Another contender is about to enter the war of the smartphones. Image from Wikimedia.

Though the commercials for the Verizon Motorola Droid were stark and simple — just black text on a white background — they have created a lot of hype. Since the Droid commercials started airing, everyone has been waiting to find out the Droid release date, and now it has been discovered.

Several sources say the Verizon Motorola Droid release will be Oct. 30. The big question looming over Verizon’s head is whether holiday sales of the Droid will beat out the iPhone. After spending so much money on development and advertising, Verizon and Motorola might need a loan until payday, when Droid actually starts selling and turning a profit.

Droid directly challenges iPhone

The reason Droid commercials have made such a splash is because of their controversial nature. Verizon chose to use an advertising strategy not commonly seen, which is to directly challenge another product. It does seem that lately — unless it’s a cola controversy — Apple always seems to be involved in these direct comparison advertisements.

After all, Apple has been using the Mac versus PC commercials for quite sometime. In answer, Microsoft began running “I’m a PC” commercials, in which people favor PCs to Macs. Once again, Apple is getting a taste of its own medicine, as Droid is being advertised under the slogan “Everything iDon’t, Droid does.” These advertisements are drawing a lot of attention because Apple customers generally are staunchly loyal. Furthermore, in the case of Verizon’s attack on iPhone, Verizon started it.

Poised for big release

While it’s true that Apple customers tend to be almost snobbishly loyal, there are also consumers who are vehemently opposed to Apple products for one reason or another. Those types will likely pounce on the Droid release date, relieved to finally have an option that, by all accounts, appears to be superior to the iPhone.

Of course, it will all come down to a matter of preferece, so it is tough to say whether the Verizon Motorola Droid will actually surpass the iPhone in popularity and profits. But with advertising creating a buzz and people eagerly awaiting the Droid release date, I’d say the Droid is off to a good start. Check out a photo of the Droid.

People wait in an iPhone 3G S line in Tokyo.

It seems more people are interested in reading about the iPhone 3GS lines than they are in standing in them. Though people camped outside the flagship Apple store in New York, the lines this year just don’t seem impressive to anyone after the iPhone launch craze in 2007 or last summer’s pandemonium when Apple launched the iPhone 3G.

Tech writers across the country have some pretty different reactions to the iPhone 3G S lines. I am just wondering whether anyone took out a  quick payday loan to pay for it.

A line is a line

Some publications, such as the New York Times, recognize that if anyone at all camps out for a product or stands outside the store in line before it’s open on launch day, it’s a pretty big deal. PC World seems to agree, but both also had to recognize that the iPhone 3G S lines are substantially diminished compared to previous launches. From the New York Times:

Despite competition from the gloomy weather and a nearby Jonas Brothers performance, more than 400 Apple aficionados were waiting outside the company’s New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue at 7 a.m., when the iPhone 3G S officially went on sale.

…

According to reports of the lines in New York, Florida and Paris, the lines and waiting times seemed more manageable than they were for the original iPhone unveil in 2007 or last year’s rollout of the 3G model.

From PC World:

For the third consecutive summer, Apple released a new phone, and for the third consecutive summer, crowds flocked to buy it–though perhaps not in as large a number as they had in the past.

Smaller lines not a surprise

PC World and the New York Times also agree that the smaller crowds and smaller iPhone 3G S lines make sense. This upgrade isn’t as big as the last one. Of course, it can’t be argued that an iPhone upgrade pales in comparison to the launch of the original product in 2007. Still, workers at the New York Apple store were pleased with the turnout.

“We were worried because it was pouring last night, but this morning we were completely blown away by the energy and excitement,” said Greg Joswiak, vice president of iPod and iPhone product marketing for Apple.

