It has been a long wait indeed, but we are now officially entering Samsung Galaxy S4 launch week. It appears in some cases though, that many consumers have already hit jackpot – with some Verizon Galaxy S4 pre-orders, already being shipped out with official notices from Big Red informing consumers of the good news.

Don’t forget this is on top of the fact that Verizon also recently confirmed that the official launch date of the device had been pushed forward, from May 30 to May 23. If you have already ordered a Galaxy S4 a while ago, it may be a good idea now to check your Verizon mail, as we have word that FedEx is already delivering units to some lucky consumers.

You can see evidence of this thanks to a shipping confirmation image obtained by CNET. It confirms that a consumer’s 16GB Black Mist Galaxy S4 is already on the way, meaning that actual deliveries may take place on Monday May 20, a full three days ahead of schedule.

It goes without saying that the wait for a release has been a painful one, especially with AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile already offering the device to their respective customers for some time. However, everybody loves an early release date and a surprise in the post, so hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones as you wake up on Monday morning.

If you have a Verizon Galaxy S4 on order, let us know if you have already received a shipping notification from the carrier yet, confirming a delivery by FedEx. Better yet – is there anyone out there who already has their device in-hand as of last week?

While all eyes are on the inevitable unveiling of the elusive Google X phone from Motorola, it looks like the smartphone manufacturer has other immediate plans in the meantime. A lovely looking blue version of the popular Droid RAZR HD has been spotted, and it could be joining the other various color schemes for the device on Verizon soon.

We’ve seen evidence from Samsung that if you have a popular phone on your hands, like the Galaxy S3 – release as many versions of it as you can while its still hot. The Droid RAZR HD is already an upgrade from the Droid RAZR released in November 2011, but we hear from EVLeaks that one more color is ready to be churned out – maybe before attention is then switched to the infamous Google X project.

Leak specialists EVLeak have released another official image, showing the unannounced and unreleased blue Droid RAZR HD in the flesh. A blue smartphone is a little strange perhaps to a lot of you – but then again, a lot of consumers love to stand out from the crowd anyway.

As a result, it may not be long at all until we see an announcement from Verizon, stating that a ‘metallic blue’ version of the Droid RAZR HD is coming soon. We expect the color will only be the main change from the original, meaning that hardware specs are likely to remain untouched – Jelly Bean, dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 2530mAh battery and so on.

The question is, are you still willing to pay full price for a Droid RAZR HD, knowing too well that the Google X phone is on the horizon? The mystery device could come with some monster specs, not to mention a brand new version of Android that we haven’t seen before.

Is it really worth taking the gamble on this new color, despite it looking very stylish? Give us your thoughts on the constant color releases for the device.

If you have already purchased a lovely new Samsung Galaxy S4 in the US, you may be wasting no time in frantically searching for a Galaxy S4 bootloader download, to explore the possibilities of unlocking the device. The device ships with a locked bootloader of course, but we have evidence that success has already been found on the AT&T Galaxy S4, albeit with one interesting twist.

The advantages of an open bootloader is there for everyone to see, with the opportunity of custom firmware and various recovery methods often proving too much for consumers to resist. Manufacturers are always finding ways to tighten up security so that custom carrier Android interfaces remain in-tact, but then again, consumers are also getting smarter by the day as we see in this latest instance.

Security researcher Dan Rosenberg is already claiming that the bootloader on the AT&T Galaxy S4 has been cracked open. He has provided a screenshot on his Twitter account to prove his claims, but while the next obvious step would be providing a public download – it doesn’t seem as straight forward as that.

He has provided a Q&A explaining that this is solely due to the fact that Verizon has yet to release their Galaxy S4, with a release likely to come on May 30. If Rosenberg were to release the information and download tools to the public, it would then run the risk of Verizon finding a patch to make sure this will not work when they release their version.

He has also confirmed that his current bootloader exploit is ‘highly likely’ to work on the Verizon Galaxy S4, so it looks like the extended wait until the end of May will be well worth it.

Just how bad do you want a bootloader download though? Are you happy with the current AT&T setup, or will you seek to install custom software as soon as the opportunity becomes available? Verizon may now have a race against time to improve their security anyway, in the hope that they are protected against any attempts to open the bootloader. We’ll keep you updated.

A lot of you may be getting frustrated with Verizon over their silence on the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S4 release, but we’re hear to tell you that there is now an alternative for you to consider. While Verizon has yet to offer pre-orders online, retailer Best Buy has jumped in to save the situation, by announcing that pre-orders are now available for those heading into stores to reserve one.

As we told you about related pre-order and shipping details for the AT&T Galaxy S4 earlier today, we couldn’t help but notice a thread over on the official Verizon forums titled ‘Why is Verizon LAST on the Galaxy S4?’. It’s clear that many consumers are wondering the very same thing and it can’t be good for Verizon’s reputation after deploying similar tactics for the Galaxy Note 2 launch.

