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Monday, January 31, 2011

AT&T giving iPhone users unlimited data plans to keep them from defecting?

Last summer, AT&T introduced new data plans around the same time as the new iPhone 4 launch. Because heavy data users were bogging down AT&T’s network, two limited plans took the place of unlimited data options – 2GB or 250MB. It wasn’t the most pleasant change, but those who had unlimited data plans on contract were grandfathered in. Now with the Verizon iPhone on the horizon, and the new carrier’s promise to offer unlimited data plans, AT&T might be giving some users the option to go back to all-you-can-eat broadband.
The Wall Street Journal reports:
Jose Argumedo, of Brentwood, N.Y., says he and a friend were switched to an unlimited plan recently after they called AT&T’s customer service. Both have iPhone 4s, and previously had earlier iPhone models.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel wouldn’t confirm the option to return to an unlimited plan.
“We handle customers and their situations individually, and we’re not going to discuss specifics,” he said.
A handful of users have apparently been able to go back to unlimited plans after switching, for one reason or another, to limited plans. However, it’s hard to say whether AT&T will be doing this en masse to keep iPhone users from defecting to Verizon.
I’ve switched to Sprint and Verizon for Android devices when the iPhone 4 was released, but kept my AT&T line active. However, I removed the iPhone data plan and text messaging features on it. When I returned to AT&T in September and purchased an iPhone 4, the customer service rep in the store was able to reactive my unlimited data plan even though new purchases – mine wasn’t considered an upgrade at that point – were supposed to fetch the limited data plans. It was a pleasant surprise, so it may be possible for other users to do the same.
Since AT&T is apparently taking this on a case-by-case basis, and won’t comment on its future plans regarding unlimited data packages, it couldn’t hurt to try.

Woman with 44 iPhones strapped to her legs gets arrested at airport


What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen anyone try to smuggle through airport security? Perhaps it was some strange animal, plant, food or trinket of some kind, but what about a whole load of iPhones strapped to someone’s body? That’s exactly what an Israeli woman tried to do at Ben Gurion airport. While she was wearing layers of Georgian clothing, she probably doesn’t have a solid concept of how X-rays work.
Airport security noticed that the woman had 44 iPhone handsets in her stockings and arrested her immediately. It’s unclear what she was planning on doing with all those smartphones, or why she had them on her person instead of some piece of luggage. Apparently, she also had some difficulty walking. No kidding!
iOnApple reports:
So what gives? After all, the iPhone 4 has been readily available in Israel for months now so why would anyone want to bring in dozens of iPhone 4s? Well, it might have a little something to do with the cost of the iPhone 4 in the holy land. Upon being released this September, unlocked versions of the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 4 was retailing for over $800 and $1387 respectively. That being the case, smuggling iPhones into the country can potentially be quite the profitable venture – if you don’t get caught that is.
She would have made a nice chunk of change had she not been caught. The woman has now been released pending a decision on whether the government will indict her or not.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Get ready, get set as AAPL set to approve iOS 4.3 app deluge


Hey you know we’ve noted that AirPlay’s gonna be a pretty big business, particularly when those AirPlay-enabled televisions no one has announced yet actually arrive (and everyone pays for the license to AAPL)? Well, here come the iOS 4.3 video-savvy Apps, waving out the door even as the iDevices head for their own upgrade.  News report claims StreamToMe App has been recently updated and Apple’s disapprovals team have given the software the go-ahead to field support for AirPlay video in the release, even though that latter feature requires iOS 4.3.  Excitingly, StreamToMe lets you stream music, photos and videos from your Mac or PC over WiFi and 3G. Oh, and iOS 4.3 beta updates are going weekly now (keeping our own Mark Gurman too busy to hit the sweaty rock ‘n’ roll venues of his home town), so it looks like Apple’s just itching to get all these new features out the door — probably almost as much as the company’s new best buddies at The Daily… I can’t take this antici-pation.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

iPhone 5 to Be a Simple Refresh


Scores of guesses fill the blogisphere about what Apple’s next iPhone will offer.  I’ve already heard one new rumor saying goodbye to the home button and I could see that happening.  What I do not see coming to the half-decade mark from Cupertino’s finest is anything mind blowing.

Nope, not this year.

Now that the number one complaint about the iPhone has been dealt with — poor service via AT&T — I think the second issue is on the list for attack: battery life.  We’ve seen what Apple did with the iPad and its amazing power life, but sadly, the iPhone doesn’t have that kind of real estate as the “over-sized iPod Touch”.
Lots of talk has been bubbling about battery technology with Apple’s name attached, and I’m fairly certain that Steve Jobs has this issue high on his priority list of getting fixed.  We’ve seen amazing leaps in battery life across the entire spectrum of mobile gadgetry, from the impressive Li-Ion battery cells onboard Apple’s laptops to other devices such as Amazon’s Kindle.
It’s now time for the iPhone to follow suit.

Now don’t worry, we won’t just be wooed by better battery life — there will be more under the hood, too.  You’ll also see a “world phone” where both GSM and CDMA will be supported.  Apple doesn’t want to manufacture two different phones, and this is why it waited so long on bringing the Verizon iPhone.  Apple had to answer the Android onslaught now and thus, temporarily, we have two iPhones.
But come July, there will only be one.

LTE you ask?  Remember, one phone and AT&T hasn’t even taken off the anti-static bags from its LTE radios yet.  LTE will come next year…when a multi-band GSM, CDMA, LTE chip is created…and priced lower than today’s LTE chips.

Let’s see, what else can we hope for?  Mmm, an antenna adjustment to relieve that death grip issue as already seen in the Verizon version (don’t fall for Apple’s marketing spin about CDMA requiring the change.) That loss of the Home button sounds about right.  Oh ya, some more memory, like 64GB on the high end.  Probably a better speaker, too. Oh yes, for the third time, non-smudge glass that maybe might not absorb finger prints as easily as the last four phones.  Speaking of glass, the iPhone 5 will resist cracks better than the 4.  Maybe Bluetooth 3 — though Apple doesn’t seem to really show any affection for it.

