is currently talking to five e-book makers about making their devices available on Verizon's network, Lewis confirmed. AT&T wouldn't provide details, but executives hinted that an e-book deal could be in the works its network as well.
New business models needed
The notion of providing wireless connectivity for consumer electronics devices has been around for a long time. Chipmakers like Qualcomm have been developing chips just for this purpose. And Wi-Fi is also finally making its way into many consumer electronics devices.
But connected consumer devices haven't taken off yet, mainly because the carriers' business models are too restrictive. Today, wireless operators typically offer wireless service for a single device. The phones are sold through the carrier. And the operator subsidizes the cost of the phone in exchange for consumers accepting a contract.
But if consumers are expected to own multiple devices that connect to a carrier's network, they're not going to be willing to sign up for multiple services. This means that mobile operators are going to have to change how they do business.
"We can't expect people to have five different accounts," Tony Melone, CTO of Verizon Wireless, said during an interview this week. "There needs to be a mechanism that allows people to have some kind of account for multiple."
Executives from AT&T and Verizon acknowledged that multiple business models will likely co-exist. For example, Amazon, which uses Sprint Nextel's network for wireless service on the Kindle, pays Sprint for the data access and bundles that price into the cost of the product. As a result, Kindle users don't sign up to for an account with Sprint Nextel nor do they pay a dime for downloading books over the Net.
"The Kindle has a great business model," said Verizon's Lewis. "But it's not the only one out there."
AT&T's Lurrie said that how the service is monetized will depend on the device that is using the network. For example, Lurie said that most consumers would not want to spend an additional $10 a month for wireless service to upload photos to a digital picture frame. But they might be willing to pay for one-time use or even pay for several uses.
For all its talk of new business models and breaking rules, so far, AT&T seems to be following its traditional business model when it comes to selling Netbooks. Just as it does with smartphones, AT&T is subsidizing the cost of these mini-computers in order to get subscribers to agree to a data service contract.
And it appears the carrier is willing to deeply discount these devices just to get people using the network. Earlier this week, it announced a pilot program in Atlanta and Philadelphia where it will sell Netbooks for the cost of $50 to consumers who already subscribe to its broadband service. In exchange for this rock-bottom price, subscribers must agree to a two year contract for its $59.95 per month data service, which also provides access to AT&T's 3G network as well as its 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.
But Lurie said that the company will not rely on subsidies alone to fuel adoption of these services.
"I don't think the subsidy model will drive the business," he said. "We will provide some subsidies, but we will be experimenting with all kinds of different business models."
De la Vega said the company is still in the early stages of figuring out the best way to monetize its services. But he said the old model alone will not be enough to grow AT&T's business in the new era of wireless where every device will be wirelessly connected.
"We need to be more flexible," he said. "This is a new frontier. And we need to approach it with new ideas. We can't be forced to go down an old path."
LG Versa with Transformers design
(Credit: LG)Bringing new meaning to the phrase "more than meets the eye," LG has partnered with Dreamworks to bring you a limited edition of the LG Versa with a Transformers theme to help promote the sequel to the 2007 summer blockbuster. In fact, Michael Bay himself will be on the scene at the LG booth in CTIA at 2 p.m. PDT Thursday to promote the phone and the movie, titled "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."
It's fitting that they chose to make the LG Versa their promotional phone, as the touch-screen handset is quite transformative as well, what with the option of adding modules to increase its functionality. For example, it comes with a QWERTY keyboard for texting, and there are currently plans to release additional modules like a gamepad for playing games, external speakers, and more.
The Transformers version of the phone is the same as the Versa, but it just has a new Transformers image on the back, and will have custom movie-related graphics as well. No word on pricing, but we expect it'll be the same as the Versa, which is around $200 with a two-year contract from Verizon Wireless. We'll update this post with pictures of the phone once we have it.
LAS VEGAS--The new 4G wireless broadband network that Verizon Wireless plans to launch in 2010 could be rural America's answer to its broadband access prayers. But extending the network to every nook and cranny in the U.S. will likely take years.
Tony Melone, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Verizon Wireless, said during an interview at the CTIA Wireless 2009 tradeshow here Wednesday that the new 4G network that the company is building will blanket the entire continental United States, including the far corners of rural America.
"The licenses we bought in the 700MHz auction cover the whole U.S.," Melone said. "And we plan to roll out LTE throughout the entire country, including places where we don't offer our CDMA cell phone service today."
If Verizon makes good on this promise, it will be helping to bridge a widening gap between broadband haves and have-nots in this country. While Verizon Wireless' parent company Verizon Communications and other broadband providers have concentrated on building wireline broadband infrastructure in densely populated areas, such as cities and sprawling suburbs, they have not done a good job of extending that infrastructure to rural America.
