AT&T suing Verizon for “Map for That” ads

There's a map for that.Verizon’s had some pretty clever ads lately, most of them targeted at AT&T and the iPhone. One of the latest plays on the “There’s an app for that” saying that’s become inextricable from the iPhone. Verizon’s ad instead boasts, “There’s a map for that,” referring to the 3G coverage maps you see in the pictures. AT&T’s taken issue with the ads – so much issue that the iPhone provider is suing – because it claims the ads are misleading.

The bulk of the accusation goes like this:

Consumers are interpreting the white or blank space on the maps to mean that AT&T customers who are not in an AT&T “3G” coverage area have no wireless coverage whatsoever, and therefore have no ability to use their wireless devices for any purposes in vast areas of the country. This interpretation is not surprising as Verizon, in its own coverage maps, uses white space to inform customers that no coverage of any kind exists.

I realize the average American consumer isn’t as tech savvy as you and I, but for people to whom 3G matters I’d say Verizon’s claims are pretty clear. And as someone who has recently moved a fair distance across the country, I can also vouch for the fact that AT&T’s 3G coverage is at least as pathetic as that coverage map shows.

The part of the lawsuit that’s truly entertaining, though, is where AT&T claims Verizon is jealous of the former’s smashing smartphone sales. Sure, AT&T, everyone wishes they were selling the iPhone. You know what no one wants? The massive fallout you’ll see when the iPhone is on every other provider.

  

iPhone lands in China missing Wi-Fi

iPhone China Unicom.The iPhone touched down in China this past Friday night missing one big feature: Wi-Fi. China’s second largest mobile carrier, China Unicom, has an exclusive three-year deal with Apple to sell the phone.

Starting out sales might not be the runaway figures Apple saw in the US. After all, it’s not that tough to get phones from other markets. Phones that include Wi-Fi. There have also been rumors that China Unicom hopes to sell Wi-Fi capable phones within a few months, giving Chinese consumers even more reason to hold off on buying one now.

There was still a modicum of Apple fanaticism to be had, though. The country’s first iPhone owner, Zhi Xianzhong, waited almost eight hours to buy the phone.

  

Bouncing Around the Web

In case you missed it, here’s what’s Bouncing Around the Web:

JawboneJawbone, considered one of the very best Bluetooth headsets on the planet, just released a second generation Jawbone. And according to Gizmodo, it’s better in just about every way. I sure hope it is because spending $130 for a Bluetooth headset is a lot to swallow.

Via Gizmodo

If you were Apple, how would you react to questions about your lack of presence in the netbook market? If your answer is to rip the entire market apart and tell everyone to just buy and iPhone or iTouch instead, then you should be working for Apple. Though, they definitely left the door open for future developments.

Via TechCrunch

I think AT&T may be a little bit afraid of the Palm Pre. Someone at AT&T leaked a comparison chart which I’m sure AT&T sales people will use tear down the competition. Regardless of the actual data in the report, the fact that AT&T, and by association Apple, is worried about the Pre is quite interesting.

Via ubergizmo

I saved the good news for last. AT&T has been testing faster 3G speeds in some markets. With a few software tweaks, they have bumped speeds from 3.6 to 7.2 megabits per second. Mama mia, that’s a spicy meatball!

Via TUAW