The ToyBox

Ricardo Bilton & Gloria Sin

Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

By Rachel King | May 18, 2010, 12:59am PDT

Summary: The HTC Droid Incredible has turned out to be so popular that Verizon Wireless can’t ship the next round of orders out until June 8.

Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea to drop the Nexus One after all. The HTC Droid Incredible has turned out to be so popular that Verizon Wireless can’t ship the next round of orders out for a few more weeks.

Most reviews of the Droid Incredible have been on the overwhelming positive side, and it has led many to believe that the Incredible’s success was factored into the decision for cutting the Nexus One out of the market altogether.

As for the Droid Incredible itself, Verizon execs say that they sold approximately 100,000 units of the HTC smartphone within the first two days. So anyone wishing to pick up a Droid Incredible of his/her own can order a copy now, but orders made from today onward will not ship until June 8 due to “high demand.”

After already knocking out the Nexus One, could the Droid Incredible pose a threat to the iPhone? Perhaps a little, but that will be easier to debate once the fourth-gen iPhone is actually given a formal announcement, most likely in June as well.

For further ZDNet coverage on the HTC Droid Incredible:

First look review: HTC DROID Incredible from Verizon Wireless

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Verizon Communications Inc., Rachel King

Rachel King is a staff writer for ZDNet based in San Francisco.

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<a href="http://www.phonecards4all.net">phone cards</a>

phonecards4allnet 26th Feb 2011

I use a Motorola Droid myself, I am just saying talk about iPhone killers is not relevant unless Android really is cannibalizing iPhone sales. More likely Android is taking market share from RIM, The last of the Palm people, and non-apple smartphone first time buyers. When Apple launches it's next phone, the sales numbers will come in and then it will be more clear who is actually winning in the market.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

Macintoshtoffy 18th May 2010

Thus proving once again if you provide a great product to the marketplace - the customers will come in droves.

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Well, offering buy one get one free doesn't hurt either

frgough 18th May 2010

you know?

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RE: Buy one get one

NetAdmin1178 18th May 2010

@frgough
The Droid Incredible is not included in the BOGO offer... nice try though.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

NonZealot 18th May 2010

@ NetAdmin1178
Don't confuse him with facts.

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Most of Vz phones are BOGO

ArtInvent 18th May 2010

@frgough So it is telling that the Incr. is still selling like hotcakes even though you can get two Droids or BBs for the same price or even less.

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Sales are hot......

OhTheHumanity 18th May 2010

So expect to see more lawsuits and media blitzes by Apple. They have shifted to politics to fight the competition which tells us all that there is trouble in the waters. Good luck Apple with your massive lock in.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

James Quinn 18th May 2010

@daMan25
Yeah I know. Continued sales growth! Killer margins! Tons of monies coming in from contracts and app sales! Apple's down fall is so obvious to us all. Um not so much:)

Yes Apple has sued HTC and "IF" HTC has nothing to worry about then it's a waist of Apple's money. If on the other hand HTC is doing something wrong then well then Apple should protect itself. I think it's call standard business procedure is it not?

As I understand it HTC has sued Apple and the same applies to Apple.

Media blitz. I've seen HTC adds, and tons of Android adds as well as iPhone and even an iPad add. Is Apple wrong to advertise their wares now? Is doing anything like any other business wrong for Apple somehow?

Pagan jim

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Media blitz.....

OhTheHumanity 18th May 2010

@James Quinn
As in Stevie Jobs confronting people now. Not ads on tv. Get it? And its obvious he is getting more vocal.

Apple has all the right to sue for IP just as anyone else, but its quite obvious that now the competition is passing them so they must do something now. If the iphone was untouched I doubt Apple would sue.

I never said they were gonna fall down, I just think the true colors are showing now once they have become the "man" so to say. Reminds me of shades of Microsoft from 10 years back. Oh how 10 years can change things and your still living in 1999, while the real tech villans are pulling a fast one on you. Thats exaggerated, but its for a good point to hand back whats been dished out.

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I'll be getting the Incredible

soulquarian 18th May 2010

in 2 months, when I'm up for new every 2.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

tonyhunterajh 18th May 2010

@soulquarian Same here!

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

mr1972 18th May 2010

This is great news for the Droid Incredible but it doesn't really have much to do with Apple. People know what Apple's development cycle is. Anyone who is going to buy an Apple iPhone is just waiting for the next model, that's all.
I use a Motorola Droid myself, I am just saying talk about iPhone killers is not relevant unless Android really is cannibalizing iPhone sales. More likely Android is taking market share from RIM, The last of the Palm people, and non-apple smartphone first time buyers. When Apple launches it's next phone, the sales numbers will come in and then it will be more clear who is actually winning in the market.

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I agree

NonZealot 18th May 2010

@mr1972
It's great that Apple was able to leverage its PMP / downloadable media content monopolies to break into the cell phone market.