The problem has been that building infrastructure for land-based broadband networks is expensive. And companies, such as AT&T, Verizon and Comcast say they can't make profits by offering service in sparsely populated regions because the cost to build these networks is too high and the number of potential customers is too few. And even though the federal government has provided some $1.2 billion in loans aimed at helping operators in the private sector build broadband networks in remote areas, the money hasn't been stretched to reach every community.
While broadband penetration has increased in rural areas over recent years, it's still not nearly at the same level as more densely populated regions. Only about 38 percent of rural American households have access to high-speed Internet connections, according to a study published by Pew Internet & American Life Project in July. This compares with about 57 percent of city dwellers who have access to broadband and 60 percent of people living in suburbs.
The result has been small towns and communities throughout the country that still have no access to high-speed Internet services. These communities have been stuck in dial-up limbo, waiting for the 21st century technology revolution to reach them. It's made it harder for businesses to grow and compete in the increasingly connected and tech savvy market. It's meant that workers have had a harder time finding jobs. And it's left an entire population less connected to important news and information that is increasingly found online.
Melone said that the spectrum Verizon acquired in last year's Federal Communications Commission's auction is ideally suited to help solve this problem. The spectrum that is being used to build the new network is in the 700 MHz band. Up until now, it has been used to broadcast analog TV.
Because the spectrum is in a lower frequency, it can transmit signals over longer distances and penetrate through obstacles. And because the signals travel longer distances, Verizon can deploy fewer cell towers than if it used spectrum from a higher frequency band, which means it can provide coverage at a lower cost.
Even though Verizon is primarily building the 4G wireless network to provide faster service for mobile devices, Melone said the network could also be used to provide fixed broadband access to rural homes.
"I can't pre-announce any products or services," he said. "But I can envision offering devices that are geared toward putting wireless broadband in the home. And then people could use Wi-Fi to share the connection with multiple devices like they do today with router connected to their DSL or cable modem service."
President Obama's administration is well aware of the high-speed Internet divide that exists today, and he has vowed to do something about it. As part of the overall economic stimulus package passed by Congress, the government is allocating $7.2 billion for projects that bring broadband Internet access to rural towns and communities.
Melone said it's too early to say if Verizon will request money from the government as part of the package to fund building its network in rural communities. But he said that with or without government money, Verizon is committed to providing service in rural areas via its 4G network.
"At this point we haven't made any attempt to get stimulus money for the LTE build-out," he said. "But it's still early in that process and there's not enough clarity around the stimulus package. We don't know what strings will be attached to that money. Regardless, we plan to blanket the country over a period of time with 4G. We bought the licenses to cover the entire continental U.S., and we plan on building the network where ever we have a license."
Still, rural Americans may have to wait years before Verizon's 4G network comes to them. Dick Lynch, CTO for Verizon Communications, said in February during an interview that the 4G network deployment would likely follow the plan used to build Verizon's 3G network. Under that plan, Verizon started with large metropolitan areas and filled out coverage from there. Verizon has said it plans to reach 20 to 30 markets by the end of 2010. And it will continue to add more coverage steadily after that, Melone said.
LAS VEGAS--Wireless industry executives at the CTIA Wireless 2009 trade show here say that despite the economic meltdown, the cell phone industry remains strong. And they're confident that it will be a driving force in pulling the nation out of the current financial crisis.
Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg
(Credit: Marguerite Reardon/CNET )Verizon Communications CEO Ivan Seidenberg and Robert Dotson, CEO of T-Mobile USA, which is owned by Deutsche Telekom, took the stage on Wednesday, the opening day of the trade show, with a similar message.
These executives said that despite the economic troubles facing the nation and the world, the wireless market is thriving and innovation is flourishing. They also agreed that as the nation moves through the current crisis that the wireless industry could play a significant role in the economic recovery of the country. But they also warned that reluctant investors and overzealous regulators could stunt its potential and harm the recovery.
"I do not mean to minimize the challenges we face--as an industry or a country--as we try to get our economy going again," Seidenberg said during his speech. "But wireless innovation has been a foundation of our country's prosperity for the last 25 years, and I'm confident that this great and vibrant industry will continue to be a leader as we put our economy back on the path to growth."
Indeed, Seidenberg went so far as to say that the rest of the economy could take a lesson from the wireless industry. Instead of companies and investors pulling back and hoarding their money as they've done thus far, he said that businesses should be continuing to invest.