So, that’s what I see in the iPhone 5. Better battery life, world phone, more memory, less smudges, no death grip, louder speaker, and possibly cutting edge Bluetooth.  You know, the more I think about it, scratch the Bluetooth 3.0 support.  Well get that next time.

Patent suggests even slimmer iPhone 5 and iPad 2



If there’s one thing we enjoy more than reading rumours from ‘insider sources’ it’s scouring Apple patents for possible clues to its next product launch. And fresh from the US Patent office this morning, papers that suggest the next iPhone 5 and soon-to-be iPad 2 will be even slimmer.
The patents, unearthed by Apple Insider, show the use of smaller conductive nodes beneath the screens of both iDevices. It would make the iPhone 5 and iPad 2 better in the battery department, as well as letting the devices slim down even more.


Traditional touch panels have conductive nodes on the actual screens, while these patents suggest new nodes on a surface directly opposite the touch panel. Having the two surfaces separate would reduce the amount of hardware needed in the touch panel, thereby making the device slimmer.

What do you think? Are we in for a new generation of sleeker, slimmer and sexier Apple gadgets? Let us know in the comments below.

iTunes to merge with Safari? Be a web-only app?

 
Three Guys and a Podcast claims that Apple is preparing to discontinue the iTunes software application found on Macs and PC’s and replace it with a web-only application that is exclusive to Safari. The move is said to incorporate Apple’s new technology from Lala and leverage their new North Carolina data center. You will potentially download all your iTunes content from the web and play it through new iTunes controls in Safari. The move would bring a large new market to Apple’s Safari web browser, and the browser’s market share will probably climb significantly.
The report claims the new iTunes/Safari application will be unveiled later this year at Apple’s annual Fall music event. The report’s source claims “moving iTunes organizational side-bar into Safari isn’t a monumental task.” We personally don’t see this rumor becoming completely true. Some new cloud-based iTunes features are very probable, but the discontinuation of the much-loved (except for the icon) iTunes application seems like a stretch. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Sony launches legal action against PlayStation hackers

PlayStation 3

 Sony has launched legal action against hackers who uncovered and published security codes for the PlayStation 3.
The hack potentially allows anyone to run any software on their machine, including pirated games.
Sony's lawsuit argues that this constitutes copyright infringement and computer fraud.
But George Hotz, one of the hackers at the centre of the controversy, told BBC News that he was "comfortable" the action would not succeed.
"I am a firm believer in digital rights," Mr Hotz said.
"I would expect a company that prides itself on intellectual property to be well versed in the provisions of the law, so I am disappointed in Sony's current action.
"I have spoken with legal counsel and I feel comfortable that Sony's action against me doesn't have any basis."
The twenty-one-year-old, who rose to prominence for breaking the iPhone's security, is named in the lawsuit alongside more than 100 people associated with a hacking group known as fail0verflow.

“Start Quote

Already, pirate video games are being packaged and distributed with these circumvention devices.”
End Quote Court filing
In the filing, submitted to the Northern District Court of California, Sony asks for a restraining order that bans Mr Hotz from further hacking and prevents distribution of the software produced as a result.
"Working individually and in concert with one another, the defendants recently bypassed effective technological protection measures employed by Sony," the document states.
"Through the internet, defendants are distributing software, tools and instructions that circumvent the [protection measures] and facilitate the counterfeiting of video games. Already, pirate video games are being packaged and distributed with these circumvention devices."
Secret codes The controversy centres around a series of secret codes that Sony uses to protect its system from being used for unauthorised purposes.
Among them is a number used to "sign" all PS3 games and software as a way of proving that they are genuine.
Once the key is known, however, it can be used to sign any software - including unofficial software and, potentially, pirated games.
The PlayStation's protection had remained impenetrable for several years, but members of fail0verflow demonstrated the first breakthrough in December when they presented a security exploit at the Chaos Communication Congress in Berlin.
Mr Hotz then revealed that he had uncovered the secret signing number using a similar method.
fail0verflow's website was taken down overnight, replaced with the message "Sony sued us" and a brief statement.
"We have never condoned, supported, approved of or encouraged videogame piracy," it says.
"We have not published any encryption or signing keys. We have not published any Sony code, or code derived from Sony's code."
The group has said in the past that it is vehemently against games piracy and that it had worked on the hack so that users could install other operating systems and amateur software on the console.
Sony had indicated previously that it would try to fix the hack by updating the PS3's software over the internet.
Console hacking and online copyright infringement is a contentious topic, frequently ending in high-profile court cases as technology companies seek to prevent their systems from being copied or modified.
While most cases in recent years have involved music and video file-sharing services like Napster, Grokster and Kazaa, a growing number of cases have involved the hacking of video games consoles.
Last year, a team released a piece of hardware called PSjailbreak that allowed gamers to play homemade and pirated games on the PlayStation 3.
Although the company has issued software to block the device and launched legal action, it has not prevented it entirely - with a Spanish court ruling that the gadget is not illegal.
In December, meanwhile, federal prosecutors dropped their case against a student accused of pirating games for Microsoft's Xbox 360.
The case against California resident Matthew Crippen was dropped after the judge said that he had "serious concerns" about the legality of the evidence collected against him.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

iOS 4.3 to Bring Mobile Hotspots to GSM iPhones, Pending Carrier Support?


One of the major new features offered with the Verizon iPhone 4 announced today is support for turning the device into a personal hotspot allowing up to five Wi-Fi devices to share the iPhone's cellular data connection. Personal hotspot support comes built directly into the operating system of the Verizon iPhone 4, which is running a new iOS 4.2.5.

According to both iPhoneclub.nl and iPhoneHellas , Apple will be bringing the same personal hotspot support to current GSM iPhones with a forthcoming iOS 4.3 update.

The catch is that the functionality is also subject to the approval of individual carriers, requiring them to be onboard for allowing their customers to access the feature. For its part, AT&T has said that it is "evaluating" the hotspot feature and that it has "no plans to announce today".