Remember folks: Think Different. Buy an Apple product (just like everyone else).

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

James Quinn 18th May 2010

@NonZealot
Everyone!?! Seriously I knew Apple was doing very well but still everyone? WOW!!!

Pagan jim

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Yep

frgough 18th May 2010

@NonZealot
Just remember to make sure you aren't browsing the web if you want to take a call. Unless you get your Droid on AT&T, that is. Oh, wait. You didn't know that Verizon's 3G can't do voice and data at the same time?

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You should be a comedian

GoPower 18th May 2010

But then again you're not really very funny because you actually believe what you write. You're just good at getting people to laugh at you!
@NonZealot

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

NonZealot 18th May 2010

@frgough
Just remember to make sure you aren't browsing the web if you want to take a call.

Do you honestly believe that if you are surfing the web on a CDMA phone and someone tries to call you that you won't receive the call? If you honestly believe that, please state it outright so we can all laugh and laugh and laugh at how uninformed you are.

Hint: you can't talk and use data at the same time but texts and calls will come in just fine while you are using data. Note that I'm not suggesting it isn't an advantage to be able to talk and use data at the same time so don't get me wrong, I make no apologies for CDMA's shortcomings. However, don't lie about those shortcomings.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

NonZealot 18th May 2010

@Apple Zealots
Oh wow, look at all those Apple zealots on a blog posting about an Android phone!!! Some of you even swore that you never respond to non Apple related posts. Some of you are liars. happy

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Its already more than clear who's winning...

storm14k 18th May 2010

@mr1972

That would be Nokia by a long shot. As far as between Android and iPhone....check back at the end of this year. iFools suffer from device fixation. They keep thinking the new iPhone is going to come out and trump the Incredible. Maybe it will but so what. Its probably not going to trump the Evo. Then again it might but so what...its not gonna trump the Galaxy S.....the Dell phones...the slew of phones that Motorola has coming...and on and on. Simply put the iPhone is a one device thing. Android is a platform and everybody from chipmakers like Nvidia to handset makers across the board to the carriers is trying to get on. By the end of this year Androids competition will be itself. The iPhone will be just an Apple thing for fans.

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Don't underestimate Apple

NonZealot Updated - 18th May 2010

@storm14k
The combination of a leveraged monopoly and fantastic advertising have allowed Apple to succeed with a substantially sub par product up until now. Android have been catching up, no doubt, which is why Apple has called in the lawyers as a backup. And before you say that only HTC is affected, that simply isn't true. If Apple sues HTC right out of existence, it will make others think twice about supporting Android.

Note that I am NOT hoping for this outcome but I certainly am prepared for it. The sad thing is that a substantial percentage of the ZDNet population is hoping that Apple eliminates Android and takes away our choice as consumers.

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Couldn't agree more......

OhTheHumanity 18th May 2010

@storm14k
This is the first year really of stiff competition to the iPhone and well from the looks of it HTC and others are putting on the heat and in a big way. Apple may have had a head start, but as we all know they didn't develop anything breakthrough for the iPhone so they really aren't a leap ahead of the competition. Apple just knew how to throw it all together in a smooth device. Now others are doing it the same or better.

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Incredible easily best Android phone to date ...

RationalGuy 18th May 2010

I'm not an Android fan at all, but I tried the Incredible recently, and it is substantially better than the original Droid, and noticeably better than the Nexus One. Coupled with Verizon's service, it's a very tempting option.

I love my iPhone, but I have such a terrible time with AT&T service that if the carrier lock-in is not lifted this year, I would seriously consider switching.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

OhTheHumanity 18th May 2010

@RationalGuy
I'm not sure if the problem is really At&t and is why I think that Apple will stick with At&t so that it won't be known that the iPhone is the major cause of the network problems. I hear it over and over again, but no reports of any other smartphone being a problem out there on At&t. iPhone is not going anywhere for a while.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

James Quinn 18th May 2010

@storm14k
So Google wants to become the MS of mobile? OK and so bored with that already. However you do make a valid point yes Android as an OS that is sold to everyone and their mother will outsell the iPhone OS because well everyone and their mother will be selling it. However that is not important to Apple.... Apple has not taken over the cell phone or even smart phone markets nor do I think that is Apple goal. As Apple has proven time and again with the Macintosh you can live even thrive with far less than the lions share of a give market and outlast many a competitor. I can't list the number of brand name PC makers who have come and gone during Apple's time in the personal computer market. Their bones make and impressive pile at Apple's feet. Apple will as history has shown will likely thrive as MS, Google, RIM and now HP with it's WebOS and yes Linux fight amongst themselves for that all important market share title. Still you are right about one thing competition is a good thing and I'm glad for it. This will make all better and yes there will be back and forth changes in technological leads and feature sets. It's all good.

