Verizon & Windows Phones
SickFreak
Specialist - Level 1

I was just reading the article on Verizon an their lack of Windows Phones:

http://wmpoweruser.com/guess-how-far-verizon-has-fallen-in-the-windows-phone-stakes/#more-117499

It amazes me how even much smaller companies are carrying the Windows Phones and Verizon just isn't carrying many.

image

There's a large market for Windows Phones, but Verizon just doesn't seem to want to be part of it.

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14 Replies
Not applicable

Actually just like the Surface Tablets that Microsoft has the Windows phones are a big failure. Keep reading on the issue or Google it. You have to remember marketing hype can be sent to either push sales or hurt sales. So don't just go by what I am saying look it up for yourself.

Windows phones on Verizon wireless is a business decision. They choose not to sell that many devices because they see the writing on the wall. Look how T-Mobile started not being to happy with the Blackberry devices. RIM/Blackberry is in big trouble. So let's say Verizon sells the Windows Phones and down the line Microsoft devices are troublesome and they are no longer supported. You the customer are stuck with the device, Verizon is stuck with excess stock, problems all around.

And don't forget Verizon is not going to be the blame for your device no longer getting service updates or anything that Microsoft is responsible for. Points to ponder I would say.

Oh, loved your graph!

Good Luck

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SickFreak
Specialist - Level 1

You must not be seeing the customer satisfaction information.  Most people that actually try the Windows Phone love it.

In a small way, it kind of reminds me of how Star Trek was treated by the network.  They didn't like it, so they did their best to kill it and then blaming Star Trek for the failure.  Of course, the Windows Phone isn't Star Trek, but since Verizon doesn't want Windows Phones to be a success on the Verizon Network, they're doing a good job of trying to kill it.

And if you've read some of my other posts, you'd know that when I help people to buy a phone, the VZW staff actually tries to push people into the Android or Apple while keeping the customers away from Windows Phones.

I'd rather VZW just come out with a statement saying that they hate Microsoft (and have for a while) and just won't carry their devices.  That way, instead of throwing us a bone with poor device or two, we can just move on.

Not applicable

That would be a great idea. Years ago and I mean when my phone was large enough to carry with a briefcase Erickson had a smaller device that was rated great, at the same time Motorola came out with a smaller device (first flip phone) not only did Bell Atlantic (today's Verizon) push them the Cellular One (today's AT&T) pushed them as well.

The Erickson devices were still offered but the cell providers were charging huge money for them. So Motorola won out.

My other phone was an NEC bag phone, great device and it also was able to be car mounted and installed. A full three watts.

It is how the carriers make their deals. Just like how regular retail stores operate today.

Good Luck

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TWog
Enthusiast - Level 1

<< Personal comment removed to comply with >>

Anyway, Windows Phone 8 is far from a "failure". While it's growth has been slow - it has been steady, particularly internationally.  "Google" that.

Your comments are nothing more than conjecture, and the original poster made some valid points.

WP8 adoption on Verizon has been mediocre at best compared to other carriers for a few reasons. One being that Verizon offers only a few devices and none of the budget devices that have really carried WP8 sales, such as the Nokia Lumia 520, 521, 620, 625 and 720. Another reason could be that Verizon's forced redesign of the Nokia Lumia's hurt their image and recognition, of the 3 WP8 devices Verizon has carried over the last year and a half, none have had the same design as Lumias available everywhere else - or the vast color selection which make Nokia Lumia's so recognizable. The Lumia has won several design awards for a reason, it makes no sense for Verizon to change it. A result of Verizon's demand on Nokia also delayed the Lumia Icon (a device that has received much praise from the tech community), which should have been released last year - same with the Lumia 928 which wasn't much more than Verizon's version of the 920 but came out several months after.

It actually makes business sense for Verizon to invest at least slightly in Windows Phone, but it seems Microsoft and/or Nokia has decided to align themselves more with AT&T, as they receive nearly all WP8 devices and some exclusives like the Lumia 1020 (the one with the 41 MP camera) and the Lumia 1520 (6" device). So, unfortunately Verizon has resorted to little tricks to differentiate their devices and in reality they have only hobbled them.

I enjoy my Windows Phone so much that if Verizon doesn't offer an adequate device from Nokia in the next month, I'll be leaving for AT&T... and I really don't want to do that, but it's almost like Verizon is sandbagging Nokia.

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

Not applicable

<< Personal comment removed >>

As I said don't have to take my word for my answer Google it.

And good luck over at AT&T.

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

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muneo
Enthusiast - Level 3

If you "search on the internet" you will find that the reason is exactly what TWog said. The lack of a less expensive Windows phone on Verizon is to blame.  Why pay $200 on contract when you can buy a 520/521 for $75-$100 off contract for T-mobile and ATT. Androids success has more to do with its cheap phone flooding the world market than its flagships.  Unlike Android phones, even the cheapest Windows phone (Lumia 520/521) runs buttery smooth and has received every single OS update that the flagships have gotten..  Strangely enough, the cheapest Windows phone also has a microSD card slot and several color choices.  So yeah, you can look at it in a financial sense in which Verizon wants you to pay more and be locked into a 2 year contract instead of having a decent phone and being free to change your provider at a drop of a hat. Consumer freedom is bad for business. 

