Verizon CFO Fran Shammo said earlier today that his company will move away from 3G unlimited data plans and shepherd customers into its tiered data plans the next time they upgrade their phones. Shammo made the comments today at a J.P. Morgan tech conference while noting that Verizon will use its 4G LTE network as leverage to force customers into transitioning to a tiered data plan.

Shammo explained:

“LTE is our anchor point for data share. As you come through an upgrade cycle and you upgrade in the future, you will have to go onto a data share plan – moving away from the unlimited world and moving everybody into a tiered, data share type structure…As [3G customers with unlimited data plans] start to migrate into 4G, they will have to come off of unlimited and go into the tiered data plan.”

Shammo’s comments echo statements Verizon has already made about its network. The carrier stopped offering unlimited data plans in 2011, but it grandfathered existing users who signed-up prior to the introduction of tiered pricing in July. Those customers were able to retain their unlimited plans even if they upgraded to a 4G device, but that’s not the case under Verizon’s updated LTE model.

However, it’s unclear what will happen to people who already signed up for unlimited data on an LTE device. Shammo alluded to LTE as leverage to end unlimited data, but will current 4G users also be forced to dump their unlimited data plans when they purchase a new phone? I personally know someone who regularly uses more than 25 GB’s per month on his Thunderbolt, and someone upgrading to the Droid RAZR from a Thunderbolt the day I got my Galaxy Nexus managed to retain his unlimited plan.

We’ve put in a request for more info and clarity from Verizon and will update this post once we receive a reply.

[Verizon] via FierceWireless

Google Maps is the premiere navigation Android app on Android, but it’s not the only one. A handful of worthy alternatives exist, especially in places where Maps is sometimes unreliable or incomplete, but they cost money. CoPilot creator ALK Technologies has created a new app that tries to play both sides of the fence. The basic features of directions and POI search are free in CoPilot GPS, but the full slate that includes voice-guided navigation will cost you. Is it worth it?

That’s tough to say. In most ways, CoPilot GPS is just an improved version of the CoPilot Live apps previously covered on Androinica.com. Unfortunately, it still uses a backward address input system that requires users to enter an address in sections rather than one continuous line. CoPilot GPS is an otherwise solid app that offers point to point directions and helps users plan the best possible route. CoPilot offers directions and searches multiple points of interests along the way. That means you’ll have an easy time knowing where and when to stop to eat, find an acceptable restaurant or hotel, get gas, or find places to party, shop, and play.

CoPilot GPS offers those features, along with three route alternatives, and more for free. Users are able to get 2D street maps stored on the device and available for offline use, which is a distinct advantage over the cloud model used in Google Maps that requires a web connection. However, to truly be on par with Google Maps, there needs to be voice navigation. CoPilot GPS offers that and these premium features through a $14.99 in-app purchase:

• Turn-by-turn voice navigation
• Speed limit warnings
• ClearTurn lane indicators for complex intersections
• 3D map views

Google Maps is still all that most people need, which puts a serious drain on CoPilot’s business prospects. But for people who are traveling and need offline storage, or only need quality directions, CoPilot is a solid competitor. Those who love the app can decide to upgrade to the premium features, that will probably be a small sector of users. Download the app from Google Play to see if it’s good enough to be your new navigator. Android 1.6 or higher is required.

We’re always happy to see companies make their apps more in line with the Android user interface conventions, and Evernote is the latest to embrace the change. The latest version of Evernote features an ICS-inspired design that aims to be swifter, look better, and easier to use.

Evernote has a new Action bar that puts common functions just one tap away. That means you can quickly edit, share, or tag a note while you’re viewing it, or you can search, filter, and create new notes when browsing a list. Speaking of lists, notebook lists have been redesigned to have shared and personal notebooks in one area. It’s a nice change to go along with the thumbnail previews previously seen when a note contains photos.

The biggest change occurs in the home screen that appears when someone launches Evernote. The four main buttons for creating a note, taking a picture, recording an audio note, and attaching a file to a note appear with large icons. Below that is a list of Notes, Notebooks, Tags, and Places that users can browse, as well as search. The home screen has a new look and is easily accessible via a swipe to the right or tapping the elephant icon in the top left corner.

Evernote’s changes are primarily cosmetic ones, but there’s also a “Places” tab that shows notes created with location services enabled. A map plots out notes created in certain areas, which might be relevant if you travel often or wish to have some location data associated with your notes.

Download Evernote from Google Play to see the changes up close. Android 1.6 or higher is required to use the app.

Something funny happened to me Sunday night. I tried to set-up Play Music on a Toshiba Excite but was told that I had reached the limit of devices and would have to de-authorize one before I could continue. The only problem is that when I went to remove one item to free up space, I was greeted by a message saying that I’ve de-authorized too many devices and would not be permitted to continue. Mad Men was coming on, so I put it out of my mind until this morning, when I read that other people are having the same problem.