Despite support for somewhat-similar Internet tethering via USB and Bluetooth included in iPhone OS 3.0 released in mid-2009 and with a number of international carriers moving quickly to support the feature, AT&T waited an entire year as it cited concerns over network performance before finally supporting the feature with the release of iOS 4.0.

iPhone 4. Verizon. It Begins. Frequently Asked Questions

iPhone 4. Verizon. It Begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

New & Existing Customer Eligibility

  1. Can I transfer my service from my current wireless service provider to Verizon Wireless?
    Yes, if your number is portable, you can bring your existing number from your current wireless or landline service provider to Verizon Wireless. To check if you're eligible to port, or to check the status of a current port request, click here.

  2. Should I cancel my existing service before porting?
    No. Your number must remain active. Canceling your service prior to porting will prevent you from keeping your number. Please note: You may be responsible to your old service provider for any contractual requirements and applicable charges, including an early termination fee, on your old account.

  3. How long will it take to port my number?
    Wireless to wireless ports generally should take no more than three hours to one day, but could take longer. Landline to wireless ports generally should take no more than 4 days, but could take longer. Please note: Actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the port, existing volumes between carriers and your old service provider.

  4. How will I know when the port in to Verizon Wireless is complete?
    Verizon Wireless will send a free text message to your phone notifying you that your new service is fully activated.

  5. Do I need to sign up for a 2 year agreement?
    When purchasing iPhone at the 2 year promotional price a new agreement is required. However, you will also have the option to purchase iPhone at full retail price, which will not require you to sign a long-term agreement.

  6. Will existing customers be able to redeem their New Every Two credit?
    Yes, existing customers will be able to take advantage of their New Every Two credit if eligible, and use it towards the purchase of iPhone (may not be available at all agent locations).

  7. Will Verizon Wireless be offering an early upgrade promotion?
    No, Verizon Wireless is not offering any early upgrade promotion at this time.

Pricing

  1. Are there minimum service and data pricing requirements?
    Yes, iPhone customers will need to choose from any of the current Nationwide plans. Customers will also be required to activate a data package, pricing will be announced at a later date.

Purchase

  1. I currently have an iPhone with AT&T. Can I keep my existing version of iPhone?
    No, in order to take advantage of the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless network, you will need an iPhone 4 that works on the Verizon Wireless network.

  2. Can I upgrade to an iPhone even though I am not eligible to upgrade?
    If you are not eligible to upgrade, you cannot upgrade at promotional pricing today, but you can pay full retail price and upgrade your phone if you would like to.

  3. How much will iPhone cost?
    $199.99 for the 16GB model, and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new 2 year agreement.

  4. When can I purchase iPhone?
    iPhone 4 will be available for pre-order to Verizon Wireless customers only, on a “first come, first serve” basis via VerizonWireless.com, on or around February 3rd 2011 – details to be confirmed a week prior by Verizon Wireless. New and existing customers can purchase in select channels on February 10th 2011.

  5. I am an existing customer and I’d like to go into a store to pre-order iPhone, will I be able to place my order in store?
    No, iPhone will only be available for pre-order online for both consumer and business customers.

  6. Can I go to an Apple store to purchase and activate the phone?
    Yes, beginning on February 10th, you can visit an Apple Retail store to purchase and activate. However, prior to visiting, please make sure to check your upgrade eligibility if you are an existing Verizon Wireless customer.

  7. Where is your closest store where I can purchase iPhone?

    Click here to visit the Verizon Wireless store locator.
    Click here to visit the Apple retail store locator.

  8. Do you anticipate high demand for iPhone 4?
    We do expect that iPhone 4 will be in high demand. In the event that iPhone 4 is not available in stores after February 10th, you can place your order in store and have the phone shipped directly to your billing address. Shipments will take place on a “first come, first serve” basis. No billing will take place until shipments are made.

Content Transfer

  1. If I’m an existing Verizon Wireless customer, how do I transfer my contacts?
    In order to transfer contacts, download and run Backup Assistant on your existing phone before receiving your new iPhone. Click here for more details, and for step-by-step instructions on how to transfer your contacts from your existing phone to iPhone. If you already keep your contacts on your Mac or PC, you can use iTunes to sync them to your new iPhone 4. iTunes syncs contacts with applications such as Mac OS X Address Book, Yahoo! Address Book, and Google Contacts on a Mac, or with Yahoo! Address Book, Google Contacts, Windows Address Book (Outlook Express), Windows Contacts (Vista and Windows 7), or Microsoft Outlook 2003, 2007, or 2010 on a PC.iPhone 4 can also sync your contacts over the air using MobileMe or Microsoft Exchange. If your current device cannot sync contacts with any of these options, you may need to re-enter your contacts on your new iPhone 4 manually.

  2. Will my existing voice mail transfer over when I activate my iPhone?
    No, all existing voice mails will be lost when transferring over to iPhone.  Click here for more details, and for step-by-step instructions on how to save your existing voice mail.

  3. Can I save my voice mails?
    Yes, click here for more details, and for step-by-step instructions on how to save your existing voice mail.

iPhone and iTunes

  1. Will the iPhone work on Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network?
    iPhone 4 works on Verizon Wireless' 3G network.

  2. Do I need iTunes to set up my iPhone?
    Yes, you need to use iTunes 10.1 or later to set up your iPhone for the first time. If you'd like to make purchases from the iTunes Store or App Store, you can create a new Apple ID or specify an existing Apple ID during set up. For corporate users, you may need to contact your wireless administrator for additional information on installing iTunes.

  3. If I already have an iTunes account, can I use it with my new iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless?
    Yes, during set up, you can specify your existing Apple ID.

  4. Will I be able to sync content and iOS apps that I already have in iTunes to my new iPhone 4?
    Yes.

  5. Will I be able to buy apps via the App Store?
    You can search for, browse, review, purchase, and download iOS apps from the App Store directly to iPhone. Apps that you download and install from the App Store on iPhone are backed up to your iTunes library the next time you sync iPhone with your computer. When you sync iPhone, you can also install apps you’ve purchased or downloaded from the iTunes Store on your computer.

  6. What happens to any existing apps that I have purchased on my existing Verizon Wireless handset?
    The apps purchased on your existing handset will not work on iPhone 4.

