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Verizon's Droid Aims to Challenge iPhone

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Verizon Wireless' new Droid smartphone aims to revolutionize the mobile industry by providing a physical keyboard, multi-tasking capabilities, and a sturdy design. The device will be available for $200 next week, with a two-year contract. Verizon is targeting 15- to 35-year-olds who are highly engaged with their gadgets for social networking, blogging, and other online tasks. The Droid's integration with social media platforms like Facebook and Picasa makes it an attractive option for users.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Droid will be available for $199.99 with a two-year contract, comparable to the iPhone's basic model.
  • Verizon has launched its largest marketing campaign ever behind the Droid, with television commercials and other ads.
  • The Droid features a physical keyboard, multi-tasking capabilities, and a sturdy design.
  • The device has a five-megapixel camera, a 6.4-hour talk time, and a larger display than the iPhone.
  • The Droid runs on Google's Android operating system, an open platform that any developer can customize.
  • Google has released a mapping application, called Google Maps Navigation, which is exclusive to devices running on Android 2.0.
  • The application provides turn-by-turn directions, satellite imagery, and high-resolution photos of streets.
  • The Droid's design is targeted towards 15- to 35-year-olds who are highly engaged with their gadgets.
  • The device lacks the iPhone's all-in-one sleekness and has a more masculine design.

Statistics:

  • The Droid will be available for $199.99 with a two-year contract.
  • The device has a five-megapixel camera.
  • The Droid has a 6.4-hour talk time.
  • The device's display is slightly larger than the iPhone's.
  • Google's mapping application, Google Maps Navigation, is exclusive to devices running on Android 2.0.
  • 15- to 35-year-olds are the target market for the Droid.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Google Inc.
  • Motorola Inc.
  • AT&T Inc.
  • Apple Inc.
  • Research in Motion Ltd.
  • Associated Press Writer Michael Liedtke

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