“It Can Wait” Campaign Grows – Backup From Sprint, VZW, T-Mobile & More
May 16th, 2013 by Analie
As you may already know, we’re big fans of the “It Can Wait” movement here at Divas and Dorks. Originally sponsored by AT&T, the It Can Wait campaign encourages smartphone user to stop texting and driving. The fever has caught on and now other companies are joining in spreading the word!
It Can Wait Campaign Grows – All 4 Major US Carriers Support the Cause
Now joined by Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile, the It Can Wait campaign is getting stronger. It doesn’t just have the support of these carriers, there are 200 other companies that are spreading the word.
“Texting while driving is a deadly habit that makes you 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash,” said AT&T Chairman & CEO Randall Stephenson. “Awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased, but people are still doing it. With this expanded effort, we hope to change behavior. Together, we can help save lives.”
The summer-long initiative kicks off on May 26th and will be supported by a new national advertising campaign featuring people who are living with the consequences of texting while driving, a large-scale nationwide texting-while-driving simulator tour, major retail presence in tens of thousands of stores, and more. The campaign, aimed at educating drivers to change behaviors that will ultimately help save lives, will run throughout the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, deemed by AAA as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers.
It Can Wait Campaign Grows: Shocking Facts About Texting and Driving:
Texting while driving is an epidemic, and it’s not isolated to teen drivers. It affects adults as well. A recent AT&T survey shows business commuters know texting while driving is unsafe, but they still engage in these behaviors. In fact:
They are texting and driving more than they used to.
- Six in 10 commuters said they never texted while driving three years ago.
Nearly half of commuters admit to texting while driving, which is more than teens.
- 49 percent of commuters self-report texting while driving, compared to 43 percent2 of teens.
Despite knowing the risks.
- 98 percent said sending a text or email while driving isn’t safe.
For many, it has become a habit.
- More than 40 percent of those who admitted to texting while driving called it a habit.
It Can Wait Campaign Grows – National Day of Action
The highlight of the summer campaign will be a national day of action on Sept. 19. On that day, It Can Wait advocates will reach out in their communities to raise awareness of the risks of texting while driving, encourage everyone to make a personal commitment not to text and drive and recruit others to join the growing ranks of advocates dedicated to saving lives by ending texting while driving.
Take the pledge and don’t text and drive: #ItCanWait
Are You Leading a Borderless Consumer Lifestyle?
December 27th, 2012 by AnalieWhat type of presents did you receive for the holidays? When your family came over did many of them ask you for the password to your Wi-Fi? How many of you or your loved ones received more than one gadget for the holidays?
Back in October Verizon released the results of one of their first surveys. The surveys examine the connected lifestyles we lead. (See 1st image). We learned a lot about who is using tech and how they’re using it lately.
According to Verizon:
“Borderless consumers are an important and rapidly growing segment, almost 40 percent of U.S. adults. These consumers use several devices and require connectivity, flexibility and choice whenever and wherever possible. They are defined as consumers who own a laptop or desktop, own a smartphone or tablet, have an Internet-enabled device at all times, are motivated to make technology and connectivity upgrades and are interested in the benefits of a connected home.”
As you can see technology and connectivity is important to the borderless consumer. Internet bills are one of the important utility bills to be paid. It’s no longer a luxury expense on the budget. Apps such as Dropbox give us access to our files at all times; but we need a mobile device to access the Dropbox app. The gadgets of the borderless consumer serve a purpose and are no longer just for entertainment purposes.
How did borderless consumers do during the holidays? (see the following image). It seems consumers are enjoying shopping from the comfort of their own home office. Check out how all consumers shopped for the holidays.
We are no longer restricted to one way of connecting. There was a time when we had to wait to use the home desktop PC. Now our TV’s are “Smart”. They receive and share data as well. Services such as Redbox Instant by Verizon are great for the borderless consumer. They can choose how to view their content; via DVD/Blu-Ray or streaming it.
Smartphones and tablets open up desktop-like webpages making online shopping easy on the go. Catalogue and phone shopping barely make the list as nearly only half of consumers shop in person. Times have surely changed?
Do you fall into the borderless consumer category? Where do you fall in with all the consumers?
Celebrate Your 2012 In Style With Verizon Wireless #My2012Moment
December 26th, 2012 by ChristenWhat’s the funniest thing that happened to you in 2012? What 2012 moment are you most proud of? What 2012 moment do you wish you could relive forever? Join us this Thursday as we kick off My2012Moment and relive the events that shaped our year!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Thursday, December 27 at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL TWITTER PARTY – Hosted by The Online Mom and Friends
#My2012Moment
Join @VerizonInsider @DivasandDorks @TheOnlineMom and friends this Thursday at 8pm ET as we look back at 2012 and Share Our Favorite Moments!