Small fuss should be no fuss

Popular tech review site Gizmodo makes it thoughts on the iPhone 3G S lines clear in the headline of its piece today: “Why in hell are people camping out for the iPhone 3G S?” Gizmodo writer Jesus Diaz obviously doesn’t think the iPhone 3G S is a big deal, and he makes it clear by writing only a couple of sentences about the event. The content of those sentences makes it all the more clear, just in case there were any doubt in readers’ minds on Diaz’s thoughts:

Why are these people waiting in line for the iPhone 3GS? It’s the same iPhone but faster, there will be plenty available in stores everywhere, and you won’t be any cooler for having it now because nobody will notice.

Apple’s Worldwide Developers conference starts today, and rumors about the new iPhone are flying.

Many sources say that Apple will reveal the iPhone 3.0 today. The Huffington Post says:

Apple execs will show off parts of the new iPhone 3.0 operating system. And someone — Phil Schiller; Steve Jobs? — is expected to show off a new iPhone.

New iPhone’s new features

The Huffington Post also printed a list of new features that the new iPhone is likely to feature:

• Faster processor.
• More storage capacity.
• Faster Internet speeds.
• Video recording.
• Better camera.
• Digital compass.
• More iPhone 3.0 software features, such as video editing, and potentially a new home screen that’s better designed for organizing and launching dozens of apps.

New iPhone replaces other technology

Possibly the best news about the new iPhone is that you won’t have to decide between a video camera, netbook and new smartphone. The New iPhone could potentially save  you a bundle; you could get all these things with one cash advance by investing in a new iPhone.

New iPhone could save money on netbook

You’ve heard of netbooks; they’re those tiny laptops that skip all of the frills on regular laptops, such as disk drives, so they’re ultra small and ultra cheap.

Will the new iPhone be revealed today?

You can get a netbook for as little as $200 in some cases, but a netbook doesn’t double as a cell phone. Netbooks that take photos and video cost a bit more, so if you so a new iPhone could potentially get you more for your money. I predict the new iPhone will probably be in the neighborhood of $200 to $300, but people who sign up for a longterm contract will get a better deal.

The new iPhone will probably allow the same speed and level of internet access you’d get from a netbook. But the iPhone is even smaller and has more features.

New iPhone doubles as camera

Besides being a cell phone with internet access, the new iPhone also will take high-quality photos and video. Most photos nowadays never make it onto paper. Digital photos often only exist digitally; they end up on Flickr or Facebook, where they stay.

Of course, you can print out the digital photos you take with your new iPhone on photo paper, and the quality will come pretty close to what you’d get with a pricey digital camera. So, unless you’re looking for a device that takes super-high-quality, professional photos, the new iPhone could save you money on a digital camera.

New iPhone takes video

You never know when you might need to make a video in a split second. Nowadays, fame often depends on timing when it comes to YouTube, so it might be worth it for you to have a video camera ready at all times.

When it comes to smart phones in America, there are three things that should be accepted as fact:

1. That they are expensive (there are people who have used payday loans and credit cards to buy them)
2. The iPhone is the phone of choice for non-business users
3. You have to be an AT&T subscriber if you want an iPhone (barring unlocking the phone and voiding the warranty)

But number three may not be true for much longer. Leslie Cauley reports for USA TODAY that Verizon and iPhone may be holding hands soon.

What a blow to AT&T!

Verizon and Apple are reported to be in discussion regarding the development of a separate iPhone for the Verizon network. If things go well, insiders predict it will introduced in 2010. This would be the first time Apple has produced an American iPhone that will work on a CDMA wireless network like the one Verizon uses. Vodafone, co-owner of Verizon Wireless, already sells the iPhone in Europe.

The AT&T-based iPhone 3G operates on a GSM network, which is the most popular type of wireless network worldwide.

AT&T’s exclusive deal ending soon

“High-level” talks apparently began between Verizon and Apple months ago, when Apple CEO Steve Jobs was still in charge of day-to-day operations. Even though Jobs is on medical leave until June, the conversations continue.