  7. Will I be able to buy apps via the App store?
    You can search for, browse, review, purchase, and download apps from the App Store directly to iPhone. Apps that you download and install from the App Store on iPhone are backed up to your iTunes library the next time you sync iPhone with your computer. When you sync iPhone, you can also install apps you’ve purchased or downloaded from the iTunes Store on your computer.

  8. Will any Verizon Wireless apps be available on iPhone?
    iPhone will have the 3G Mobile Hotspot app pre-installed, and it will also have other popular apps available in the market such as VZ Navigator, and V CAST Media Manager.

  9. What happens to any existing apps that I have purchased on my Verizon Wireless handset?
    Although many of the same apps may be available on iPhone, those apps already purchased on your existing handset will not be available on your iPhone.

  10. Will Verizon carry accessories for iPhone?
    Yes.

  11. If I have an iPhone 4 on another wireless carrier and switch to an iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless, will all of my accessories be compatible?
    Most accessories should work, however you may find that cases and covers could be different depending on the product manufacturer.

  12. Can I use my iPhone 4 while traveling abroad?
    Yes, customers can use iPhone for voice and text in over 40 countries with data service in over 20 countries. For service availability and rate information, visit International Roaming Rates and Coverage. When travelling outside of these 40 destinations, the Global Travel program is the perfect short-term solution for the occasional or infrequent global traveler who needs to stay in touch when travelling internationally.

Support

  1. Who do I call for support or general questions?
    Verizon Wireless customers with general support questions can contact customer service by dialing *611 from your cell phone, or (800) 922-0204 from a landline, Monday-Sunday 6am-11pm.

  2. How will Verizon Wireless continue to maintain the largest and most reliable 3G network in America with the launch of iPhone 4?
    Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed – $5.7 billion on average every year – to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Verizon Wireless' 'most reliable network' claim is based on network studies conducted by test men and women who drive 100 specially-equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually to test network performance, call quality, and data network performance. Verizon Wireless uses the results of its frequent network tests to maintain and fine-tune the company's network on a regular basis as part of its ongoing quality maintenance programs and annual capacity planning.

Returns & Exchanges

Can I exchange a device that I recently purchased for iPhone?
Yes, we will gladly accept returns or make exchanges on all wireless devices and accessories purchased from Verizon Wireless within 30 days of purchase (14 days for tablets). To make an exchange, return the merchandise (including device, charger, battery, instructions, and any other components) in the ORIGINAL box. All merchandise must be in like-new condition and accompanied by the original receipt. Shipping charges may apply to exchange merchandise sent to you by Verizon Wireless. A restocking fee of $35 ($70 for netbooks and tablets) applies to any second return or exchange of a wireless device (excluding Hawaii).

Verizon Wireless Press Coverage Announcing the iPhone 4 [RECAP]


Event Recap

- The Daily Show's John Oliver is on hand, with cameraman apparently in tow.
- Media has been admitted to the venue and attendees are getting seated. Venue has a small stage with a screen showing Verizon's logo and the company's "Rule The Air" marketing logo.
- We're getting underway. Verizon's Lowell McAdam is on-stage.
- Setting context with CES and the convergence of data, broadband, and video. "Today two innovators are coming together."
- Talking about FiOS, new 4G LTE network rolling out. "We debated calling this 6G" - responding to other carriers such as AT&T rebranding their HSPA+ service as "4G".
- "Today we're partnering with a giant of the industry, and that's Apple."
- Started talking about bringing the iPhone to a CDMA network in 2008. Tested for a year.
- Today announcing that the iPhone 4 will be available on Verizon early next month.
- Thanking Apple's senior team...pleasure working together.
- Apple COO Tim Cook on-stage. Highlighting success of iPhone, very excited to bring it to Verizon.

- Has all the features you expect: FaceTime, Retina display, 5-megapixel camera with HD video, custom A4 chip, etc.
- Verizon's Dan Mead on stage to talk about launch details.
- Verizon employees getting the iPhone this week. Ramping unprecedented supply in inventory system.
- Talking about network preparations...have been building in capacity to handle the coming surge.
- Current Verizon customers can pre-order beginning February 3rd. Available to all at Verizon and Apple stores on February 10th.
- Pricing is $199 for 16 GB, $299 for 32 GB. Can also act as Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices.
- End of presentation. McAdam, Cook, and Mead now taking questions.

Q&A

Q: How many do you plan to make in the first quarter or year?
A: Cook: I'm not going to get into our forecast. But it's a tremendous opportunity.

Q: Will it be on a yearly refresh cycle?
A: Cook: No comment.

Q: Why no LTE?
A: Cook: Two reasons - First, LTE chipsets force design changes we couldn't make in the iPhone 4. Second, Verizon customers said they want the iPhone now.

Q: Is the CDMA version exclusive to Verizon?
A: Cook: It's a multi-year deal, but non-exclusive.

Q: Did you change the antenna?
A: Cook: We've optimized things to work on CDMA, but I'm not commenting on anything beyond that.

Q: Simultaneous voice and data?
A: Cook: "It's consistent with other CDMA devices now", meaning no.

Coverage of Verizons media event


Verizon today is holding a media event where it is widely expected to announce that it will begin offering the iPhone, marking the end of AT&T's exclusive distribution for the device in the United States.

The event is scheduled to kick off at Lincoln Center in New York City at 11:00 AM Eastern Time, or a little under 30 minutes from now. Verizon does not appear to be providing live video or audio coverage of the event, and thus observers will have to rely primarily on text and photo updates coming out of the event.











"If the press writes something long enough, it becomes true." 
"It was clear throughout the week in Las Vegas that data, broadband and video are the forces driving growth in the high tech market place." 

"We have a history of pushing the envelope on network innovation on a very big scale." 

-18 million households for FiOS 
-150Mbps. Only infrastructure that is "future proof." 
-Is Verizon getting ready for massive iPhone-related data traffic? 
- "We debated about calling this 6G LTE, but we'll stick with 4G for now." 
- "We're at the hub of the wheel that is driving the industry forward through new products."  


- "Collaboration is key to our future."  

iPad helped VZW employees become more familiar with Apple and Apple products

 iPhone 4 will be available early next month!  

For VZW, that is...  

"Strategic collaboration that will continue to yield benefits as we move forward in broadband and 4G LTE and well beyond." 