Not applicable

Believe me I have nothing against Windows products. I have several desktop and laptops running it from Microsoft.

However as far as phones go, well I was reading that the devices just are not selling that well. In fact I think it was CNET that said the Surface Pro and the RT were a dismal failure as well as the Windows phone. They lumped in the Windows Phones with the overall sales results.

I am not downing the device on the face of it, I am using data from the people at Microsoft and as well as other sites.

Sort of like how Blackberry (RIM) is on the way down. And don't forget at one time they had the device to strive for.

Too many OS out there now, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows etc. it is in the marketing that I firmly believe is what makes and breaks any new anything.

The Windows 8 phone is just not doing to well. And I would think a major cellular company would see what is best for their bottom line. At this time Windows phones are not doing it.

Good Luck

Message was edited by: Elector

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muneo
Enthusiast - Level 3

Surface RT was a failure.  The latest Surface Pro iteration is doing way better than anticipated for if you check their sales/profit numbers.  The online Microsoft Store has trouble keeping them stocked. 

If you factor in Windows Phone started over twice (Windows Phone 7 and Windows Phone ๐Ÿ˜Ž in the past two years, the fact that they have close to 4% of the market is amazing.  Their sharply declining numbers from before that had more to do with everyone jumping ship from crappy Windows mobile 6.5 and going to Android or iOS than the failure of the new platform Windows Phone 7 gaining traction.  Now you have Windows phone 8 only a year after its birth enduring an already established Google and Apple duopoly, harsh anti-microsoft/Windows discrimination from customers as well as carriers and still grabbing 4%. As the smartphone population grows Windows Phone numbers grow or stay flat which means they arent an anomaly and are still taking a steady piece of the pie.   I guarantee next year they will start to make Apple sweat.  That doesnt mean they will overtake them but they will be slowly carving away at their numbers. 

Not applicable

I guess time will tell!

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RacingGreen
Enthusiast - Level 3

A VZ employee in an Indianapolis Verizon store told me the other day that he, "wouldn't tell (his) worst enemy to get a Windows phone!" His reasons were that there aren't any apps, no one has one, and they offer nothing better than ios or android, unless you're 'just a Windows person'.

This was his response to my interest in the Nokia Icon, which I have read great reviews about. I have an iphone 5 that I am not so happy with, and the new Icon is appealing.  (I also had a Palm Pre 2 that I loved, so maybe I have a history of buying into failing trends.....) I am not a big app user, but want good maps, calendar, use Evernote, Outlook, news readers, financial apps - basic stuff. Don't care about games, music, streaming anything.

SO: Do I ignore the sales-guy / 'expert' (at least he thinks so) AND ignore VZ's apparent corporate decision to hold its nose while offering the WP, or do I jump in and get the Icon? Is Windows phone the next Blackberry or Palm Pre?

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muneo
Enthusiast - Level 3

It seems that you are a casual user like I am.  It'll more than suite your needs but its important you scour the ICON forums on WPCentral, check the availability of your favorite apps and even spend an hour just playing with it at the store.

They have great maps options, Evernote, financial apps and news readers.  I'd say one of the bigger flaws is its simple calendar.  You can pretty much sync all your accounts to it and make changes to times, dates, attendees...etc. but its still somewhat simple for power users coming from other OSes. There are alternatives in the market that address some of the stock calendars shortcomings but it still needs more time to develop.

In terms of what WP offers that the others don't:

Over Apple - Larger clearer screens.  Better camera (for people that like adjusting settings to get unique shots).  Live/Adjustable Tiles instead of a plain static grid of icons. Being able to make more important tiles larger than others is a very underrated option.

Over Android - Better Quality/Build.  Better camera.  OS Updates don't make your phone obsolete and laggy...that is if you even get them.

With that said, Android and Apple are much more mature platforms so little but well thought out details may not be there yet for WP that you may take for granted currently on your IPhone 5.

Mert3
Newbie

All I want to know is when will Verizon offer the Nokia Lumia 1020? Does anyone here have an idea?

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primortal
Master - Level 1

Mert3 wrote:

All I want to know is when will Verizon offer the Nokia Lumia 1020? Does anyone here have an idea?

Keep dreaming, it's not going to happen.  The Icon is more superior than the 1020 in all aspects except the camera.  The 1520 would be more of a contender to come to VZW than the 1020.

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47seijar
Specialist - Level 2

The simple fact is that consumers overwhelmingly choose iPhones or Samsungs. If WP devices were selling better you can bet your bottom dollar Verizon would be carrying  more of them. Carriers HATE that the iPhone is the best selling mobile in the North American market. Apple's dictator-like policies and the costs involved in selling iPhones has the carriers begging for viable alternatives. WP just isn't there yet for the general consumer.

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