That is indeed a good question! If it releases mid-December, there's a chance Google's "mid-January advertising push" for the phone would fall within your return period. You could also wait until late December or even early January to push out your 30 days. And finally, you could just pay retail for the phone, since the ETF is now $350.
Waiting is always the smartest thing to do - but it's also the hardest! Just like with computers, cameras, and cars, the longer you wait, the more you'll get for your money.
Wait as long as you can, but if the Passion/Dragon seems like the best phone for you and you can't wait any more, then go ahead and get it. There will always be something new (and better!) around the corner. Two years isn't really that long, anyway.
Some of it is not new, but I thought there were some good new bits in there, such as the senior Google guys carrying them around for final testing. To me, mid-December is looking more and more concrete.
I love the slashgear guys are thinking like me. No Android HD2 to so many meant no 1ghz android phone from HTC. He never said no snapdragon android phone. I dont think I'm going to wait for a "google" phone (not that I understand what compromises they are making). Passion for me.
If I had to guess, the pure Google phone would be GSM only, which mean it wouldn't work with Verizon/Sprint.
Though, I have read that it might work with Wal-Mart's service, which uses Verizon's Network.
Frankly, I doubt it will be too different from the Dragon.
The word is that Google is pulling out all the stops on this phone, and I'm betting not just in the hardware features like processor and display, but probably in the radio too. May just be like the dev phones that support all bands across the world, especially if they're gonna sell it themselves and through non-carrier retail channels. I mean, it would have to be Verizon approved, but with the open device initiative (like the Saygus phone) I could see that happening. I wonder if they'll be trying to push something LTE capable as well?
The latest rumors are that it will be a Google branded phone that could be both cdma and gsm, be sold without a contract and even data only with voip for calls.
Last edited by gwlaw99; November 18th, 2009 at 10:16 PM.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gwlaw99
The latest rumors are that it will be a Google branded phone that could be both cdma and gsm, be sold without a contract and even data only with voip for calls.
I know the Google phone is not the HTC Passion, but that's my biggest fear is that the Passion may be sold without subsidization. Haven't heard any rumors to the effect, but with news the SE Xperia will cost $879 out of contract, a price tag in that range would put the Passion well out of reach of me. My ceiling on cell phone cost would probably be about $400, although I've never paid that much. The most I've paid is probably $150, the least is -$50 (yes minus).
Last edited by Doit2it; November 19th, 2009 at 05:04 AM.
I know the Google phone is not the HTC Passion, but that's my biggest fear is that the Passion may be sold without subsidization. Haven't heard any rumors to the effect, but with news the SE Xperia will cost $879 out of contract, a price tag in that range would put the Passion well out of reach of me. My ceiling on cell phone cost would probably be about $400, although I've never paid that much. The most I've paid is probably $150, the least is -$50 (yes minus).
I highly doubt Verizon sells a phone locked to its network without subsidization. Besides, it's worth far more to them to have you locked in on a data plan for 2 years. Month-to-month customers don't get factored in to their guaranteed "future" cashflow for network upgrades and the like.
This guy talked about it all as if it were fact, getting me excited at first. When people challenged him, he admitted possible fault, and changed his story. This leads me to believe he himself is speculating and when people say something in his story is off he corrects his story.
If he KNOWS google is doing this, people saying 'thats unlikely' wouldn't affect his opinion. But it seems like he doesn't really know for sure a google phone is coming, which is pretty contradictory to his article's title. So if the whole focus of his article is not actually truth, whats to say the 'all the guys are walking around with the passion,' bit isn't too. Why would they be walking around with/messing with a Sense UI phone anyway? (I know there are possible reasons, just saying it doesn't seem as likely, when HTC is the one updating its software at this point to Catch Up to google's 2.0).
I was very excited about this article too, just disappointed when I find out that even the Post just speculates for hits on its site.
Last edited by jmccarthy14; November 19th, 2009 at 10:40 AM.