"I'd like to thank the senior team at Apple. It's a pleasure to work with them and they're dedicated to the product."  

Repeat: iPhone 4 will launch on Verizon in February! 

Tim Cook on stage 

"The iPhone has changed the expectation of what you carry in your pocket," says Tim Cook.    



"We're pleased to give Verizon customers the choice they've been waiting for."

Connects to CDMA/EV-DO network

It has FaceTime
Verizon iPhone 4 is live on the VZW website: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html 



"I'm very optimistic what the future holds." 


"Now consumers have a choice - a choice they've never had before. The iPhone 4 on the nation's most reliable network." 



"Our training starts this week to our employees throughout the country." 


"We have more than enough capacity for customers to have the optimum experience. We always keep the customer experience at the forefront of everything we do." 




"We're into thousands of devices into our network." (iPhone 4 testing.) 

 Verizon's website says the 16 GB iPhone for will cost $199 on contract, and available February 10. 



"iPhone 4 is going to run on the largest, most reliable network in the country - probably the world. We have been planning this for a long time. We're ready for this launch." Eat it, AT&T!! 



 Looks Verizon was really beefing up its network for this! 

 "Though we are rolling out LTE, we are still committed to build out 3G as we go."

"You're wondering what's going to happen next..." 
$199.99 for 16GB, $299.99 for 32GB. Same as AT&T. Two-year contract


3G personal hotspot capabilities up to 5 wifi enabled devices. 


"We are extremely excited for our partnership with Apple."

















Verizon Media Event Today, iPhone Expected


Verizon is expected to introduce the long-rumored Verizon iPhone at their press conference today which takes place at 11am Eastern in New York City. The rumors have been particularly frequent over the past few days with some small details being leaked in the run up to the announcement.

AT&T is predicted to be the biggest loser coming out of the event. Analysts believe that AT&T could lose millions of customers to Verizon during 2011. Losses will be tempered by the 2 year contracts that most iPhone 4 users signed in mid-2010. AT&T claims to be preparing for a fight with plans to run new ads to emphasize their network's benefits.

One frequently cited advantage of AT&T's network over Verizon's is the ability to connect both Voice and Data simultaneously. Apple and AT&T even highlighted this feature in several television ads in 2010. While there had been rumors that such a feature might be deployed on Verizon's network as well, there's been no indication that it will be ready in time for today's launch.

The significance of a Verizon-compatible iPhone is that for the first time in the U.S. there will be multiple carriers offering the iPhone to customers. The move may also threaten Android's growth in the U.S. with one analyst predicting that the iPhone will significantly cannibalize sales of competing models on Verizon's network.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Verizon Possibly Readying iPhone Announcment

NEW YORK - Marketers and analysts will be watching closely tomorrow for the details of what's expected to be an announcement by Verizon Wireless that it will launch an Apple iPhone to compete with AT&T's iPhone.

Observers will look to see if Verizon's version of the iPhone will offer any enhanced features over the AT&T version, whether Verizon will offer the device with tiered data plans to stick with its single unlimited-data smartphone plan, and whether the device will incorporate Verizon's4G LTE (long-term evolution) data technology or use its 3G CDMA 1x EV-DO Rev. A network.

Other things to look for include whether the phone will offer HSPA data technology in the foreign 2.1GHz band to expand the iPhone's international roaming capability to compete with that of AT&T's iPhone.

Longer term, observers will look to see if Verizon's iPhone attracts AT&T iPhone users to a network regarded by Consumer Reports as far more reliable, attracts new subscribers to the iPhone platform, or both.

Should the Verizon iPhone operate on Verizon's LTE network, now in 38 markets, data speeds would far exceed those of AT&T's iPhone, which operates on AT&T's HSPA network, which downloads data at an average 700Kbps to 1.7MBps, compared with the Verizon LTE network's 5Mbps to 12Mbps. Verizon's 3G network delivers data at average downloads of 600Kbps to 1.4MBps download, slightly slower than AT&T's HSPA network.

Verizon iPhone to Ship in A Few Weeks with Unlimited Data Plans?

As we approach the Tuesday Verizon press conference, a few more details about the Verizon iPhone have been leaking. Reuters reported that the expected ship date for the Verizon iPhone.
Verizon Wireless, the top U.S. mobile provider, plans on Tuesday to unveil a version of the Apple Inc iPhone for its service and will kick off sales of the device a few weeks later, a source told Reuters.
Reuters says the iPhone will be offered under Verizon's existing service plans.

The Wall Street Journal clarifies and says that Verizon will be offering unlimited data plans:
Verizon Wireless will offer unlimited data plans when it starts selling the iPhone, a person familiar with the matter said, providing a key means of distinguishing its service from rival AT&T Inc.
Such a move would make Verizon's offering more appealing than AT&T's who recently capped their data plans for iPhone users. AT&T's present offerings include 200MB and 2GB capped plans with additional charges for overages. The unlimited data plan is no longer an option for new AT&T customers. Verizon has also been an advocate of moving from Unlimited to tiered data plans, but it seems for now they will be using the unlimited plan as a competitive advantage.

Verizon is hosting a media even on Tuesday, January 11th and is widely expected to introduce a Verizon-compatible iPhone.

Verizon Expresses Confidence in Network Capacity as AT&T Preps for Competition

The flood of news stories coming out ahead of the Verizon press conference continues to reinforce the likelihood that the Verizon iPhone will be announced on Tuesday, with The Wall Street Journal now reporting that Verizon is confident that it will be able to handle the onslaught of the iPhone.
Verizon Wireless, the country's largest wireless carrier, is confident enough in its network that it will offer unlimited data-use plans when it starts selling the iPhone around the end of this month, a person familiar with the matter said. Such plans would provide a key means of distinguishing its service from rival AT&T Inc., which limits how much Internet data such as videos and photos its customers may use each month.
AT&T has been widely criticized for performance issues related to its handling of the iPhone. In several major cities, users have reported frequent dropped calls and poor reception.

For its part, AT&T has begun going on the offensive, already working to tout the speed of its 3G network compared to Verizon's CDMA network and also apparently moving to aggressively court the low end of the market with some pricing changes.