If you can’t wait for Verizon any longer though, Best Buy has now sent out word that Galaxy S4 pre-orders are now available for those who walk into their store, starting from Tuesday April 23. There’s no word on how much Best Buy will be offering the device for yet, but it’s definitely nice to have an alternative as Verizon continues to keep users waiting.

This may not be a viable option though for those that want to maintain an unlimited data plan. Hopefully Verizon will see that Best Buy has taken the opportunity to offer pre-orders of their own before them, and will drop some official news on their Twitter page soon.

Are you only planning to order from Verizon’s website or in-store, no matter what? Best Buy may be offering some additional incentives with their pre-orders to sweeten the deal, but we need to await further details on this once pre-orders start being made in store later today.

If you are patiently waiting for a Verizon Galaxy S4, let us know if you are tempted to go via Best Buy’s route. Does it annoy you that AT&T customers will be receiving their device as early as April 25?

We have heard very strong rumors about the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 launching in May, but now we’re pleased to be able to confirm it at last. Verizon has now revealed via Twitter that the device will be going on sale sometime in May. Surprise surprise though, they are still being reluctant to reveal an actual release date for the highly anticipated phone.

Perhaps even more importantly, Verizon has not revealed the date in which interested consumers will be able to pre-order the device ahead of expected unprecedented demand. However, it’s nice to see some official news from Verizon for once and consumers will at least be revealed to hear that the wait for the Galaxy S4 won’t be too long from when AT&T and T-Mobile sell their version of the device to respective customers.

Verizon has said in the Tweet that more details are on the way soon, whilst at the same time revealing an image of the Verizon Galaxy S4 which also confirms our previous report on how there will be no home screen button branding – which is obviously fantastic news.

Verizon has revealed the device in White Frost, but you should also be able to choose from Black Mist upon launch as well. Hopefully it won’t be too long until pre-orders become available, as Verizon really should be getting the word across that their version is worth waiting for, with the AT&T and T-Mobile variants due out significantly earlier.

A pre-order incentive wouldn’t go a miss as well, although that will probably happen with various retailers online. Verizon are also advertising something special to happen on May 22, which could be related to the Galaxy S4 release. Other possibilities for the event include confirmation that Verizon will finally be offering a version of the popular HTC One, but we’ll have to wait for further rumors on this.

What are your thoughts on the Verizon Galaxy S4 – do you plan to wait and get one on May 30, if that is indeed the date of release?

Anticipation for the Samsung Galaxy S4 release date is really starting to reach fever pitch now. The highly anticipated superphone is due out in the US at the end of this month and we now have some potentially crucial launch dates to bring you now on the Galaxy S4 on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.

It is Big Red’s version of the device that is getting the most attention it seems though, partly due to the fact that Verizon are insisting on staying true to their now infamous silent tactics. AT&T and T-Mobile have already provided customers with a solid order-date, but Verizon is keeping everyone waiting.

In our previous report, we told you that it was likely that a Galaxy S4 release date on AT&T would happen on April 26, followed by a T-Mobile launch on May 1. While this is still a rumor at this point, we do have some new evidence to back it up with the release of an internal document courtesy of Engadget.

This document name drops the April 26 and May 1 launch dates for the AT&T and T-Mobile launches respectively, but we also have a potential Verizon Galaxy S4 release date as well to share with you, for the very first time. Considering that the dates for AT&T and T-Mobile match up, we could be seeing a Verizon release a month later than their rivals with a May 30 release date.

After what happened with the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 2, consumers are probably expecting a delay of some sort on the S4, especially with the continued silence from the company. How will you feel though if the device really is scheduled for a release one month after AT&T and T-Mobile customers receive their handsets?

Are Verizon starting to lose some reputation over the staggered releases, or will they actually benefit from increased hype in this situation? Perhaps the question that we should be asking you, is whether you are willing to wait another month until May 30 to get one.

Don’t forget that the dates are not confirmed yet, but definitely look promising and are something to bear in mind. The document cites the dates as ‘tentative’, but are you now feeling a bit ‘tentative’ yourself about buying the Galaxy S4 on Verizon?

We have some good news for those of you who are patiently waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S4 release date on Verizon in the US. It’s no secret that Verizon are making their customers wait for Samsung’s flagship device, but this week we have good indication that the device could be on the way very soon.

As some of you may well be aware, AT&T has already set a pre-order date of April 16 for when they will allow customers to order the device online. AT&T hasn’t however set a solid release date for when the device will ship and this could be further clues as to why Verizon hasn’t followed with a similar move.

One big release clue has been made apparent though, with the confirmation that the Galaxy S3 has now been given a price cut on Verizon’s store, to just $99.99 on a two-year contract. Given the timing of the discount and the fact that the Galaxy S4 will go on sale at the end of the month in the US, it’s very logical to assume that Verizon are almost ready to announce their availability plans as well.

