Verizon Wireless Launches Tasty New Chocolate Phone
Verizon Wireless introduced the VX8500, or LG “Chocolate” phone, which is a hybrid handset that is one part cell phone and one part MP3-player. The company is betting the new phone and changes in its V CAST service fees will sweeten the pot and attract new subscribers.
The Chocolate phone is already a bona fide hit with consumers, according to LG, which says it has sold more than 1 million handsets since its international launch outside
South Korea. This is the first time the Chocolate phone is being sold in the U.S.
The phone’s award-winning design is a major component to its success. It is a slider phone with a sleek, super-thin design that prominently features an iPod-like clickwheel when closed. Once opened, the phone exposes a glowing red touch sensitive keypad.
Music for Chocolate
Looks aside, the phone offers music and video functionality that Verizon hopes will prove attractive to the younger set. Chocolate phone users can browse, preview, download and play high-quality digital music from a catalogue of more than 1.3 million songs with Verizon Wireless’ V Cast download service.
The “instant downloads” are delivered in Microsoft’s Windows Media Audio (WMA) format and can also be played on a PC with Windows Media Player 10 installed or any other compatible digital audio player. The phone also allows users to download MP3 or WMA-formatted files from their personal collection.
But convenience does not come cheaply, and users on the go who want immediate downloads will pay more. Songs downloaded over the air (OTA) directly to the Chocolate phone will cost $1.99, while tracks downloaded to a PC and transferred to the phone via USB cable only run only $0.99.
For Chocolate Lovers
The V Cast service offers a slew of video clips including music videos of hit songs, sporting events and newscasts. Consumers can also download 3D games such as “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 3D,” “Alien vs. Predator,” and “Duke Nuke Mobile 3D.” There is one catch, however: to download videos users will have to opt for the $15 per month fee.
The Chocolate phone sports a 1.3 megapixel camera and camcorder capable of recording up to one hour of video. Users can also use Verizon’s VZ Navigator GPS service for turn-by-turn audible voice directions as well as a variety of Bluetooth-enabled accessories with the phone.
A microSD expansion card slot that can as much as double storage capacity is also included. Users who want to take photo and music storage to the hilt can pony up $29 for a 256MB card or $100 for a 2GB card that can store up to 1,000 additional tracks.
The phone is available online at www.verizonwireless.com and will hit the carrier’s stores next week on August 7. New subscribers will pay $149.99, after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year contract.
Source: mobiletechtoday.com