AT&T's first official response clearly responding to the Verizon iPhone rumors describes Verizon's CDMA technology as "life in the slow lane.":
The iPhone is built for speed, but that's not what you get with a CDMA phone. I'm not sure iPhone users are ready for life in the slow lane."
Meanwhile, just prior to the news breaking last Thursday regarding a Verizon iPhone introduction tomorrow, AT&T lowered the price of the 8 GB iPhone 3GS from $99 to $49 with a new two-year contract. Apple quickly followed suit in its own online store, lowering iPhone 3GS pricing to $49 in line with AT&T's pricing.



All of the focus of the Verizon rumors has been on a CDMA-capable version of the iPhone 4, and Apple is not expected to introduce a CDMA-capable version of the low-end iPhone 3GS for the carrier, meaning that customers not looking for the latest hardware should in fact find the entry-level iPhone price point $150 cheaper at AT&T than Verizon, assuming Verizon offers the same $199/$299 pricing on iPhone 4 models as offered by AT&T.

Apple's pricing for the iPhone 3GS does not appear to have changed in any other countries, where the company's online stores sell iPhones only at unsubsidized prices, suggesting that the U.S.-only move is likely an action by AT&T to boost its subsidy for the iPhone 3GS and thus more aggressively target the low end of the market unreachable by Verizon and its iPhone 4. 

Friday, January 7, 2011

Verizon Media Event Scheduled for January 11th: iPhone Announcement? [Updated]

The Loop reports that Verizon has just issued invitations for a media event set to be held in New York City next Tuesday, January 11th. The topic of the event is unknown, but speculation of course centers around a possible introduction of the iPhone on the carrier, although most observers have been expecting that such an introduction would be made at an Apple media event given the company's penchant for secrecy.
Verizon Wireless on Friday sent an invitation to select press to attend a special event on January 11, 2011.

The Verizon event will be held in New York and while it doesn't mention anything about Apple this could be the Verizon iPhone. Typically, Apple's special events are held on the company's campus in Cupertino, Calif.
The January 11th date for the Verizon media event matches a report from yesterday about a Verizon iPhone introduction, although that report indicated that it would be an Apple event.

A separate report today claims that evidence is pointing to a February 3rd launch date for a major new Apple product, presumed to be the Verizon iPhone. Given Apple's history of product releases, an official introduction would be expected in the very near future in order to meet that launch date.

Update: Sources have indicated to All Things Digital that the event is in fact the Verizon iPhone introduction.
No details on its focus, but sources close to the company tell me this will indeed prove to be the long-rumored Verizon iPhone announcement. Question now is will Apple CEO Steve Jobs join Verizon president and COO Lowell McAdam onstage to make it.

Mac App Store Downloads Top One Million in First Day

CUPERTINO, California—January 7, 2011—Apple today announced that over one million apps have been downloaded from the Mac App Store in the first day. With more than 1,000 free and paid apps, the Mac App Store brings the revolutionary App Store experience to the Mac, so you can find great new apps, buy them using your iTunes account, download and install them in just one step.

“We’re amazed at the incredible response the Mac App Store is getting,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Developers have done a great job bringing apps to the store and users are loving how easy and fun the Mac App Store is.”
The Mac App Store offers apps in Education, Games, Graphics & Design, Lifestyle, Productivity, Utilities and other categories. Users can browse new and noteworthy apps, find out what’s hot, see staff favourites, search categories and look up top charts for paid and free apps, as well as user ratings and reviews. The Mac App Store is available for Snow Leopard users through Software Update as part of Mac OS X v10.6.6.
Mac developers set the price for their apps, keep 70 percent of the sales revenue, are not charged for free apps and do not have to pay hosting, marketing or credit card fees. To find out more about developing for the Mac App Store visit developer.apple.com/programs/mac.”

Haier launches WiFi equipped Net Connect LED HDTVs, takes Yahoo Connected TV along for the ride

In an effort to obviate the best efforts of Boxee, Logitech, Roku, and Apple, the new line of HDTVs from Haier aims to bring internet content and streaming video to your living room without such excess hardware. Rather than having another black box fighting for space in your entertainment center, Haier's Net Connect LED displays have WiFi capabilities and Yahoo's Connected TV baked in to deliver content. In addition to Yahoo's apps, the TVs will also provide viewers with access to Hulu Plus, Blockbuster on Demand, Film Fresh, and Netflix. Unfortunately, we don't have specs, prices, or a release date for the sets, but we do know that they'll have remotes with a dedicated Netflix button, which is sure to please the impatient movie watcher in us all.


PRESS RELEASE:

Haier Launches New Internet Connected Television Line and Haier Audio Line at CES 2011

January 6th, 2011
"Haier Wi-Fi Connected LED Line to be Powered by Yahoo! Connected TV Platform"

LAS VEGAS (CES Booth #13632), Jan. 6, 2011 – Haier introduced its new line of Internet enabled televisions and new Haier Audio product line. Haier's Net Connect line of LED televisions is inspired by the evolution of the consumer lifestyle and evokes the experience of the home theater dream: wirelessly connecting to streaming movies, music, and entertainment from one source with a LED image that is deeper, richer, and bolder than ever.

"Haier believes in innovating with our customers' needs firmly in mind and CES will showcase how we are making technology easy for the consumer to enhance their entertainment experience," said Douglas Lane, President, Digital Products Group, Haier America. "We have aligned ourselves with several new strategic content partners that will allow us to bring the best content straight to our devices at the touch of a button."

With the introduction of the new Net Connect series of Wi-Fi connected televisions, comes the announcement of new content partner Yahoo! Connected TV. Yahoo! Connected TV provides consumers access to more than 50,000 TV shows and movies on demand and thousands of Internet content sources-specifically created for TV. Yahoo! features TV Apps from some of the most popular Internet brands, including Amazon VOD, Blockbuster VOD, Facebook, Twitter, CBS, Showtime, NBC, eBay, USA Today Sports, YouTube, Pandora internet radio, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Weather, Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! Video, and Flickr, so consumers can enjoy an incredibly enhanced TV viewing experience.

