CES 2011: Verizon booth tour

Neowin took a tour around the Verizon booth to see what all the noise was about. Verizon was showcasing their 4G LTE network that they plan on bringing to everyone in the next few years. Verizon had a number of cool devices and software on display. The first stop was to an Android tablet, where Verizon plans on launching their own app store.

The Verizon app store will have a number of applications and games that range from driving simulators to movie steaming. The layout of the Verizon app store was fresh and unique, with a sliding marquee style display, that even has live video in the tiles.

The next stop was Verizon's main focus, the 4G LTE. Verizon already offers a MiFi unit, allowing you to get 3G speeds with any WiFi device. The mobile hotspot allows you to always stay connected to the Internet through your devices, even if they don't support 3G. Verizon was launching their 4G MiFi, which will launch sometime later in the year, allowing you to get 4G speeds in selected areas, and 3G outside of them. The 4G MiFi is small enough to fit into your pocket.

Verizon was also demonstrating their FiOS service. The Internet and TV streaming service brings fiber-optics into your home or supported mobile device, bringing you faster download and upload speeds. Verizon was showing off their new live TV feature on the iPad, and Motorola handset. The updated application will launch soon on the Apple App Store, enabling live TV streaming on your iPad with a FiOS account.

FiOS is available in 12 states across the United States and has over 3.3 million TV and 3.9 million Internet subscribers. The 12 states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and District of Columbia.