"I wish everybody in America could taste the wireless special sauce," he said. "It seems the rest of the country has forgotten how to grow, but the mobile industry keeps reminding us."
Seidenberg emphasized that the way the communications industry has done this is by investing in building new infrastructure. Verizon Communications, which has a majority stake in Verizon Wireless, has already begun spending billions of dollars to lay new fiber for its fiber-to-the-home broadband service known as Fios.
And now it plans to invest in improving its wireless network. The company is about to embark on another major infrastructure project to build a new 4G wireless broadband network. The wireless operator announced its network suppliers and strategy for building the network in February at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. It plans to start testing the network this year, and it will have 4G wireless deployed in 25 to 30 markets by the end of 2010.
"Our country can't afford to slow down growth and momentum," Seidenberg said.
Even though Seidenberg emphasized the need for investment, he tried to quell worries that the company is over-spending. During a press conference after his speech, he insisted the investments the company is making to build its 4G network are not much more than what the company was already spending to upgrade and maintain its existing 3G network.
"It's not that expensive," he said. While he wouldn't get specific about the company's spending plans for the new network, he said the overall budget would not be increased too much. Instead, he said that spending would shift from the current network, known as EV-DO, to the new network.
Dotson, T-Mobile USA's CEO, had the same message during his keynote speech. Dotson said that the wireless industry must be the driving force to get the economy moving again. And he urged the financial community to open its wallets to keep innovation moving. He also warned the new presidential administration to not over-regulate the industry.
T-Mobile USA CEO Robert Dotson
(Credit: Marguerite Reardon/CNET )"Now more than ever we must make certain that financial fuel flows to the wireless innovators, entrepreneurs and the garage geniuses, who will drive the next economic business cycle," he said during his speech. "In these times of needed financial regulation, we should be united to ensure the light regulatory touch that has successfully guided this highly innovative and vibrant industry for the past 26 years continues."
Seidenberg added that the government should reduce taxes on wireless services. And he called for a five-year moratorium on adding new taxes to wireless services so that the industry can work with local and state authorities . He said that from 2003 to 2007, taxes on wireless services rose four times faster than taxes on other goods and services. And he said that in some states taxation on cell phone service is over 15 percent.
"All of us understand the pressures that policymakers face in an era of big deficits and slow growth," he said during his speech. "But we need to be very careful that government does not to try to fix short-term needs at the expense of long-term growth, which happens every time it raises taxes or imposes new regulations."
Still, the wireless industry is facing its own troubles. Handset manufacturers, in particular, are hurting. Nokia, the world's largest maker of cell phones, has drastically reduced expectations for 2009 and has already begun laying off workers and shutting down production facilities. Motorola, which was already on shaky ground, is also suffering, as are other manufacturers such as Samsung and LG.
But the operators themselves have actually fared much better. AT&T has laid off some employees and Verizon has admitted that it is shedding workers who have worked on its traditional landline businesses. But these companies saw big growth in their wireless businesses during the fourth quarter of 2008. And that growth is expected to continue.
Seidenberg pointed out during his speech that more people are buying higher-end smartphones and signing up for more expensive data plans that allow them to surf the Net, check e-mail and connect to social-networking sites. And he said the new innovations around application stores, for example, would only help the industry become more efficient. He also emphasized the need to consolidate standards and operating systems to make the industry even more efficient.
But he admitted things could be better.
"My guess is that the industry as a whole is doing fine," he said during the press conference. "But if GDP were at 5 percent, we'd be that much better."
Verizon executives Lowell McAdam (left) and Ivan Seidenberg plan to keep Verizon on a software development path.
(Credit: Maggie Reardon/CNET)LAS VEGAS--Verizon Wireless doesn't care who emerges from the coming mobile operating system wars because no matter who wins, Verizon will make sure its software runs on top of that operating system.
"I don't think I need to bet on an operating system," said Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon Wireless, in a question-and-answer session at CTIA 2009 Wednesday. "I need to bet on layers that will bridge those operating systems."
McAdam was referring to the news announced Wednesday that Verizon Wireless will join the Joint Innovation Lab (JIL) created by its corporate parent, Vodafone, along with China Mobile and Softbank. JIL plans to build "mobile widgets" for future phones that will apparently run on whatever operating systems Verizon decides to support on its future smartphones.
Seven organizations are currently jockeying for the inside track to run the mobile computer of the future. Symbian, Research in Motion, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Palm, and the LiMo Foundation are all fighting to get their software established as the platform of the future, and not all of them are going to make it: choice is a good thing, but too many choices overwhelms developers and carriers, not to mention users.