AT&T has exclusive U.S. distribution rights to the iPhone into 2010. That contract began in 2006, before the iPhone had even been released. However, if things progress with Verizon, it is clear they won’t be alone once that deal expires. Experts predict AT&T will do all it can to beg Apple to sign another exclusive deal for another year.

Consumers are the winners

“Breaking the (iPhone) exclusivity with AT&T is a huge thing,” said Roger Entner of Nielsen. “That would send shivers into AT&T’s stock and senior leadership.” But at the same time, consumers would have more choice, which helps to regulate prices through competition.

Currently, iPhone has helped AT&T to monster wireless sales numbers. According to reports, AT&T has taken on at least 1.6 million iPhone customers during this quarter alone. For these customers, 40 percent of them are new to the AT&T network. As a result of this shot in the arm from Apple, AT&T’s reported revenue from its wireless network was up nearly 40 percent.

What more does Apple need?

If Apple does indeed tap into the Verizon Wireless network of users, they would gain access to about 80 million customers, says Entner. Some customers may already have an iPhone (they may be a paying customer in both networks), but the vast majority do not. Thus, Verizon customers purchasing Verizon iPhones would be a great stimulus to Apple’s bottom line.

The tale of the tape for Verizon and AT&T would be like a tale of two cities. On the one hand, even though AT&T’s 3G network is generally considered faster, people on the fence could easily choose the competition. Verizon’s network is generally considered to be more reliable, although this varies by region. AT&T won’t be shout out of the iPhone party, but they’d have to share the wealth. And a little bit of competition is definitely a good thing for American consumers who are looking to save where they can during this recession.

Related Video:

Several different types of smart phones can support Windows software.

If Microsoft needs a fast cash advance to get Windows Mobile 6.5 on shelves sooner, it should highly consider getting one. Microsoft is falling far behind in the world of phones. It announced its new smart phone software today, but the program won’t be out for another six months.

Slip sliding away

Microsoft used to be leader of the pack when it came to smart phones, but its market share is slipping. This is largely because while other companies, such as Apple, T-Mobile and RIM, are issuing software updates while Microsoft is issuing phones. If Microsoft can’t catch up with the new trends in the mobile market, it’s headed for some serious financial problems.

A new outlook

All the other companies competing for mobile market share are treating their smart phones like computers, which get software upgrades frequently and all on the same device. Microsoft is getting the picture now, but is it too late? Maybe if Microsoft offers a fast cash advance to loyal customers, they’ll stay loyal.

Imperfect platforms

Part of the problem is Microsoft’s business model. Unlike other smart phone companies, Microsoft doesn’t manufacture its own phones. The key to Microsoft stepping up its performance in the mobile phone sector is to be specific with its partners about how devices that support Windows Mobile are supposed to operate.

Share and share alike

Microsoft operates its mobile business by selling licenses for its software to several different hardware manufacturers. However, this can mean the devices don’t work quickly enough or seamlessly enough with Windows Mobile. It also confuses users and muddies exactly what the Windows Mobile experience is supposed to be like.

People are much more comfortable using software they can discuss with their friends. If Jane and Jill have the same software but different hardware and different ways of using it, they’re going to end up confused and angry that they have to call an IT person with a question instead of just asking a friend.

Microsoft definitely needs to step it up, and if a fast cash advance is needed to get the company going in the right direction, it will be worth it.

Related articles

• Windows Mobile 6.5 Announced, Leaks Confirmed [Mwc'09] (i.gizmodo.com)
• Microsoft Recite for Windows Mobile previewed (Emil Protalinski/Ars Technica) (techmeme.com)
• Microsoft’s Price For New Windows Mobile Backup: Free (MSFT) (Eric Krangel/Silicon Alley Insider) (techmeme.com)

Decreased demand for SUVs and large trucks has had ripple effects on the auto industry, and consequentially the manufacturing industry.

Your payday loan source keeps you up to date on the nation’s economy.