It turns out that Google Play Music has set a cap on the number of devices that can be removed from an account. We’ve long known that Play Music only supports up to 10 devices, but the service previously made that limitation about current devices, not cumulative. I’ve personally added and removed 20 phones and tablets since Play launched last year, and I didn’t have any issues until now. Some time in the past 60 days, Google changed the rule to allow only four de-authorizations per year.

An XDA thread highlightsthat this isn’t even limited to devices; people who flash ROM’s frequently have discovered this issue affects them as well. Google may recognize the same device on multiple instances depending on what kind of ROM the user installs, so someone who frequently flashes different ROM’s is bound to reach the limit and become unable to use Play Music. (Notice in the image below that my HTC EVO is registered twice because I authorized it using Sense and CM7.)

I called Google support to see if there was some way that I could get amnesty to remove more devices because I never knew about this limit. The support tech informed me that I can only de-authorize up to four devices per year and it’s non-negotiable because of anti-sharing measures, meaning I’m S.O.L. until 2013. One user who heard a similar story put in a request to get Google to manually de-authorize his devices, but don’t count on that happening often.

I’m very disappointed in this news because it means I might have to quit using Play Music at some point. It’s been great to have all my music stored in one place and accessible anywhere, but that’s going to end if I can’t change which devices are authorized. I upgrade my hardware annually and will probably flash multiple ROM’s, so I’ll never be able to play nice with Google’s new policies. I know I’m a rare case, but it would be nice if Google could have at least warned people prior to this change to give us a better chance of complying.

UPDATE

It appears to be working, for now at least. De-authorize devices while you can.

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Tip: to de-authorize devices, go to http://music.google.com, click the settings icon in the top right corner, click Music settings, and then scroll down to Manage My Devices.

LG today introduced its latest software by announcing the LG Optimus UI 3.0. The newer version of LG’s custom user interface is based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and is part of the Korean manufacturer’s efforts to better compete with its rivals.

The Optimus UI 3.0 is a step-up from its previous incarnation, which was often criticized for being too similar to Samsung’s Touchwiz and not adding enough. Version 3.0 is a little more fluid and has “simpler” design to provide quick access to app. There’s also the Quick Memo annotation system and enhanced video playback that we mentioned previously, and a Pattern Lock feature that goes directly to a specific feature based on the pattern entered. So if you want to go directly to your most frequently used function instead of the home screen, a specific pattern would offer a shortcut.

Optimus UI 3.0 is a slightly tweaked version of the ICS-based software first seen on the LG Optimus 4X HD at Mobile World Congress. It will debut to consumers in the Optimus LTE II launching in Korea this week, then on the Optimus 4X HD launching in Europe next month.

It will be interesting to see how – and if – it attracts customers to the new slate of phones. LG has languished behind companies who have been more successful with their Android phones, but maybe solid hardware and better software might make those decisions easier.

• The ability to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the screen
• A new Pattern Lock that allows users to preset the most frequently used function, such as the camera, which automatically opens once the phone is unlocked;
• A simpler version of Optimus UI 3.0 for new smartphone users which organizes the main applications so that they are the easiest to access
• A new Voice Shutter that allows users to capture photos using only voice commands
• A special camera feature that enables users to pick up the best shot among multiple images including the moment just before the shutter button is depressed
• An Icon Customizer that provides an additional level of personalization by allowing users to set their own photos as icons and shortcut images
• The addition of a Download category to the menu for easier organization.

[LG News]

Remember how we told you that many Sprint stores would be open at 8 AM later this week for the HTC EVO 4G LTE launch? Well, don’t set your alarm clock just yet because you might end up waiting in line for something you can’t have.

HTC’s shipments of the EVO 4G LTE are stuck in customs pending a review of the ITC for possible patent violations. You may recall that Apple previously won an injunction against HTC phones for a way that HTC’s software handles certain functions. HTC quickly stated that it already developed a workaround for this issue and it was expected t have been resolved, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

TheVerge reported that both the HTC EVO 4G LTE for Sprint and the HTC One X for AT&T have been delayed while the devices undergo what HTC describes as a routine check to ensure compliance with the ITC ruling. The Taiwanese manufacturer issued this statement:

The US availability of the HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE has been delayed due to a standard U.S. Customs review of shipments that is required after an ITC exclusion order. We believe we are in compliance with the ruling and HTC is working closely with Customs to secure approval. The HTC One X and HTC Evo 4G LTE have been received enthusiastically by customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to get these products into their hands as soon as possible. (emphasis mine)

There’s no definitive indication yet that the Sprint won’t be able to have the 4G LTE ready to sell this week, but the use of the word “delayed” doesn’t leave room for a lot of hope. Likewise, the One X is out of stock through most AT&T channels, so be sure to contact your local retailer to know when the device will be ready in your area.