The key factor will be whether Verizon will be ready for a release in April, or if we’ll see another staggered release and consumers will instead have to wait several weeks after the likes of AT&T and T-Mobile offer the device to their customers first. The price cut is there for everyone to see on Verizon’s store now though, so hopefully it’s a clear sign of good news to come soon.

If you are planning on waiting for the Verizon Galaxy S4, let us know what you think about the company’s infamous silent tactics. Are you a little annoyed that there isn’t even a pre-order date yet, given that AT&T and T-Mobile have already announced plans of their own? Stay tuned for further news as we get it.

We have recently seen AT&T disclose valuable information on the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy S4, and now we’re pleased to say that we have a brief update on the status of the highly anticipated Verizon version of the device. Big Red has been noticeably silent on Samsung’s next big flagship handset, although they have committed to releasing the device along with three other main carriers in the US.

This week we have a good indication that the Verizon availability for the handset, shouldn’t be too far off from when AT&T roll out the device in April. Although Verizon are yet to speak out publicly on their pricing plans for the Galaxy S4, we can tell you that the Verizon Galaxy S4 has now stealthily made its way past the FCC barriers and it could be a sign that official news is coming soon.

Verizon customers will be praying that there isn’t another delay that has plagued some of the previous Verizon releases throughout 2012. The Galaxy Note 2 was a prime example of the painful wait that consumers had to endure and hopefully we won’t see a repeat of it for the Galaxy S4.

The FCC listing reveals that the Verizon model name will be identified as SCH-1545, as expected. It’s important to note that while AT&T has already confirmed a pre-order launch date of April 16, Verizon has yet to say anything at all. The big question that we want to know is whether you are willing to wait for the Verizon version if the likes of AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile get their hands on the device a few weeks earlier.

We also have no idea what the Verizon version will look like and whether it will be plastered with Verizon branding again. If you are thinking of picking up this device, let us know your main fears as we wait for a pre-order date.

While many consumers in the US are getting excited about snapping up a lovely HTC One smartphone at launch, the same cannot be said for those on Verizon Wireless. Customers are continuing to be left in the dark on whether Big Red is actually planning to carry the phone or skip a launch altogether in favor of prolonging the HTC Droid DNA instead.

After the announcement of the stunning Samsung Galaxy S4, there is seemingly a hint of extra pressure on HTC’s shoulders to deliver with their new flagship device. Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile are already confirmed to be selling the device to customers in the weeks to come, but the wait on Verizon could be set to be a long one – not for the first time either.

New confusion on a Verizon release has now become apparent, after All Things Digital recently confirmed that Verizon will indeed be releasing the device later on in the year. While that is obviously good news, this positive news turned to confusion after the official HTC US Twitter account revealed that actually, the HTC One isn’t coming to Verizon at all.

In a further spin, this message from HTC USA has since been deleted off the face of the earth, prompting all sorts of speculation as to what future lies for the HTC One on Big Red. Was the information posted to Twitter misinformed and All Things Digital are accurate with their report that it is still coming?

One rumor that is continuing to churn along the rumor mill is that the HTC One is coming to Verizon, but as the HTC Droid DNA 2 instead. Considering that Verizon has been awfully quiet amongst all of the speculation, we would say that this would appear to be a much more logical move given that the Droid DNA is still a relatively new device.

What are your thoughts on the ongoing rumors? Are you happy to bide your time and wait for a Verizon version that could be enhanced slightly compared to the versions that are due on Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile? Or have you decided that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is the better handset out of the two anyway?

Update: We’ve found another response from HTC that hasn’t been deleted yet.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5S may be on the way later this year, but how many of you have already decided to skip both of these handsets in favor of picking up the well received BlackBerry Z10, when it finally makes an appearance in the US? The handset has already been confirmed for a release on AT&T and T-Mobile, but now we have some early pictures showing you exactly how the Verizon model will look like upon release.

Unsurprisingly, we can tell you that there is going to be a fair amount of branding involved with Verizon’s version as well. We saw how far the carrier is willing to go with a Verizon branded home button on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Fortunately, we will not get a repeat of that with the Verizon BlackBerry Z10, but it is not far off.

Not content with just one piece of branding, you can see from the image above that Verizon will also include their logo on the top left hand side of the device, which almost appears to be squashed into place right next to the front phone speaker. There is also going to be further branding on the back of the device, with a Verizon logo and a 4G LTE logo slapped at the bottom of the device.

We probably speak on behalf of the majority of Verizon customers when we say that one piece of branding would have been sufficient here. Why does Verizon feel the need to have two pieces of branding and a 4G LTE logo on top, since it’s a well known fact that most newly released smartphones now come with 4G connectivity as standard.

BlackBerry 10 devices are due to hit the US at somepoint throughout March. Let us know if you are still interested in picking up the Verizon Z10, or if this branding has put you off completely.