Eaton Corp., an industrial parts and systems maker, announced that it is cutting 5,200 jobs. Paired with cuts last year of about 3,400, the company has cut about 10 percent of its work force.

Eaton says the cuts are due to decreased demand for its products. The manufacturing  industry as a whole took a huge hit last year. The manufacturing index hit a 28-year low.

Connecting the dots

The auto industry is in dire straights and has asked the government for a bailout as big-name companies lose profits and workers. The demand for automobiles has greatly diminished and companies lost money on SUVs and trucks when gas prices skyrocketed over the summer.

The auto industry is one of Eaton’s biggest clients, specifically trucks. As the auto industry suffers, Eaton manufacturing is taking a hit, too. The overall downfall in the manufacturing sector is related to the troubles in the auto industry as well as the housing industry.

On a local level

President Barack Obama’s home state, Illinois, ranks fourth among states in terms of manufacturing jobs. Between November 2007 and November 2008 the state lost more that 20,000 manufacturing jobs.

Industrial employment in the state dropped 2.1 percent. Nearly 1 million of the state’s residents are employed in the manufacturing industry. Some manufacturing jobs don’t pay very well, but at least employed workers have the option of getting a payday loan when times get tight.

Besting Circuit City; more changes in the job market

In the wake of electronic retail giant Circuit City announcing it will liquidate its assets and close its doors, its main competitor is undergoing a change of leadership. Best Buy Chief Executive  Brad Anderson will retire this summer, and Brian Dunn will take over his post.

Though Best Buy saw lower-than-expected profits during the holidays, the company has managed to stay healthy and viable as Circuit City went bankrupt and finally decided to go out of business. Anderson says his strategy was to focus on customer types rather than products.

The invisible hand

In the case of Circuit City and Best Buy, the recession seems to be forcing the free market into a sort of Darwinian pattern as only the strongest companies survive. Another rivalry to keep an eye on is the one going on between Apple computer company and companies making Netbooks. Netbooks are small, cheap laptops.

Apple has long been a trend setter in the electronics industry. With iPhones, iPods and iBooks, it gained a huge following of technophiles who always needed the newest thing. But those types of customers are becoming replaced with a new kind of consumer — the kind whose main goal is to save money. Netbooks, by manufacturers such as eMachines, can cost as little as $250. Apple’s least expensive notebook computer retails for $999.

Your payday loan source keeps you updated on the economy.

At Personal Money Store we talk a lot about payday loans, but we also like to keep you informed on bargains buys and money saving tips as well. The latest on our list to share with you is what we have heard in regards to Apples flagship product the Apple iPhone.

Have you seen the latest publicity on the Apple iPhone? New information has leaked out across the internet claiming that Wal-Mart will become an Apple iPhone distributor.  Huh?

How Did That Happen?

Wal-Mart is not exactly what you would call a leader in the home electronics arena. Of what they do offer in consumer electronics that are name brand and industry standard, they seem to lack in qualified sales representatives. This provides a less than savory environment to lure buyers into purchasing their products.

What Wal-Mart lacks as a consumer electronics dealer in comparison to other chains who are offering electronics as their specialty, makes it even more of a challenge to become successful in the electronics industry.

Wal-Mart’s New Approach May Allow Them To Compete With The Big Boys

Wal-Mart seems to have caught on to this dilemma and has begun contracting out qualified staff from other firms to work on site at select locations to educate customers and Wal-Mart employees on the different consumer electronic products and the differences between them. Some of these technologies include things like Digital Television, HDTV, LCD, Plasma and etc.

In an effort to increase sales, and provide the customer with a better buyers experience they will be addressing consumers individual needs to help them find the best product for the best price.

Tag Teaming With Apple

Wal Mart is where you can get those wonderful toys.

