Basking Ridge, N.J. — Verizon Wireless will make a bid for the home phone market with a new Internet-connected home phone featuring a touchscreen display and cordless handset.
Dubbed the Verizon Hub, the device connects to a broadband modem and features an icon-driven menu for voicemails, contact lists, a calendar and customizable news feeds. The Hub can send text message calendar alerts to a mobile phone and features picture caller ID.
The Hub can be controlled via a Web interface or its touch-screen display. Verizon Wireless subscribers, can interface with V Cast, VZ Navigator and Chaperone services through the Hub.
When not in use, the Hub’s display can double as a photo frame.
The Hub will retail for $199 after a $50 rebate and two year service contract. Monthly phone service will cost $34.99 and includes unlimited dialing in the U.S. and to Canada and Puerto Rico.
AT&T launched a similar device, called the HomeManager, in select markets last year.