I know the Google phone is not the HTC Passion, but that's my biggest fear is that the Passion may be sold without subsidization. Haven't heard any rumors to the effect, but with news the SE Xperia will cost $879 out of contract, a price tag in that range would put the Passion well out of reach of me. My ceiling on cell phone cost would probably be about $400, although I've never paid that much. The most I've paid is probably $150, the least is -$50 (yes minus).
The most expensive out of contract phones on Verizon tend to be $500 to $550.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vaxick
The most expensive out of contract phones on Verizon tend to be $500 to $550.
Yea, but the gPhone (Google phone) is reportedly going to be sold unlocked by Google and not be carrier specific. "Google is building their own branded phone that they’ll sell directly and through retailers." The Google Phone Is Very Real. And It’s Coming Soon
This info just fuels my fear about the Passion because HTC could possibly do the same. We all know how much unlocked full retail phones cost.
I have no doubt that the Google only phone will be a new level for the handset market.I can see owning one of these along with the passion.
I have to be honest though, I am waiting for the passion and just could not wait longer once the passion comes out to get the GPhone.
I might have to just purchase 2 new phones in the next few months.
I'm very happy with my LG Dare, I just got android fever when the rumors of the Moto Droid started. The Droid is a great phone, but I don't need a keyboard. I'm waiting on the Passion because I'm hoping it's the phone that will sustain me until the Verizon iPhone LTE comes out. Yes, that phone only exists in my imagination right now, but who knows where phones will be a year from now.
Last edited by Doit2it; November 19th, 2009 at 08:15 PM.
I'm very happy with my LG Dare, I just got android fever when the rumors of the Moto Droid started. The Droid is a great phone, but I don't need a keyboard. I'm waiting on the Passion because I'm hoping it's the phone that will sustain me until the Verizon iPhone LTE comes out. Yes, that phone only exists in my imagination right now, but who knows where phones will be a year from now.
True on the iphone LTE...
I also am using a Dare till the passion rolls out.I have 2 cars,2 motorcycles,2 computers,2dogs so I guess adding another smart phone would keep the balance going for me...hahaha
Looks like Android forums needs to create a Google gPhone sub forum under the Android phones section!
Yes I did see that!!
I have been keeping my eyes on all the hype to see what will be reality in our world and what will not make it out of the proto type stage.
I would really like to see Google release a block buster phone that changes the entire game on handsets and OS.
Google has the brains and the money to pull it off I think.
Will LG be the maker of the Google phone? Interesting to see some pics.
from what ive read, the google phone will be purely a data and VOIP phone...i cant see verizon getting in on that..i mean its very possible, and it would be very smart given the verizon network...but i dont see it happening. ...i guess you could really go either way with it. but we wont know for sure till it happens.
if anything, i would think verizon would sell network space to google, and google sells their own phone, and you pay for a certain amount of bandwidth each month..at the same time, verizon can make a deal to offer the same phone thru one of their plans, for customers that are still tied into contracts...LIKE ME. lol (1 year left)
man this is getting complicated..jeez will someone just tell us something.
Phonescoop Suggests Passion IS Google Phone - Please no!
Hello Everyone,
This is my very first post to any tech-related chat board. I've been checking Phandroid (and everything else) so frequently for news of the Passion/Dragon, that I thought I should sign up and introduce myself! I used to tease my girlfriend for checking into her Facebook account so often, but I've become an absolute fiend for some hope for this phone!
In any case, I've been reading these posts for the past couple of weeks, and I remember reading someone who said that a Verizon contact said Phonescoop.com will potentially be a good source of information on the release of our much-hoped-for handset. I was concerned when I read Phonescoop's latest post, which was put up about an hour ago:
The writer of this post seems to be equating the Passion and the new Google phone as one and the same. I've read the above posts, and I am aware that previous leaks have made clear these phones will be different. Personally, I'm imagining that the "game-changing" Google phone will be a data device that does VOIP - not what the Passion is expected to be. I can definitely see this being the future of mobile communication, especially when the world is covered with 4G, but for now, I need a quality phone and I've been drooling over the specs of this Passion/Dragon!! I've been on my Motorola Q for about 4 years, and have gone through serious anticipation for the HTC Touch Pro 2, the Samsung Moment, and I was headed to the store on the release date of the Droid when I heard about the Passion. My Q's batter won't hold a charge anymore, I need this Passion to be a real phone!!!!