RSVP and join the party for a chance to win GREAT PRIZES!
(You must RSVP and attend the party to be eligible for a prize.)
To RSVP: Email RSVP@theonlinemom.com subject line: My2012Moment | Spread the word and RT this link on your Twitter feed: http://tinyurl.com/y8trhhf | Join us on Tweetchat or Tweetgrid (#My2012Moment) this Thursday between 8 and 9pm ET | Tell your Twitter followers!
Join DivasandDorks and Verizon Wireless
Monday, December 31st at 8pm ET
FOR A SPECIAL NYE PARTY IN THE HEART OF TIMES SQUARE
Tag you photos, tweets and more with #My2012Moment and you could appear on MTV’s Video Billboard in Times Square!
#My2012Moment
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This Season’s Holiday Shopping “Appvice” from Verizon Wireless
November 21st, 2012 by ChristenThere’s no better time to challenge the power of your smartphone to make your life a little easier this season. Black Friday chaos, Small Business Saturday shopping and Cyber Monday is right around the corner to kick off the holiday shopping season, and this year you have the power to control your entire shopping experience. Verizon is here to help! Tis the season to shop stress free this year and enjoy your holiday weekend with the help of these helpful apps, tips and Verizon’s 4G LTE Network:
Take Control of Your Commute with VZ Navigator
- Map out where you want to go and what route you want to take. Use VZNavigator for turn-by-turn directions, your location, and live traffic conditions to avoid the crowds. Use real-time, turn-by-turn spoken directions with street names and true-to-life images of highway and exit signs, many in 3D. Advanced navigation instructions include landmarks such as traffic lights and number of streets. Discover millions of destinations and businesses that are constantly updated for accuracy, including the nearest ATMs and low gas prices. Search by name or category: restaurants, shopping, airports, museums and more.
- If you’re interested in searching for deals by store, product categories, or most recent offers, download the TGI Black Friday App . This app lets you view Black Friday ads from all major retail stores, create a personal shopping list, and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal. TGI Black Friday is currently the highest rated Black Friday app for the Apple iPhone in 2011. The free app allows you to search thousands of Black Friday deals for every major retail store. You can create a personal shopping list and use your iPhone to shop smarter and faster on Black Friday.
- Worried about your favorite team rather than a shopping deal? Don’t! With the Verizon NFL Mobile you get 24/7 access to everything NFL. Check out scores, latest news, and highlights.
- Ready for Small Business Saturday? Make sure you stay fueled so your shopping experience is a marathon not a sprint. Small Business Saturday, is Saturday, November 24th! Support local business and download the Yelp app so you know where to get the closest cup of joe or sandwich to keep you going. Find and read reviews about great local businesses near you. Looking for a burrito joint open now? An Irish pub nearby? A gas station you can drive to before your tank hits empty? Yelp for Android is here to help. Use us to search for places to eat, shop, drink, relax and play then read reviews from an active community of locals in the know.
- Cyber Monday is important and on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network you’ll be able to search and shop faster. With the Amazon.com app you can use that power to compare prices, read reviews, and buy all the latest gear and gadgets. Browse, search & buy millions of products right from your Android device. The Amazon Mobile App allows Android users to browse and “Shop by Department”, quickly search, compare prices, read reviews, share products with friends, access Gold Box Deals, and make purchases on Amazon.com.
Looking For Free Wi-Fi? Try Saks Fifth Avenue Free Wireless For All!
September 19th, 2012 by Tech StaffStarbucks won’t be the only go-to hot-spot for quick Wi-Fi action for long. Fashionistas can rejoice, haute fashion house Saks Fifth Avenue has announced that Wi-Fi service from AT&T is coming to all 44 locations across the United States. This is actually the culmination of a gradual roll-out that began last November at the original store in New York City. Now, you’ll be able to connect at any location – Saks suggests that you use it to view their FashionFix app, which introduces you to even more fashions and features an event calendar for all the store locations.
What do you think, can you see yourself breaking out the laptop at Saks?
Everpurse Wirelessly & Fashionably Charges Your Smartphone
September 14th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Everpurse - A new Kickstarter project aims to take frustration out of the equation for female iPhone users thanks to a series of stylish wristlet and clutch purses with built-in wireless power. Called the Everpurse, its internal 2500 milliamp battery will keep you going all day and throughout the night, whether you have an iPhone 4, 4S or the latest 5 model. (Note: The company plans to develop an Android-compatible Everpurse, as well).
The device starts charging when you place it into one of the purse’s pockets. Everpurse owners will have to eventually charge its battery pack with an AC adapter, which is typical for most charging packs.
“You shouldn’t have to decide between fashion and function,” the company says on its Kickstarter page. “You can leave home early in the morning, go through a full day of work (Facebooking, Instagramming, games, calls and web surfing) and still have hours and hours left of battery when you go out to dinner or party into the early morning.”
