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Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

Summary: After months of rumors about its Windows Phone 7 plans, Verizon announced officially on May 19 that the carrier will begin selling the HTC Trophy 7 on May 26. Am I going to buy one?

Mary Jo Foley

By for All About Microsoft |

After months of rumors about its Windows Phone 7 plans, Verizon announced officially on May 19 that the carrier will begin selling the HTC Trophy 7 on May 26.

Verizon plans to charge $150 for the phones -- after a $50 mail-in rebate -- and a new two-year customer agreement. The Verizon Trophys will be available on www.verizonwireless.com on May 26, but not until June 2 in Verizon Wireless Communication stores. Nationwide talk plans for the phones start at $39.99 per month, and an "unlimited" data package is $29.99 per month.

As my readers know, I'm a long-suffering Verizon user who has been waiting since last fall for Verizon to start selling its first Windows Phone 7. So am I going to be shelling out my $150 on May 26? I'm not sure. Here's why.

Microsoft launched Windows Phone 7 seven months ago. The company is poised to deliver its major "Mango" Windows Phone release later this year. Yes, first-generation WP7 devices will get the Mango update. But there will be a number of new phones coming to market with Mango preloaded in a few more months. As is true with new Windows releases, I'd much rather buy an operating system preloaded on a new device than to upgrade my older device with a new operating system. Lots less hassle and usually a better experience, in my experience.

Verizon waited too long to get generation-one WP7 devices out. The HTC Trophy 7s are going to be 3G phones, no physical keyboard (a feature I really love), with 3.8-inch touchscreens and 1 GHz Snapdraggon processors. The Trophys are nice enough, but nothing too special.

I'm thinking, after all my whining and complaining about Verizon's tardiness, that I just might wait to see what else Verizon offers in the way of Windows Phone devices later this year.

Verizon has made it known that iPhones, Android phones and BlackBerry devices are higher priority than anything from Microsoft and its partners. And given Gartner's latest estimates that only 1.6 million WP7 phones were sold worldwide in the first quarter of this year, Verizon's loyalties may not be misplaced.

The unfortunate part is here in the U.S. -- and especially, here in New York City -- Verizon has the best coverage. I've been using a loaner WP7 device on AT&T and there are a LOT of places where I have spotty AT&T coverage, but where my other Verizon phone works just fine.

I'm curious what others of you who've been waiting for a WP7 device on Verizon are going to do? Wait until later this year or jump on those Trophys? Will you throw in the towel and switch carriers? Or even go so far as to get an iPhone or another non-WP7?

Topics: HTC, Microsoft, Mobility, Operating Systems, Software, Telcos, Verizon, Windows

About

Mary Jo has covered the tech industry for more than 25 years for a variety of publications and Web sites, and is a frequent guest on radio, TV and podcasts, speaking about all things Microsoft-related. She is the author of Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft plans to stay relevant in the post-Gates era (John Wiley & Sons, 2008).

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  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    Finally. I was getting so frustrated with Verizon over them releasing a WP7 that I almost switched to AT&T. Which means poorer coverage and no unlimited data plans. Even though the HTC Trophy technically speaking is a Chevy/Ford instead of a Ferrari. I will be getting one. I really like the OS in comparison to Android and iOS. I'll sign up for a 2 year contract and probably keep it for a year. Sell it and then get the best Nokia WP7 device on Verizon (Let's hope Verizon moves a bit quicker this time!).
    SmoothDouglas
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

      @SmoothDouglas I agree. I've been waiting for this for too long. There are many upset Verizon customers on the VZW Windows Phone forum. Will place an order on May 26th and stay with Verizon, only because AT&T coverage is a joke.
      zdnetreader123
      Reply Vote

      • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

        @zdnetreader123
        But wasnt Verizon also dissing WP7 ?!

        ?I do want a strong third OS out there,? Melone said. ?It gives the carriers more flexibility and balances the interests of all the parties. But I still have doubts whether Microsoft will get the traction they are hoping for with Windows Phone 7.?

        I wonder if Malone internally took a beating for not being able to keep opinions to himself?! And not to mention those opinions are turning out to be very wrong.
        JABBER_WOLF
        Reply Vote

    • Count me in!

      @SmoothDouglas <br>I was thinking the same thing. Though considering the "Ferrari" (Focus?) from Samsung is having some update issues, the HTC is looking appealing to me.

      I'll be in the stores on the 2nd checking it out.
      Will Pharaoh
      Reply Vote

    • Waiting for more choices...

      @SmoothDouglas

      I will probably hold out for a 4g WP7 on Verizon. I currently have the Droid (Un)Incredible, it is ok but I have been underwhelmed. Android is way overrated for what it is, I guess you get what you pay for. If my Incredible were to die I would then consider getting the Trophy if it was the only Verizon WP7 available.
      hopp64
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    Same here. I've had an iPod touch for a while, and it's a well polished experience. I'm a Verizon customer and maybe would have gotten the iPhone if it had come out on Verizon two years ago. A month ago I got a chance to borrow a WP7, and the OS feels like is was made for a phone instead of being one more desktop metaphor. It made iOS feel outdated. But I'm also holding out for Mango. I've waited this long, I can wait a few more months.
    amosclan
    Reply Vote

  • Long suffer and then some

    The problem with WP on Verizon is that it will always take the back seat to Android, something that Verizon wants given its DRIOD's success. Assuming Nokia does ship a WP7.5 device before year end, don't look for it to hit Verizon for at least six months after launch. Again, Verizon is doing everything they can to make WP second fiddle to Android.
    jjworleyeoe
    Reply Vote

    • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

      @jjworleyeoe I completely agree with you about WP playing second fiddle. It's a classic chicken & egg dilemma for Version. They are afraid that all their investments in Droid will be diluted. The only way we can change their minds is to prove them wrong about making money with WP. That is why I am going to buy a Trophy on Jun 2. If enough people get a WP phone on Verizon, they will change their mind about WP.

