The Boy Genius reports that Verizon just announced they are planning on using Android:

Resistance is futile, or so it seems, as everyone looks to be jumping on Google’s new Android mobile handset operating platform. The newest convert to the ways of Google is Verizon. The company has just announced that they will plan on using Android in one form or another…

It all stems from a BusinessWeek article titled Verizon Embraces Google’s Android:

In yet another sudden shift, Verizon Wireless plans to support Google’s (GOOG) new software platform for cell phones and other mobile devices. Verizon Wireless had been one of several large cellular carriers withholding support from the Android initiative Google launched in early November.

But given the stunning U-turn Verizon Wireless made Nov. 27, announcing plans to allow a broader range of devices and services on its network, Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam says it now makes sense to get behind Android. “We’re planning on using Android,” McAdam tells BusinessWeek. “Android is an enabler of what we do.”

Welcome to the Party…

Nokia issued a press release unveiling the new device management features of its Intellisync Mobile Suite:

Nokia Intellisync Device Management delivers single service-optimized device management platform that seamlessly combines OMA DM and Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite device management technologies

New York, NY - Nokia unveils today the newest device management features of Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite. The next generation release offers single platform to manage both OMA DM compatible mobile devices as well as devices running Nokia Intellisync Mobile Suite client. This technology approach provides flexibility to support a wide variety of mobile devices and operating systems with advanced device management functionalities such as device configuration, application management, asset collection, help desk, theft-loss protection and recovery…

Mobility Site has the skinny.

Simon Judge is attempting to understand how Google Maps Mobile cell ID-based location actually works:

Hence, my best guess at how this all works is…

App sends IMEI and Cellid (if available) to Google
If IMEI is for operator with location service agreement then get position
else if Cellid available then look it up in Google cellid/position database
else tell the user their phone isn’t supported

He also notes that Java ME, in most cases, is unable to reliably retrieve a cell ID.

Is there something in the air? Verizon has traditionally been the network that tries the hardest to stay closed. They have been downright mean in how they cripple hardware.

new open network:

Beginning early 2008, however, Verizon will open itself to, “[a]ny device that meets the minimum technical standard,” and “[a]ny application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices.” The company has yet to announce the minimal technical standards that it will set for applicable devices and applications. This is expected to be unveiled during an upcoming developers conference. A Verizon representative stated in a press conference this morning that the minimal standards are in place solely to ensure that devices will work with the network and that applications won’t have adverse effects on network users, such as the spread of malware.

Asked whether the network would be open to potential hardware manufacturers beyond the major players, Verizon CTO Dick Lynch stated, “If someone has the ability to build a phone in their basement on a breadboard, and they want to bring it us, the philosophy says, ‘Have at it.’”

“I think it’s important for us to realize that it’s not just phones that we’re talking about,” Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam added. He stated that the newly opened network would have the potential to cater to new devices that could potentially utilize the network, such as gaming systems. “It doesn’t matter whether it sells five or 5,000 devices,” added McAdam. “This makes it possible for anyone who wants to get into the game to get into the game. It just has to meet the general connectivity standards.”

We haven’t heard the real details, which should be coming at a Verizon developer event, but it seems to be a great time to be a mobile developer, and a consumer!