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Just read this in a phonedog article:
DRAGOOOOOON!!!
This bad boy may as well be called the HTC Super Hype Ultra. The rumors/leaks just don't stop. And while this phone was being rumored to launch in mid-December, the GooglePhone gabbers say it's been bumped to the new year.
You know what? After all of the research and re-researching that we, the Passion/Dragon fiends on this thread, have been and are doing - I believe that we probably know more than some of these outside tech bloggers. I believe that to a person who's job it is to monitor all things technical, and not be laser-focused on a particular handset, like we are, may tend to confuse the issue more than is necessary. As we all have been hearing, the HTC Passion/Dragon has been rumored for about 2-3 weeks, and now this recent news breaks that the Google phone will actually become a reality in Q1 of 2010. Don't you think its likely that these less-than-laser-like focused bloggers have just gotten their stories crossed? You know, in taking a general survey of the news/reports/and rumors, they just wrapped the Passion and the Google phone into one unit, due to the proximity in time that these stories started surfacing?
I still hope and believe that these phones are separate items, which means the Google phone can come out early next year, without interfering with our mid-December release of the Passion/Dragon. In fact, here's a thought - perhaps these new rumors about the materialization of the Google phone will drive HTC to put out the Passion earlier rather than later in order to beat the upcoming Google phone media hype?
What I never understood about the Google Phone rumors is why its called that. Everyone who reports on the google phone says Google is getting into the hone making business. Yet they also say someone else is making the phone. So why cant the Passion/Dragon represent the highest level of cooperation between Google and a Phone maker? I cant see HTC making their phone and then the Google phone. But they can make what Google would consider a perfect phone (for now).
The Michael Cote article did say something interesting that Google was conversing with HTC on the hardware, but didnt say software. So can the Google Phone have Sense?
I know this is a huge stretch to refer to any of this as "news" but with the info being as slow as it has I thought I would post two comments that showed up today on HowardForums. Obviously take these with a grain of salt, but its better than nothing I guess...
from harsaphes on HF
Well the Passion is absolutely coming...I was just with my friend who works for Google..and who gave me the Mytouch..weeks before launch and she said she has seen and handled the device. Cant Wait!
As an obsessed Passion fanboy I felt the need to research his posts and he was a few weeks ago selling his mytouch, apparently he had two so this might make it easier to believe his story about having a friend who works for google.
Also today from TruBlu01 on HF
I just spoke with my S. Florida Business Rep and he has told me that the HTC HD (Passion) will be coming to Verizon with Android 2.0.
He also informed me that there with be a totally new LTE ready Apple device coming to Verizon around 3rd quarter next year.
Take it for what it is worth, I see no reason for him to lie, when I questioned him about these two devices his answers were confident and quick. He also recommnded that i attend the Verizon 'LTE Road Show" that is going around the Country with a full LTE Demo.
This comes from a long time poster with over 1200 posts to his name.
I know its not much, but Im getting desperate for any kind of news on the Passion. Thought I would share some of these unconfirmed rumors.
I've been drooling over the possibility of the Passion/Dragon ever since I first saw it mentioned on BoyGenius.
I think I've read every bit of gossip on the internet (several times, each), but I haven't seen much mention of whether the Passion/Dragon will have the HTC Sense UI.
if not, that's a deal-breaker for me. I'm not a big fan of the stock Android 2.0. Way too plain vanilla for me (and no multi-touch!).
