Verizon launches Ellipsis 7 tablet, though converged service is still in the offing

Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) took the wraps off its rumored Ellipsis 7 tablet, and hinted that further products in the Ellipsis family could be coming. However, the carrier did not explicitly detail any new mobile video, voice and data service--Verizon last month filed a trademark for a new mobile video, voice and data service under the name "ELLIPSIS."

verizon ellipsis 7 tablet

Ellipsis 7

Verizon said the Ellipsis 7, which boasts a 7-inch HD screen, will be available online and in Verizon Wireless stores starting Nov. 7 for $249.99. For a limited time, customers can get $100 off any tablet, including the Ellipsis 7, when purchasing with a new two-year contract, the company said.

It's unclear which company makes the gadget or how the device might be related to Verizon's trademarked ELLIPSIS service. A Verizon spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the copyright application filed by Verizon on Oct. 15, ELLIPSIS is a "wireless telecommunications device featuring transmission of voice, data, image and video." Verizon also filed a separate copyright application on Oct. 14 for the brand ELLIPSIS 7, reserving the right to that name for wireless telecom devices, tablet computers and a device that "establishes a local, wireless network" and would have a music player and a still image and video camera. 

Verizon did note that Ellipsis 7 users can access the Redbox Instant streaming video service, and that the device has a front-facing camera for video chatting. Additionally, the device supports Verizon Messages, an integrated messaging service that lets users to send and receive text messages from their tablet.

Interestingly, Verizon noted that the Ellipsis 7 "is the first product from Verizon Wireless in the Ellipsis family," indicating additional products could be in the pipeline.

The disclosure of the Ellipsis trademark, which was first reported by FierceCable, came after Verizon  Communications CFO Fran Shammo revealed on the company's third-quarter earnings call that Verizon had terminated its joint innovation venture that it launched with Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks after it purchased spectrum from the major MSOs in December 2011. Shammo suggested on the earnings call that the decision to terminate the joint innovation venture was related to Verizon's recent agreement to buy Vodafone's 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless for $130 billion. Going forward, Verizon will focus on "bringing to the customer the best products available between wireline and wireless," Shammo said.

For more:
- see this Verizon post

Related Articles:
Verizon trademarks ELLIPSIS for new video, voice, data device and service
Verizon, Outerwall to ramp up Redbox Instant marketing
Shammo: Verizon Wireless joint innovation venture with Comcast, TWC 'has been terminated'
Verizon signs FiOS Quantum marketing pact with NFL team