Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) said it has launched its first device through its Open Development Initiative and it may be what you expected—it's not a new cellphone, MP3 player or other gadget— it's a battery-powered modem that connects to sensors for large storage containers like diesel tanks. When a tank runs low, the modem sends a text message to SupplyNet, which tells the customer it needs to refill, AP reports. The AP story pokes fun of this announcement, saying that no one expected the first device to be a modem, but instead a sexy Google (NSDQ: GOOG) phone or some other cutting-edge device. But not true. If you've been following this closely at all, we know that Verizon saw the new open world as a way to make more revenue. It figures that if it doesn't limit wireless devices to consumers, and people, why not also open it up to a world of machines—that way you'll never hit full penetration.
Tony Lewis, Verizon Wireless' vice president of open development told AP: "Most of the devices that we are seeing are of the machine-to-machine type." Otherwise, the company has had only a few talks about consumer-focused cell phones. In March, Verizon detailed its plans saying that any company that wants to sell a phone or other device or application on its network will only have to meet the carrier's minimum technical requirements, and that it will be "simple, quick and inexpensive." The initiative, which is also talked about as the any device, any application program, has come under some criticism for the application part. Any application can run on any device, as long as it's not a Verizon-branded phone.
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