Earlier in his keynote address, Verizon Communications CEO Ivan Seidenberg predicted that the current list would get whittled down as the industry coalesces around "an open operating environment." He did not, of course, say which ones Verizon is eyeing, and neither Seidenberg nor McAdam took that bait in the Q&A session following the keynote.
McAdam did say, however, that "three, maybe four" would survive. Verizon's plan with JIL appears to be an extension of its historical strategy of putting its own software--things like VCast--on its phones, which gives it the ability to tightly control what applications run on its network and extend its brand into software and entertainment. For example, Verizon, as part of JIL, will create games for future phones on its network, McAdam said.
It will be interesting to see how Verizon's software works with the applications created by other developers, such as the ones that will appear on the BlackBerry Storm now that BlackBerry App World is up and running. Widgets by definition are pretty lightweight applications, but how Verizon chooses to prioritize those applications on its devices could determine how widely they are used versus applications created by third parties.
This probably also means that barring a major change on strategy, Apple and Verizon are unlikely to hook up any time soon. Right now, there's the obvious barrier in the different networking standards used by the iPhone and phones on Verizon's network, but the companies seem very philosophically opposed when it comes to software: it's hard to imagine Apple agreeing to let Verizon run its own widgets on the iPhone.
It also means Verizon is still bent on avoiding a fate as a "dumb pipe," leaving the software development to others and just making sure its network is running smoothly. As usual, it all comes down to money: people will spend a fortune over the next ten years on mobile software and services, and Verizon wants to make sure it is part of the action.
While the Nokia 6500 Classic represents everything we've come to expect from a Nokia phone, the Nokia 7205 Intrigue for Verizon Wireless is everything that surprises us. The flip phone's design is so thin and shiny that the uninitiated might confuse it with a Samsung device. It's certainly eye-catching, but the trendy design entails a few usability compromises. Inside, the story is more straightforward: you'll find a midrange feature set that includes a 2-megapixel camera, EV-DO support, and GPS navigation. Yet, at the end of the day, the average audio quality left us less than intrigued. Check out our Nokia 7205 Intrigue review for the full story or see our Nokia 7205 photo gallery.
(Credit:
Boy Genius Report)
AT&T and T-Mobile customers have gotten their fix of BlackBerry goodness with the BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Curve 8900, respectively, but Verizon Wireless and Sprint subscribers are wondering when they'll get that same kind of QWERTY love. Well, we can't say when it'll happen but it looks like the love will come in the form of the RIM BlackBerry 9630 aka BlackBerry Niagara.
The Boy Genius Report managed to snag an early (not final) version of the dual-mode (CDMA/GSM) BlackBerry 9630 and posted some initial thoughts about the smartphone. In the report, BGR states that it's "probably the best phone we've ever used" in terms of call quality. He also likens the BlackBerry hardware to the BlackBerry Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Bold, with a high-resolution display (480x360 pixels) and a QWERTY keyboard that's "just right." The big disappointment? No Wi-Fi.
At the end, BGR said that he's "pretty confident" that the 9630 will head to Verizon first. We can't say for sure if this is true; we haven't heard anything official from RIM or Verizon. However, if this is the case, we're pretty confident in saying that Sprint will get its own version. The big question in both cases is when. The 2009 CTIA spring show is just a few days away though (April 1-3), so hopefully we'll get more information there.
SAN FRANCISCO--The wireless Web has prompted mobile operators to change their tune about open networks, but don't expect the mobile market to be as open as the PC Internet anytime soon.
From left to right: Steve Largent, CEO of CTIA; Robert Dotson, CEO of T-Mobile USA; Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint Nextel; and Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon Wireless
(Credit: Marguerite Reardon/CNET News)CEOs from three of the big four wireless operators in the U.S. took the stage during a keynote panel at the CTIA Fall 2008 trade show here Wednesday to discuss what they envision for open cell phone networks. While Robert Dotson of T-Mobile USA, Dan Hesse of Sprint Nextel, and Lowell McAdam of Verizon Wireless all agree on the importance of opening their networks to developers and allowing subscribers to access the mobile Internet freely, the executives still say mobile operators need to have some control over which devices come on their network.
"If you look at unfettered access on the network, all of us would agree that it's a pretty poor experience for users," T-Mobile's Dotson said. "There needs to be some stewardship or control."
Dotson further explained that as a GSM carrier, open access for devices has existed on T-Mobile's network from day one. People can buy unlocked phones and simply put in their T-Mobile SIM card for service. But he said there were advantages and disadvantages to this freedom, noting that customers who bring their own unlocked devices to the network have a "less than good experience."