      Another issue that I think all the carriers are concerned with is all the money that is being spent in the App stores (Apple & Microsoft). I don?t think they receive any money from app sales and I think it makes them envious. Apple had too much clout to be denied, but Microsoft is in a much weaker position. With Android, the carriers have the ability to sell their own apps, with Apple and Microsoft, Verizon?s hands are tied. This bound to be a bone of contention in the future.
      Jeff Richardson
      Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    You have to get one Mary-Jo. You will love the experience of using it as your everyday phone. I gave up the physical keyboard when I switched and haven't missed the added bulk. There is no guarentee that Verizon will have a significanly better option for you in the fall.
    DerekWJ
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    At this point I think I'm going to pick one up on June 2nd. My current xv6900 will be three years old in a few days and it is giving me some grief, and I'm way OVERDUE for a change. I was considering waiting for a 2nd generation phone and/or one with a full pull out keyboard, but as slow as Verizon has been with getting this phone I'm afraid I'll be waiting until next year. I Think I'll pick up the Trophy from Best Buy and pay the extra $60 for their buyback program. That way if something comes along that I cannot live without, I won't be paying full retail.
    therudys
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    I already have Samsung Focus (ATT), but I would definitely pick WP7 during launch. Updates are not at all a hassle in my opinion. I just plug the phone to Zune client and check for updates. There is nothing else I have to do. I know we all might think of the issue with updates, which happened last time, but I think that was for once, Microsoft would not allow that again. The only advantage I see of buying it later is the price, it might be free after rebates or with 2 yr contract.
    animageofmine1
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    Its finally a good day to be a Verizon customer! If they had released this phone earlier, and they could have, they wouldn't have shot themselves in the foot and had a thousand more customers flock to them. They waited too long, but good things to those who wait. I can't wait to test this phone out. Gotta look for my tent and sleeping bag.
    LoverockDavidson
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    I already have Samsung Focus (ATT), but if I had to get WP7 for Verizon, I would definitely pick WP7 during launch. Updates are not at all a hassle in my opinion. Just plug the phone to Zune client and check for updates. There is nothing else, end user needs to do. I know we all might think of the issue with updates, which happened last time, but I think that was for once, Microsoft would not allow that again. The only advantage I see of buying it later is the price, it might be free after rebates or with 2 yr contract.
    animageofmine1
    Reply Vote

  • About the Gartner's numbers...

    I want to point out that's the world wide numbers. It is easy to find out why the number is low. WP7 not even availiable in many countries/places, not much marketing outside of US. There is no surprise at all. It is not a measure of WP7's success.

    Look at the comScore number, which is for US market. That's relatively a better measure, but still the largest carrier wasn't on board untill today, comScore doesn't give direct market share, but that indrectly tells the market share.

    I have taken comscore data for a close look, my observation is: WP7's market share have been in steady increase since launch. WP7 market share increase has already been able to make up WinMo6 market share descrease. I believe WP7 will reach 10% market share by end of 2011 in US. (I wrote about it couple of week ago: http://winphone4u.com/?p=419)
    jk_10
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    As I am in Europe, I cant say much about the network issue, but as a Trophy user I can say, go and get it! Its a fantastic phone and (so far) no update issues. I am looking forward to Mango as that will increase the usablility of the phone, but thats a general WP7 issue.
    bartw78
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    I gave up waiting and got the Thunderbolt. The G4 LTE and the 40GB of media storage are what where most important to me. The HTC Car mode app is really cool. Hopefully they can build that into win phone as well.
    sharkboyjohn
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    bummer. this week i just let my wife upgrade our next family plan scheduled upgrade to an iPhone. guess if i want this i'll have to wait until the next upgrade cycle or pay the fee...or wait until mango
    brentgee
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    I have been using Samsung WP7 phones for a while now. There are no complaints on the performance. But as a mobile user I'd like to see the following from MS to offer any level of competition to Android/iOS phones<br>1. Different themes/ROM's - Apart from METRO, for people who get bored with METRO and want to have something like Android or iOS<br>2. Better Copy & Paste support<br>3. Faster IE (this will anyway be addressed in MANGO)<br>4. Faster apps- like FB - it works so much faster in iOS than in WP7<br>I still love my WP7 and use it. All that I can do at the moment is wait for better updates that will thrill my experience.
    krishnansriram
    Reply Vote

  • RE: Verizon to start selling HTC Trophy 7 Windows Phone on May 26

    The Trophy will do fine for now compared to my Imagio. Next year I will investigate what's coming out of 2nd gen phones and I'm sure there will be better screens, battery life and LTE coveage on VZW, not to mention Nokia's in the mix.

    The choices by the end of the year might not be that much better than they are now and I don't want to wait any longer.
    s80t699
    Reply Vote

  • I have been waiting for a WP7 device to hit Verizon

    So I'll be upgrading to the HTC when it's avaliable.
    John Zern
    Reply Vote
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