Pagan jim

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AT&T bad service all around ...

RationalGuy 18th May 2010

@daMan25

Well in NYC area AT&T gives crap service for every smartphone.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

ubiquitous one 18th May 2010

@NonZealot, your typical zeal continues to betrays you.

The sad thing is that a substantial percentage of the ZDNet population is hoping that Apple eliminates Android and takes away our choice as consumers.

I seriously doubt Apple will be able to get away with that. However, I do think you're the extreme opposite and would like nothing better than to see Apple get out of the smart phone business altogether. Not that you would have any chance, mind you...

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

mperkins874 18th May 2010

Android, in a little over a year, has already proved the ineptness of Apple and their iPhone. The iPhone, since its release, has not changed very much, or really had to, because nothing out there even came close. That is until Android. Android incorporates the easy to use, seemless touch interface of the iPhone and provides users with tools to multitask, among other things. This is the point where smartphone technology will begin to take off. Whenever there is stiff competition, the consumer will win in the long run. However, this is assuming Apple makes the necessary updates to keep up with Android (which is questionable after their crusade against flash, and their communist approach to the app store). It will be an interesting next couple years for the advancement of smartphone technology.

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Good for HTC! Finally some competition....

James Quinn 18th May 2010

However if HTC is determined to saddle itself with Flash well who knows what that will bring to the user experience? Then there is rather loose control of Apps? I having been in computer repair and support for decades know know all to well where this can take you. You have a customer base that has little to no tech experience having problems with apps, flash and who knows what else gets on their systems. Who gets blamed? The bad App creator? Adobe for another Flash crash? Or does HTC take the hit? If the over all product is know as the HTC Incredible you can bet your blank that HTC will take the heat for problems not related to it's product. Heck even Android might get dragged into it. I don't know about you guys but I'm not looking for a statement about my freedom I'm just looking for an appliance that works and won't be bogged down by flash or a faulty app or worse still a slew of bad app choices. While I know I could likely tech it out and solve the issues the very thought of doing that makes me feel well a whole lot less free for trust me on this I would be forced to do such it would not be a willing action taken on my part for that is not what I wanted the device fore.

Now earlier daman25 brought up and excellent point one that has made me an Apple customer for years. He said that Apple brought it all together and then he down played that achievement but still it is a key point for me. Now after what 3 ish years HTC is bringing a quality competitor to the iPhone? OK but HTC had to WAIT for Google to introduce and make available Android right? What if that had not happened? How long would we have ot wait for someone else to bring it all together like Apple did a few years hence? That is Apple in a nut shell they bring it all together and when they do others scramble and spend years trying to do the same.. Ha! Also and this is HUGE without Google doing a big part of the work here HTC would be still striving would it not? Apple does often bring it all together time and again and they rely on no one else to come to their rescue. They Apple have and will do this time and time again. History has shown this to be true. The best that an HTC can do is wait and hope for a Google/Android. Not a good foundation I tend to think.

Pagan jim

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posting from my Incredible

LarsDennert 18th May 2010

Ten years of Windows mobile and a couple of ipod touches. 20 years with cell phones on ATT and Verizon. All I can say is that this phone is incredible.

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Looking forward to this being released in Canada

NonZealot 18th May 2010

@LarsDennert
I'm glad that we are finally seeing some true innovation in the smartphone market.

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As long as it's not Apple, right?

ubiquitous one 18th May 2010

@NonZealot, I'd really like to know what the battery life will be on this phone, as well as what Verizon's service plans for it are. (rhetorical statement)

If that turns out to be "true innovation" then you may have something there.

If it turns out to be same-old same-old, then it's nothing more than your zealous anti-Apple bias showing through.

Just a reality check, pal...

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

blueskip 18th May 2010

Take that you Appholes.

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

James Quinn 18th May 2010

@blueskip
Um take what? HTC is selling HTC Incredibles and can't keep up with demand? How does that constitute a hit against an Apple fan? I'm just glad the iPhone is selling well and Apple is doing well incredible. Don't care much one way or the other about HTC but I'm glad there is some competition out there now for the iPhone this should be good for us all in the end. So again I ask take what?

Pagan jim

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

ubiquitous one 18th May 2010

@blueskip oh my, your 12 year old inner self is showing...

lol... grin

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RE: Demand exceeds supply for Verizon's HTC Droid Incredible

Jody Bear 18th May 2010

Which video players are supported, such as Windows Media player, Real Audio, Quicktime, etc. Is Adobe Flash Player supported, and if so which version?

TheShadow

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when is the Incredible coming to Aus?

rober2 18th May 2010

Does anyone have any goss on when this piece is coming to Australia? Telstra is offering the Desire but it seems it comes up short on several areas. Why not just get an iPhone you ask? Because I like to exercise my right to choose.