Verizon and Windows Phone
KenEng
Enthusiast - Level 1

This past weekend, I was in my local Verizon store, and inquired if they had any Icons left in stock. I have an AVIV SE, and am afraid I will never see the 8.1 update, which would give me access to Cortana, Microsoft Band and/or Fitbit, and a lot of other useful hardware and apps.

The Verizon employee replied no, which (to me) means that they must have sold out, which means they must have a demand for Windows Phone. Right?  But, instead she pretty much stated that why would anyone want a windows phone anyway, and she didn't expect them to be around much longer, and they would be going of business anyway.

I don't believe her for a minute, I love my Windows phone.  I even switched to Verizon just to be able to get a Widows Phone! I wish that Verizon would start supporting Windows Phone, and that the employees in the store would become familiar with it, and start supporting the platform.  I actually was just about laughed out of the store, which is where I bought my WP in the first place.  I was VERY unhappy with them.

I also wish Verizon and Microsoft would get over whatever their problems are, and start working together to support and sell this product. And, give us some better options for new phones! 

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Re: Verizon and Windows Phone
primortal
Master - Level 1

Unless Windows Phones grab more popularity than Andriod or iPhone will never see the brick and mortar stores care about Windows Phones let alone VZW put money into advertising devices.

In the meantime if you have a Microsoft Store around you that's the best place to purchase a Windows Phone and their warranty cannot be beat.  Pay a deductible and get a brand new phone instead of the refurbished crap VZW gives out.

If you don't have a Microsoft Store around you can purchase the Icon on line, Buy Nokia Lumia Icon for Verizon - Microsoft Store

Re: Verizon and Windows Phone
KenEng
Enthusiast - Level 1

Thanks primortal!  I have been looking into those options!  It's kind of a bad situation, because WP NEEDS the brick and mortar stores to help promote their product.  How else is it going to gain popularity?

I don't have a Microsoft store close, but may have to go on a road trip.

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Re: Verizon and Windows Phone
grafixguy
Contributor - Level 2

In the meantime, you could try the Preview for Developer which would give you the latest version of the operating system including Cortana. I'm not sure what type of firmware that Samsung would need if any so it might be all you need for now.

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Re: Verizon and Windows Phone
47seijar
Specialist - Level 2

Great link, Primortal! Good to know that just because Verizon isn't stocking the Icon it doesn't mean it's unavailable. And you're exactly right about Verizon assigning a relatively low priority to WP phones. It's a numbers game and WP just doesn't have the user base like Android and iOS. Where does Verizon make it's money? With the "big two." So that's where their priorities are. As a former BlackBerry user I got quite used to the feeling of second class citizen. It's an unfortunate reality for Windows Phone too.

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Re: Verizon and Windows Phone
Snn5
Legend

I'm an Android user, ever since I left my BlackBerry Curve 8330 behind when I almost had to go to an Android when ATT bought out my Alltel carrier.  The buyout only offered that we could stay with ATT, who bought out my area or cease and go to Verizon.  It also only offered an HTC Aria, Blackberry slightly newer than mine, and a basic flip phone.  I never really got a chance to get into the WP ecosystem, but I surely hope WP stays around.  One day i might want to go that route, but until then, Android and Apple need that competition.  Also, the Icon, from what I have been reading on these forums, is pretty slow about getting updates, and was promised a while back.  Many unhappy verizon customers who are otherwise happy with their Icon.

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