"Increasingly, people desire instant access to the information and communities that are important to them-whether they are using a mobile device, PC, tablet, or a television," said Ron Jacoby, Vice President, Connected TV, Yahoo! Inc. "Yahoo! has partnered with Haier to bring a rich variety of Internet content and services, optimized specifically for the TV experience, so users can enjoy the best Internet-connected TV experience available today."

Haier will also be demonstrating Yahoo! Connected TV's new broadcast interactivity feature at CES and has plans to participate in the pilot program. With broadcast interactivity, TV viewers can interact with broadcast programming by voting for a reality TV participant, accessing information about characters, or making e-commerce purchases of merchandise such as clothing, music, and more.

Haier products also include Netflix. Buttons specifying Netflix-including some featuring the iconic red Netflix logo-will be situated prominently on remote controls that operate certain new Haier Blu-ray disc players, and the Netflix one-click button will be included on remote controls for select new Internet-connected TVs. Haier's growing list of content partners currently also includes Blockbuster on Demand, Film Fresh, and Pandora internet radio.

Coming soon, Haier connected devices will allow users to stream hundreds of top TV shows with Hulu Plus subscription service. For only $7.99 a month, watch current season episodes from ABC, Fox, and NBC, full-series runs and multiple back-seasons of shows with hundreds of titles, many in HD.

Haier will also display evolving global technologies like 3D television and Smart Life connected-appliance technology. Smart Life-integrated refrigerators, air conditioners, and wine cellars use the Internet, mobile communication, and fixed phone networks to allow customers to control their home appliances anytime, anywhere and retrieve information remotely.

The newly launched Haier Audio line will include a suite of new products for the company including the introduction of sound bars and other iPad®/iPhone®/iPad® related accessories. Haier's top-of-the-line 3D Sound Bar powered by Sonic Emotion technology will immerse an entire room in 3D sound without the need for additional speaker systems, bringing any television content to life in 3D audio.

Haier America
Haier America is the Sales and Marketing arm of the Americas for the multinational Haier Group, the world's largest white goods brand. Headquartered in the Haier Building at 1356 Broadway in New York City, Haier America is a leader for room air conditioner, compact refrigerator, and wine cellar sales, as well as a leading force in major appliances, compact appliances, portable electronics, and HDTV sales. Haier is an Official Marketing Partner and the Official High Definition Television of the NBA. www.haieramerica.com

Skype group video calling sheds beta as paid Skype Premium service

A new version of Skype for Windows just launched with a few notable features. To start with, stability has been improved as has quality. Unfortunately, the group video calling feature is no longer free now that the version 5.1 software is out of beta. A day pass costs $4.99 / €3.49 / £2.99 for impromptu sessions while a monthly subscription can be had for $8.99 / €5.99 / £4.99 with a 33 percent discount available to anyone signing up for 3 or 12 month subscriptions over the next 30 days. Two-way video calling is still free. Maybe the emotive, slow-motion video posted after the break will convince you or your business to unload a few sheckles for the the privilege of group video.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Do More Together Wherever You Are with Skype Group Video Calling

Skype Launches New Premium Package

2011 International CES
LAS VEGAS, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Skype has officially launched group video calling for consumers and enterprises, allowing people to do more together wherever they are. Whether you're looking to bring your family together on a video call or better connect with work colleagues across the globe, group video calling makes it easy to bring to together groups of three or more on a single video call. Video calling accounted for approximately 41.5% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes in the second half of 2010.

Group video calling is available as part of the new Premium package from Skype which offers group video calling together with access to live chat customer support as a day pass for $4.99 (€3.49/£2.99)* or as a monthly subscription for $8.99 (€5.99/£4.99)* per month. Skype users who sign up for group video calling in the first month it's available will receive a 33 percent discount on 3 and 12-month subscriptions. New users receive a 7-day free trial. In addition, consumers who sign up for group video calling will receive a 25 percent discount off an HD webcam.

Group video calling is also available in the new Business version of Skype, a desktop application for PCs, which gives enterprises the ability to control how Skype is used within the workplace, with the capacity to turn off or configure a variety of Skype settings. With group video calling, enterprises can easily set up real-time, face-to-face meetings and work in more collaborative and productive ways. For enterprises using Skype Manager who sign up for Group Video Calling, they will receive a 33 percent discount when signing up for a 3 or 12 month subscription. In addition, they will receive a 15 percent discount off of a headset and speakerphone bundle.

Group video calling has brought together family, friends and work colleagues like never before, such as a Spanish family who were reunited after 6 years apart, the Global Learning Exchange who brought together classrooms from Singapore and Bakersfield, CA and companies like ePromos who can better collaborate with remote co-workers and suppliers.

To start a group video call, only one member of the call needs to have activated the seven-day free trial or to have signed up for a day pass or monthly subscription using Skype for Windows 5.1. For all participants to receive video, they need to be on at least the 5.0 version of Mac and windows. Skype video calls between two parties will continue to be offered as a free product.

Resources for Media:

Case studies on how consumers and organizations are benefiting from group video calling today
Screenshots of group video calling and other Skype products
Video of how businesses can use group video calling
*Pricing is VAT exclusive. Pricing inclusive of VAT for a day pass is $5.74 (€4.01/£3.44) and for a monthly subscription $10.34 (€6.89/£5.74). A fair usage policy applies.

About Skype
Skype is the world's communications platform whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.

February 3rd is Verizon iPhone launch (UPDATED)


BGR uses several factors: Apple Employee Blackout dates of February 3rd and February 6th, Verizon Thursday Launches, and some earlier reports to conclude that February 3rd is D Day for the Verizon iPhone. That would put an announcement between now and then with perhaps some iPad 2 news as well (iPad 1 was launched in January but there wasn’t any remaining iPads in inventory).
Anyway. We’re hyped! (More below)
Related  news claims “Verizon is having another one of their mandatory face-to-face training sessions for an “iconic pre-order”, this one scheduled for January 25 to February 4, 2011,” says BGR (they’re tracking this).