Rumors which have leaked out on the internet say that the IPhone may be available at Wal-Mart by Dec 15th for only $99 which will help draw in consumers looking for those holiday gift sales before Christmas. The rumors say that this buy will be for Apples 4Gig IPhone model only, not the 8Gig.  That’s a price so low, you won’t need payday loans to get your hands on the latest and greatest.

More Rumors, Different Story

Mac Rumors.com however claims that it will only carry the 8Gig model of the iPhone and the delivery date will be on December 28th missing Christmas altogether. The savings on the 8Gig model won’t be putting anyone out of business as the sale price is set to be $197 which is only $2 less than the $199 norm.

Apple has been very selective in its choice of retailers for its iPhone product. Choosing Wal-Mart as an industry retailer will further increase Apples domination of the mobile phone market due to the sheer volume of product that Wal-Mart sells. The range of merchandise offered at Wal-Mart draws a multitude of traffic to each of their store locations on a daily basis from which Apple will be able to capitalize on.

The Apple IPhone has become a household name, it’s readily available and comes with benefits. Kind of like payday loans.

-Personal Money Store

Yesterday’s article “Payday loans Are Up, Available jobs are down | Want to keep you job? Here’s How”, spoke of the number of layoffs that the nation has been seeing do to the current recession America has been undergoing since December of 2007.

AT&T adds to America’s Layoff Statistics

12,000 more layoffs added to AT&T's Pink List.

Numbers have gone up another notch today as AT&T announced today the layoff of about 12,000 employees or 4% of it’s total workforce. This comes on top of the 4600 jobs that they said they would layoff last April.

AT&T, a telecommunication company based in Dallas, Texas provides phone coverage in 22 states is just one in a long list of companies cutting staff, closing their doors, or going bankrupt.

Why The Lay Offs?

Their seems to be more than a couple things working against the telecommunications company as there basic land based phone line customers have dropped eleven percent in just the last quarter alone.

Many customers who have been subscribing to both a wireless carrier as well as a home based land line service, are beginning to leave their landlines behind for their wireless cell phone plans. This is likely to be influenced by both, customers looking to save a little extra money in a troubled economy and well as a simple preference in the technology and features that the wireless services provide.

Consumers Throwing Out The Old And Ushering In The New

With the onset of the latest cell phone features and services, as well as the increasingly affordable cell phone packages and family plans, consumers are seeing the wireless route to be to their advantage. Ditching the landlines is simply the next step in today’s digital world.

AT&T, understands this well as they have been on the digital front line for many years. They also offer cell phone services and broadband internet access which the company says it will be continuing to fill positions for. It’s this diversification in today’s advances which keeps the company profitable even though their shares have gone down 35% in 2008 alone.  The company may be in need of payday loans if this keeps up.

AT&T's contract with Apple as the sole wireless carrier is undoubtedly helping them brave the storm

iPhone Helps AT&T Brave The Economic Landslide

One of the greatest acquisitions they were able to make recently was that of the popular mobile carrier, Cingular Wireless. Now AT&T, the front runner in the wireless community, continues their campaign out front b benefiting some from the relationship they nurture with Apple, as AT&T is the official wireless carrier of the popular iPhone which consequently, everyone has “Got to have”. The advent of AT&T’s 3G Network has also helped by giving consumers broad band speeds for voice over their mobile devices for voice and data communications.

AT&T’s marketing prowess and front runner technology may be their saving grace over the next 18 to 24 months of predicted economic restraints.

AT&T To Provide Laid Off Employees with a $600 million dollar Severance Package

Of those who have been laid off by the technology giant, many have guaranteed jobs because of union contracts which means AT&T will have to pay severance to all affected workers under the terms of their union agreements. AT&T estimates to pay $600 million in the fourth quarter for severance costs.

AT&T is just one in a long list of employees that have made cuts this year, pushing unemployment rates up from 6.5% to 6.8% nationally. You can view a list of several companies doing the same in the blog post “Recession Has Consumers Seeking Solace In Payday Loans | Is A Great Depression Coming”