Verizon Wireless to Issue Device Specs at Open Development Device Conference

Verizon Wireless said its upcoming Open Development Device Conference will feature the release and publication of Version 1.0 of the technical specifications for new wireless devices that will work on its "Any Device, Any App" network-only service option.

The conference, scheduled for March 19 in New York City, will focus on how traditional device and consumer electronics companies and entrepreneurs new to the wireless ecosystem can bring new wireless devices to the marketplace under Verizon Wireless' Open Development initiative. The conference will establish shared goals of streamlining the certification and delivery of exciting new devices while preserving the company's optimal network performance.

Anthony A. Lewis, vice president of the Open Development initiative at Verizon Wireless, said the conference agenda will focus on wireless devices, and that the initial specs will provide an important, tangible building block for device development. "Version 1.0 will provide the roadmap for wireless device visionaries and tinkerers, as well as existing device makers, to create consumer products not offered directly by the company, which can run on the nation's most reliable network," Lewis said.

Lewis also noted that input from developers and technologists during the conference might refine the initial device specifications, but device developers are expected to be able to use Version 1.0 as the foundation for device certification immediately after they are presented. In the coming weeks, Verizon Wireless plans to dive deeper with application developers to help match applications with device designers.

While the conference agenda on March 19 will focus on the goals and standards of the initiative, March 20 will be designed for one-on-one visits between attendees, developers and the Verizon Wireless Open Development team.

For consumers, the network-only option, which is expected to be available later this year, will provide the option to use these wireless devices and new applications not offered directly by Verizon Wireless. Verizon Wireless' Open Development initiative is driven by the company's desire to encourage innovation, give customers new wireless choices, and quickly address opportunities to expand the wireless market.