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Cobra iRadar iPhone app adds location-based crowdsourcing

We’ve talked about the Cobra system before and how the combination of apps and radar detector can help you avoid speed traps but the company will be adding location-based crowdsourcing to make it more effective.The Cobra iPhone app will be updated in Spring to include the ability to crowdsource the maps. Why would you want this? Well, the company said that this update would essentially turn your single radar detector into a whole network of radar detectors with real-time information from other users.
With the new Cobra iPhone app, users will be able to submit traffic data on the fly. It’s not just about outwitting the cops either, as users could warn others about dangerous road conditions, malfunctioning street signs and more.
“The upcoming release brings a social media-like user community aspect to the iRadar by combining a powerful database of known driving hazards with the reach and real-time intelligence of our community of iRadar users,” Sally Washlow, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cobra Electronics, in a prepared statement. “Ultimately, our goal is to deliver driving peace-of-mind and protection to our customers through the industry’s most advanced in-car smart detection platform.”
Once again, we’re seeing mobile technology seep into the car experience. OnStar will be making a big push with its apps, Ford is hard at work getting these mobile programs to play nice with your car and mobile processors like the Tegra 2 are winding up in cars like the new Tesla.
The app will also be hitting Android in March and the radar-detection system costs $169 and the companion apps are free.

AT&T selling iPhone 3GS for $50 starting tomorrow




DALLAS, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced a new price for the popular iPhone 3GS -- $49.00 -- available beginning tomorrow, Friday, January 7, for both new and upgrade-eligible existing AT&T customers. The offer will be available online at www.att.com/iphone, across more than 2,200 AT&T retail locations nationwide and through AT&T business channels, as well as Apple channels.**

Available only on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, iPhone 3GS delivers the following advantages unique to AT&T and its customers:

* Allows for true smartphone multi-tasking, such as talking and using applications at the same time, on AT&T's mobile broadband network
* Provides access to our entire national Wi-Fi network with nearly 23,000 hotspots
* Provides the best global coverage with wireless voice and data access in more than 200 countries


"We want to deliver the best, most complete package for our customers -- from price, to speed, to worldwide access and more," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "Combined with our new, lower monthly data plans beginning at just $15 a month, this new price brings even more value to one of the most popular devices in our leading lineup of smartphones. We're very excited for more people to experience iPhone on the nation's fastest mobile broadband network."

iPhone 3GS gives users access to the latest iPhone iOS 4 software plus the revolutionary App Store. Additional information is available at www.apple.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Price for 3GS sold in Apple channels is determined by Apple.

Requires new 2-year wireless voice agmt of $39.99 or higher with min $15/mo plan. Subject to wireless customer agrmt. Internal roaming rates or charges apply. Credit approval req'd. Activ. fee up to $36/line. Coverage & svcs, including mobile broadband, not avail everywhere. Geographic, usage & other conditions & restrictions (that may result in svc termination) apply. Taxes & other chrgs apply. See store or visit att.com for details and coverage map. Early Termination Fee (ETF): None if cancelled during first 30 days, but a $35 restocking fee may apply; after 30 days, ETF up to $325 applies (details att.com/equipmentETF). Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrg'd to help defray costs of complying with gov't obligations & chrgs on AT&T & is not a tax or gov't req'd chrg. Wi-Fi: Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

Nike, TomTom launch Nike+ SportWatch GPS

Nike is teaming up with TomTom to launch the Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom. Unveiled at the CES, the new running watch will provide athletes with the “most dynamic and motivational running experience in the world.”
As expected, the device can sing along Nike+ web service, allowing users to seamlessly track their fitness activities.
There are only three buttons and a Tap Screen for navigation. During the run, the new Nike+ SportWatch GPS captures location information while showing runners their time, distance, pace and calories burned. Moreover, it can work in tandem with the shoe-based Nike+ Sensor to deliver accurate pace and distance data.
Finally, there are personalization and motivational features, including audible sounds, challenges, run reminders and more; as well as Personal Records including those imported from Nikeplus.com.
The Nike+ SportWatch GPS is scheduled to be at retail stores and online in the U.S. and the U.K. beginning April 1st. Broader distribution is scheduled for July 1st

Apple Limiting Retail Store Staff Vacations Ahead of Verizon iPhone Launch?


CNET yesterday reported that it has received information from a source claiming that Apple has limited vacation time for its retail store employees over the next two months, ostensibly in order to handle crowds from a new product presumed to be the CDMA iPhone widely expected to come to Verizon. The source also indicates that Apple appears to be planning a media event for next Tuesday, January 11th, in order to introduce the device, although the window of time for an announcement of such a media event is already becoming extremely short.
During this weekend's 2011 CES, he says, Apple will steal some thunder by announcing a product-launch event on Tuesday, January 11. (That's 1/11/11, if you're into numerology.) At that event, the company will finally announce the long-awaited Verizon iPhone. (Cue "Hallelujah" chorus.)

Alas, this is all just hearsay, and while a lot of it seems reasonable--likely, even--there's still no official word from either Apple or Verizon.

My tipster, citing a close relative who works high up the Apple food chain, said the new iPhone will be CDMA-based (no surprise there) and ship in February. He also noted that Apple was limiting staff vacation time for January and February, ostensibly to handle a sharp increase in sales and service traffic.
We received a similar tip a few days ago claiming a January 11th announcement for the Verizon iPhone with availability set for February, although we have been unable to confirm its accuracy. With the rumored event just five days away, time is running short for Apple to notify members of the media in time to make travel arrangements, and we are thus somewhat skeptical of the claim at this point. Apple typically offers approximately one-week notice regarding its media events.

In support of CNET's claims regarding restrictions on Apple retail sore employee vacations, AppleInsider reports that it has heard similar rumblings, with the vacation blackout apparently spanning the last week of January and the first two weeks of February.
People familiar with the company's retail plans say Apple has issued a "blackout" period spanning three weeks, during which retail employees without seniority will not be allowed vacation time. That blackout period is said to begin the last week of January and continue into the first half of February.
Apple is also said to have retained many of its temporary holiday employees for its retail stores in anticipation of continuing strong business in their stores.

The reason for Apple's vacation blackout is not yet officially known, although the Verizon iPhone is likely the strongest candidate with a second-generation iPad also registering as a possibility.