What do you guys say? Think HTC will have Sense ready for Android 2.0 by the time the Passion/Dragon hits?
I thought the Eris was sort of ugly...but god damn... this phone is hideous.
I don't care about the processor, that doesn't change its ugliness.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by andrewdoane on AT&T's 3G
iPhone doesn't need to have simultaneous web browsing and call. They drop so many calls you just wait till the call is dropped, get your movie time, then call back and shout it in the 8 seconds before the second call is dropped. No big deal.
" Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term dates back to at least 1966, although its usage was primarily on the East coast. The term has become more common in other parts of the country since 2000. Because Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, Black Friday occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November."
Think they'll launch in the US before their home market? Discuss!
Not a bad read. My take, after reading the digitimes article which softpedia cites, is that this industry source is not ruling out a 2009 HTC Android snapdragon release. The source is quoted as saying,
"a total 7-8 models at the end of 2009 and early 2010"
The author then mentions some phones we know are scheduled for 2010 and then quotes the source again with regard to HTC,
"Among the domestic vendors, HTC (High Tech Computer) will launch its first Qualcomm Snapdragon-based model as well as the HTC Liquid"
So, no where does the author or the source assert when HTC's first Android snapdragon phone will come out, just that it will be the end of 2009 to early 2010.
Also, I wonder what type of "industry source" this could be, given that the source is giving rather vague details about a number of manufacturers. Kinda rules out the source being from HTC and since it's talking about Taiwan releases I believe that rules out Verizon. So what's left is... a Chinese blogger?
Last edited by wonderbread; November 24th, 2009 at 07:23 PM.
I've been following @VZWOffers on twitter... so today they said:
and I said:
they said:
I saw this conversation today between you and VZWOffers. It's interesting that he or she didn't deny the phone at all. It was actually a very similar response that he/she was giving people near the release of the Droid. Twitter is a pretty good way to keep up on the latest articles as well. Just search the topic you want (HTC Passion/Dragon) and everything comes up. I really hope we hear something solid soon.
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I think the more important question is what is their history with releasing phones in the US before they are released in other parts of the world. Based on off the top of my head it's very little, if at all.
I also know for sure that google is testing a phone for the US with android 2.0 right now. Which carrier and when, I'm not sure. He's not that good of a friend. I only have the the stupid quote "It's an iphone killer"
Last edited by owlmatt; November 24th, 2009 at 08:04 PM.
I agree with the earlier posts on this. I was worried when I read the headline about Q1 2010, but after reading the original Digitimes source, I was relieved. The Digitimes article is totally non-specific as to the release of the Passion. Just more of nothing yet...
" Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term dates back to at least 1966, although its usage was primarily on the East coast. The term has become more common in other parts of the country since 2000. Because Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, Black Friday occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November."
Via wiki...
Mark
hi there
i feel so embarrassed for that i didnt google what the black friday means
I can say with one hundred percent certainty that the Passion is real and is coming out. The same people that hooked me up with the Mytouch, before it was released..my photos were up here i think..have told me they have seen it and handled it. I am trying to get more information.
I also know for sure that google is testing a phone for the US with android 2.0 right now. Which carrier and when, I'm not sure. He's not that good of a friend. I only have the the stupid quote "It's an iphone killer"
I really wish people wouldn't use that term. To date, the only thing that has lived up to the hype of being an "iphone" killer has been AT&T's network.
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I'm just hoping for a VZW release of the HTC Passion/Dragon before 1/1/2010 so I can finally cash in on the rebate cards (expiring 1/1/10) I've held for the past year or so. My company pays the monthly bills, so I've saved the $150 for when I can get the next device I want!! I don't care about Black Friday or Christmas... Jan 1 is my gotta-have-it-by date!
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The HTC Passion is largely believed to have launched as the Nexus One. However, just as the HTC Dream launched after the T-Mobile G1 (both being identical phones), we're keeping the HTC Passion on the list as an additional phone/brand until the... Read More
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