The Wall Street Journal reported an interesting story today — one that has serious ramifications for the mobile industry if it pans out.  Essentially, Google is said to be in discussions with five different partner OEMs to manufacture the next Nexus smartphone and tablet, which represents a pure Google device to launch the latest software launch.  Each OEM would create its own Nexus device with different hardware configurations, but the same deep software integration and pure Google experience.

The latest and greatest Nexus devices are expected to be available by Thanksgiving 2012 and will launch running Jelly Bean, the version expected to follow Ice Cream Sandwich.

There are a couple of reasons why Google is reportedly pursuing this line of action, but whether Google can actually pull this off remains to be seen.  Wireless carriers have such a strong influence over the launch of smartphones to the point where consumers in Asian and European countries sometimes receive devices months before Americans.  By Google exclusively selling these different OEM Nexus devices through the Google Play Store, American consumers will have to pay the full retail price, but can choose a GSM carrier of its choosing and simply sign a contract that isn’t tied to a smartphone.  Many consumers buy a smartphone overseas for full retail price and then buy service from a carrier.

Secondly, Google wants to take more control over the apps and features it can integrate on the Jelly Bean devices.  For example, Verizon blocked Google Wallet on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus simply because Verizon is involved with Isis, a competitor to Google Wallet.  The consumer shouldn’t be subjected to the whims and desires of the carriers.

On a more political level, by partnering with five OEMs, Google reaffirms its neutral stance when working with an OEM on the next Nexus.  Ever since it purchased Motorola, many believed Google would favor the manufacturing company in order to help it succeed.

Overall, by Google taking a more proactive approach in selling pure Google smartphones directly to the consumer, it can ensure the experience is safe from carrier tampering and slow OS upgrades.

Lastly, the WSJ report mentions that there are manufacturing companies reportedly working to produce the next tablet to help boost Android and take away from the Apple iPad.  Asus and Google are said to be working together, but that has yet to materialize into anything substantial.

The buzz surrounding Google’s potential move of producing multiple Nexus devices has generally been positive.  Of course, we would like to hear from our readers about the issue and whether you agree with Google’s potential course of action.

[WSJ]

Facebook has gobbled up another photo-sharing service, only this time it’s not officially making an acquisition. Lightbox, the Instagram alternative that millions of Android users relied on while that other app took more than a year to arrive, is following the competition and joining Facebook. The difference is that Facebook isn’t acquiring the company, just the people who built it.

On the Lightbox blog, a message credited to co-founders Thai Tran and Nilesh Patel states that “the Lightbox team is joining Facebook, where we’ll have the opportunity to build amazing products for Facebook’s 500+ million mobile users.”

As a result of the Lightbox staff joining the Facebook mobile team, Lightbox will shut down on June 15. New sign-ups have already been closed and the entire system will be shutdown next month, so members have until then to download all of their Lightbox photos. Current photo and user databases will not be transferred to Facebook, so be sure to grab your content while you still can.

Lightbox was among my favorite apps from the Google I/O 2011 Sandbox, and it’s now being shut down just over a year later. I eventually stopped using the app, but this is a rather disappointing move to many. Androinica writer Ben wrote about how much he liked it, and several others reported similar adulation. That wasn’t enough to compete with Instagram, which is in the process of being acquired by Facebook, sadly.

Any guesses where Lightbox’s orphaned users will turn up?

[Lightbox]

Hungry for a new app to tell you where to eat? What about an app that can find a quality restaurant and a tasty price at the same time? Well, then you should satisfy your cravings with Savored, an Android 1.6+ app that does both.

Savored is a partner of OpenTable and ZAGAT, and it acts as the happy medium between both services. The first stage of the app is telling Savored where you want to eat, filtered by neighborhood or an entire city; how many people are in a party, up to 18; and the time of your visit. The app then creates a list of venues capable of meeting your party’s needs.

Restaurant availability is determined by a link with OpenTable, but restaurant choices are made possible by ZAGAT ratings. Savored lists several restaurants and indicates pricing, as well as tips for time of day that can yield better discounts (push dinner to 9:30 PM instead of 8:00 PM and you can save 30 percent). ZAGAT ratings for food, decor, service, and cost then provide a snapshot of what kind of restaurant to expect.

Still not satisfied? Well, then read the “Why we love it” section to learn about a restaurant’s atmosphere and tips about the best dishes to order. The menu section has additional recommendations for appetizers and entrees, but menus aren’t available for all restaurants. Savored can then place a reservation as soon as you make a decision on where to grab your next meal.

Savored isn’t as robust as ZAGAT or OpenTable because it limits the number cities that are supported. That limitation, a very inconvenient if you aren’t in a big city, severely limits the app’s usefulness. However, the combination of the two popular restaurants services, with a dash of deal hunting as well, makes for a great app in select places. Download Savored from Google Play if you live or travel frequently to the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington DC.