Although the project launched earlier this week, it has already accumulated more than $60,000 from backers. But it’s still about $40,000 shy of its target goal. All orders — which start at $99 for fabric and $129 for leather — come with a charging mat.
Now the REAL question is… which fashion designer would opt for the Everpurse technology first? Will it be tech-forward brands like Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors or Vivienne Tam?
The New Nokia Lumia 920 With Wireless Charging & “Pureview” Camera
September 5th, 2012 by ChristenIn a push to raise the stakes just days before Apple’s iPhone 5 Press Event, Nokia has announced it’s newest flagship device that caters to iPhone lovers everywhere. The New Nokia Lumia 920 (the fourth Lumia model) boasts wireless charging capabilities, an upgraded “Pureview” camera and will run on the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8. Is it enough to bring the once mobile giant back to greatness? Check out a few of the new features below…
•Wireless charging: The phone has a built-in feature that allows it to be charged wirelessly when the device is placed on a charging pad, which is sold separately. The system uses the Qi standard, developed by a consortium of companies that are pursuing a common technology for wirelessly charging other products.
•Enhanced camera: The phone’s “PureView” 8-megapixel camera uses a technique that produces high-definition clarity. It captures five to 10 times the amount of light of other smartphone cameras, the company says. Its “floating lens” technology moves and reacts to the movement in the lens, allowing more light to come in. “The technology reacts to minute movements in your hand,” says Jo Harlow, a Nokia executive at the New York press conference to introduce the phone.
•Built-in navigation:Nokia Maps, Drive, and Transport, a turn-by-turn voice navigation app, will be pre-installed. It will also contain public transportation details and real-time traffic alerts. The map will be available off-line, meaning users don’t need Internet access to use it.
•Place finder: City Lens is an augmented-reality app that shows names of shops and restaurants overlaid on the surfaces of buildings on the camera screen.
•High-definition screen: Its PureMotion HD + screen is “better than” other HD screens, Harlow says. “The video will just pop off the screen,” she says.
It’ll also have the largest battery to date installed on Nokia phones, a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor and a 4.5-inch HD screen. The phone will be available later this year.
shared via
What do you think? Will current Windows phone owners rush to the Nokia Lumia 920? Are you a current Windows phone owner or considering becoming one? Do you think the new Lumia 920 release will impact the release of Apple’s iPhone 5 device later this month? Let us know below.
#Celebr8UrStory With Verizon Wireless and Power Your Network!
July 10th, 2012 by ChristenDuring the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA over the holiday weekend – Verizon Wireless kept busy hosting several events celebrating life’s journeys ending with a celebration of your story.
In honor of Verizon’s “Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network” campaign Verizon Wireless held a media brunch at the legendary New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase. The campaign, launched earlier this year in and effort to celebrate black history month beyond February, spotlights seven influential African-American leaders, including the 3 Doctors, Pastor Marvin Sapp, actor Laz Alonso, trailblazers in sports Tia Norfleet and Malcolm Jenkins, Dr. Steve Perry & DJ Beverly Bond. Throughout the dinner, Laz Alonso shared his story on how he’s constantly building his life brick by brick from BET to becoming an acclaimed actor in ‘Avatar’ and details on his upcoming NBC show.
During an afternoon of empowering conversation, candid stories of strength, tenacity and the will to build, grow and continue on the road to success – both Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp shared words of wisdom and memorable moments.
Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp speak during the Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
Guest media enjoyed intimate conversations with Laz Alonso, Marvin Sapp, Verizon executives and more over an authentic New Orleans buffet-style brunch consisting of Gumbo, Mac & Cheese, Fried Fish, Shrimp, Grits and more! The afternoon concluded with a surprise Verizon gift which included a Verizon Pantech Breakout 4G LTE smartphone. (Find out how you can win your very own Pantech Breakout 4G LTE below…)
Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon’s Celebrating Your Story
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- Verizon Brunch at the legendary Dooky Chase Restaurant
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- Laz Alonso & Marvin Sapp prepare to speak during the Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon shares the inspiration behind the “Celebrate Your Story” campaign
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- Verizon Brunch is served at Dooky Chase
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Marvin Sapp
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Laz Alonso
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- Verizon Brunch at Dooky Chase with Roland Martin, Marvin Sapp, Laz Alonso & owner Leah Chase
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- Verizon Brunch Media guests at Dooky Chase
{Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell}
How would you like to win your very own Pantech Breakout 4G LTE smartphone (Valued at $359.99). It’s EASY!
Simply comment below and share your accomplishment or story that you’d like to celebrate and you’re entered to win. IT’S THAT EASY! We will select the best story on July 27th 2012.