"If you don't optimize the phone to make sure there is network integration when you send an MMS or e-mail it might not work well," he said. "Even though on the outside (an open device network) looks enticing, there still needs to be a minimum level of control to safeguard security and privacy."
Verizon Wireless' McAdam agreed. The company launched its Open Network Initiative almost a year ago. But even though the network is supposed to be open to any device, what Verizon is really doing is speeding up the certification process for device makers and application developers. McAdam showed off the first cell phone that is a product of the initiative, a $69 phone from prepaid service provider AirVoice. He said the device is commercially available, but he didn't elaborate on availability on the Verizon Wireless network or the pricing of the service.
McAdam emphasized that Verizon's open strategy, at least toward developers, means that the operator can bring more innovative devices, applications, and services to consumers much faster.
"There is an innovation tidal wave occurring right now," he said. "People making applications for the desktop want to move to mobile phones. We couldn't handle all that innovation into our business, so opening the doors, and still protecting the network, is the only way we have to this."
Sprint's Hesse admitted his company is still working on providing more openness for devices. But he said Sprint has a new speedier device authorization program under way for its 3G, or third-generation, network, noting that the operator is providing service for devices like Amazon.com's Kindle. He also said that Sprint is working on an open platform for application developers.
He said true openness will come with the company's new 4G WiMax network, which it is building with Clearwire.
"From a device perspective, we still have a ways to go," he said. "Really 4G and the embedded chip model for WiMax will allow people to bring whatever device, a laptop, camera or whatever to the network."
But Verizon's McAdam pointed out that offering more device openness will also mean higher prices for consumers.
"We've conditioned customers by putting very expensive computers in their hands for very few dollars," he said. "And now we're giving them the option to walk into a store in an open environment and pay more for a device. It will be a big transition."
That's why McAdam predicts that only 20 percent of customers will rapidly adopt the open model versus consumers who would rather take the phone subsidy in exchange for a contract. If Verizon and others can provide a decent experience on a more open network, more will follow, he said.
T-Mobile's Dotson agreed and said he expects the majority of T-Mobile's customers to buy traditionally integrated mobile devices.
"The BlackBerry is not an open platform," he said. "But it has a phenomenal e-mail experience. And there will continue to be a role for that seamless hardware integration that provides a great experience and richness."
But John Stanton, who founded Voicestream and Western Wireless, cautioned these CEOs in a later panel discussion with Craig McCaw, the current chairman of Clearwire and founder of McCaw Cellular Communications, that moving too far toward an open network will commoditize the wireless industry and significantly drive down profits. He said that operators need to focus on developing innovative services themselves. And they need to own content instead of letting others like Google or Yahoo do it for them.
"When you become a pure access provider in a saturated market, you grow at the rate of the economy," he said. "U.S. operators are running the risk of turning into commodity businesses instead of global content businesses with innovation that delivers higher profits."
As the CTIA Fall 2008 show opened, Verizon Wireless announced new channels for its V Cast streaming-video service, some of which will feature full-length programming.
The new channels include Scooby Doo & Friends, DC Comics, Relix, G4 Mobile, HGTV, The Food Network, The WB, ES Musica and Rock On: Altitude from GoTV, Comedy Time Latino, TLC, Animal Planet, Planet Green, and Discovery Kids.
While the above channels will feature mostly short clips, full-length programming will be available from shows like Comic View: One Mic Stand and Hell Date from BET and Score Center and MMA Live from ESPN. You'll also get complete shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, CMT, Logo, MTV Tr3s, NBC, Telemundo, USA Network, and the Sci-Fi Channel.
Rounding out the new offerings are SayHeyHey.com, a free dating Web site, and a new music show from 60Frames called Tuned in.
The new content is available on all V Cast-equipped phones and is included as part of Verizon's standard data charges.
Verizon Wireless has launched three new applications that interact with the voice recording feature on select cell phones to allow users to create new content. The content can be used on the phone or shared with other Verizon customers.
With Sonic Boom's ToneMaker users can create their own music by layering their own vocals on prerecorded tunes. You can then use the clips as a ringtone or pass them on to others. ToneMaker is $3.99 per month on handsets with Verizon's Get It Now Internet service.
YouTones from FunMobility takes the same concept in a slightly different direction. Users can combine their own voices with a selection of prerecorded thematic YouTones performances to use as ringtones or audio messages. Also available on Get It Now phones, YouTones charges $2.49 for each created clip.
The last application is mSpot's Make-Ur-Tones. With this application you can create customized ringtones from a catalog of over 250,000 music tracks. Users select a 30-second audio clip of their chosen song before downloading the new ringtone to their phone. Ringtones are $2.49 each.
