BASKING RIDGE, N.J.—Starting next week, Chocolate phone users will be able to get a software upgrade that will add speakerphone capabilities to their handset. Users will be able to visit Verizon Wireless retail outlets to get the free software upgrade.
Verizon recently introduced its music-focused Chocolate phone, which features a sleek, sliding design and dedicated music keys. The phone features a variety of high-end functions like GPS location capabilities, but—when first released—the phone did not include speakerphone functions.
Now, with the free software upgrade, users will be able to add speakerphone functions to their already-purchased phone by visiting a Verizon Wireless retail outlet.
The issue of software upgrades is a relatively new one to the wireless industry. Some high-end phone vendors, like Treo maker Palm Inc., routinely offer software upgrades for various features—much like Microsoft Corp. does for its Windows computer operating system. But most phone vendors do not offer software upgrades.
However, several vendors are pushing a new technology for cell phones called over-the-air updating, or OTA. Such technology allows carriers, handset manufacturers and others to push new software down to handsets over a wireless connection, thereby eliminating the need for customers to bring their phones in to a retail outlet to get a software upgrade.
A Verizon Wireless spokeswoman said that the carrier uses such upgrading technology to modify settings in users’ handsets—like updating a roaming list, for example. However, she said the carrier has not yet deployed a full OTA offering.
“Yes, we’re looking at it and we’re certainly working to that goal” of offering full OTA software upgrades, said Verizon’s Brenda Raney.
