3 ms·

It's certainly true that differentiation matters, but I'm not sure how it benefits Verizon when training sales people on platforms is so important and they bare

by tmzt 14y ago

It's certainly true that differentiation matters, but I'm not sure how it benefits Verizon when training sales people on platforms is so important and they barely succeed on getting people who can answer questions about iPhone and Android. Interesting quote from the Motorola person, I'm guessing the reason to favor Samsung is more subtle. (Such as, the Galaxy is a sexier phone and easier to push, or the Droid name got old and is closely associated with Motorola, or Motorola moved too slowly on 4GLTE devices.)

rogerbinns 14y ago
Verizon needs differentiation so they can play manufacturers off against each other. If the phones from several different manufacturers are essentially identical (aka "stock") then there is no point stocking all of them since that really would cause consumer confusion. By having a variety of devices they don't become too dependent on one manufacturer. Like any geek I strongly prefer stock. But if I was in the business there is no way I would do it. Since Google is weak on social I'd make sure my "enhanced" software experience put Facebook front and centre. I'd make my screen contents seem bright (choice of theme and default wallpaper). Consumers are notorious for buying the loudest sound systems (something Bose exploits) and the brightest TVs (hence default modes on them). HTC's stuff looks good - it shows the time in big digits, somewhat retro with the weather. And then I'd sure as heck make it sound like you are getting more. Literally by claiming various enhanced sound apps, I'd do something about storage (eg a partnership with Dropbox), and something about peace of mind should you lose the device (remote wipe, lock, gps find me) and more. The moment you start the customizations even if it is just additional widgets & apps, extra wallpapers etc it becomes a simple slippery slope from stock. They all give people a reason to buy your "enhanced experience" phones versus anyone saying they have just stock.

by tmzt 14y ago

rogerbinns 14y ago

Verizon needs differentiation so they can play manufacturers off against each other. If the phones from several different manufacturers are essentially identical (aka "stock") then there is no point stocking all of them since that really would cause consumer confusion. By having a variety of devices they don't become too dependent on one manufacturer. Like any geek I strongly prefer stock. But if I was in the business there is no way I would do it. Since Google is weak on social I'd make sure my "enhanced" software experience put Facebook front and centre. I'd make my screen contents seem bright (choice of theme and default wallpaper). Consumers are notorious for buying the loudest sound systems (something Bose exploits) and the brightest TVs (hence default modes on them). HTC's stuff looks good - it shows the time in big digits, somewhat retro with the weather. And then I'd sure as heck make it sound like you are getting more. Literally by claiming various enhanced sound apps, I'd do something about storage (eg a partnership with Dropbox), and something about peace of mind should you lose the device (remote wipe, lock, gps find me) and more. The moment you start the customizations even if it is just additional widgets & apps, extra wallpapers etc it becomes a simple slippery slope from stock. They all give people a reason to buy your "enhanced experience" phones versus anyone saying they have just stock.