****UPDATED****
CONGRATULATIONS APRIL! YOU’RE THE WINNER OF THE #Celebr8UrStory With Verizon Wireless PRIZE PACK!
****UPDATED****
The Verizon HTC Incredible 4G LTE is finally here, Is it the next BIG smartphone?
July 10th, 2012 by Tech Staff
In a market saturated with droids galore the HTC Incredible 4G LTE holds it’s own on the playground. At first sight it felt like the skinny cousin of the iPhone, with a rubberized coated back, a sleek 4 inch screen, I was quickly impressed with its aesthetic features. I then went to town to figure out if all that they boasted about the 8 megapixel camera was true… the jury is split. With great light and not zoomed in the pictures looked vivid, and beautiful, while on the other side in poor lighting and with zoom the camera didn’t meet its promise of its ability to adjust. The picture was grainy, almost blurry and so disappointing. On the bright side I loved the filters that are programed with the camera, I put people underwater and even cartoonized one beautiful woman. Another cool feature is the ability to take video and take pictures while doing so, I was quite impressed with that and thought that would be great for capturing some seriously funny situations on the train for youtube and pics for my instagram.
I also put the 4g LTE to the test tethering my iPad to it for a twitter party and to browse the internet in my opinion it did very well though within a couple of hours 3 to be exact the battery had breathed its last breath. All in all it did its duty and I didn’t miss a beat.
Can we talk about standby time? I’ve never met a smartphone that didn’t run down on me by the end of the day even with little to no usage. This phone really impressed me I didn’t charge it for a day and a half (I also didn’t use it) but still had 40% battery life when I checked and finally charged it for use. Really?! I was in love with that fact and thought to myself if only more phones could be that way. The charge time is fast from dead to full life only took about an two hours shut off plugged into the wall.
The keyboard while decent for me could pose a really big problem for someone who’s fingers are normal adult size. ( I have freakishly small hands for an adult woman) You may want to use the dictate which for me was mediocre when it came to picking up words with more than 2 syllables.
Last but not least the music was powered by beats and I utilized my Velodyne headphones which gave me great sound without blasting the headphones which saved my life on the train with loud and obnoxious people every time.
Pros – Call quality & battery life is better than expected. Runs Android 4.0 – Fast data speeds and sound performance.
Cons – Camera specs could be better, while good, are a step behind other top-of-the-line devices.
All and all if I was going to finally commit myself to a Droid the HTC incredible 4G LTE would be my choice with a great battery life, 4G LTE speed, and a camera with lots of options to work in my best interest. And starting at $149.99 with a 2-year contract, I would make the transition from team Apple to team Droid seamlessly.
Why The Now Defunct AT&T / TMobile Deal Will SUCK For You…
December 19th, 2011 by ChristenHere are some options to consider IF the merger would’ve gone through…but since we no longer have that to worry about, I guess everyone is safe…that is until we consider why this defunct deal will suck for consumers…
1. No iPhone, if a T-Mobile customer.
2. Phones with better data options — soon.
3. Billing cycles change.
4. Higher fees for T-Mobile subscribers.
5. Bye, bye unlimited data plans.
6. No more unlocking.
7. Hello, rollover minutes.
But, you heard right. AT&T has officially dropped it controversial $39 Billion bid to purchase T-Mobile (*whispers a prayer of gratitude* – I tried to wait it out with TMobile & now I’m glad I didn’t.)
According to the official statement from AT&T, the FCC and DOJ (Federal Communications Commission & Department of Justice) got all in the mix and now it’s the consumer who will suffer most.
AT&T says: ”The actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice to block this transaction do not change the realities of the U.S. wireless industry. It is one of the most fiercely competitive industries in the world, with a mounting need for more spectrum that has not diminished and must be addressed immediately. The AT&T and T-Mobile USA combination would have offered an interim solution to this spectrum shortage. In the absence of such steps, customers will be harmed and needed investment will be stifled.”
So now that we know what happened we can easily speculate the following:
The merger would’ve created the largest US Carrier crushing Verizon’s 102 million subscribers. This time last year, TMobile was loosing when it came to customer retention (they lost almost 320,000 contract customer in Q4) – while AT&T was on the other end of the stick gaining 2.8 million customers during that same time. Since Tmobile has a heafty supply of towers – that could’ve easily been used to AT&T’s advantage (no more dropped calls, anyone?) The non-merger will leave consumers in decision mode when deciding which wireless company will give them the biggest bang for the buck. Just keep in mind:
- Contract cancellation fees – yup, they’ll suck for you…
- Unlimited calling & data plans – yup, they’ll continue to suck for you…
- That whole 4G thing? Who are we kidding, that’ll definitely suck for you…
Not the quite the news we were expecting on this wireless business game, but hey, we’ve always been more of a Monopoly game fan anyways…
