On the heels of USA Today's updated article about Apple's discussions with Verizon; Business Week reported yesterday that Apple is considering an iPhone Lite and some type of media pad targeted for Verizon. The iPhone Lite, a smaller and thinner iPhone has been reported before and there has been rampant speculation about a netbook type device, although it is clear that Apple wants to create a new category of product. The media pad would let users listen to music, view photos, and watch high-definition videos, a well as make calls via WiFi.
The media pad with calling over WiFi feature (VOIP) is the most interesting part of the story. Currently Verizon Wireless sells the Hub, a desktop WIFI enabled VOIP smartphone tagged as "the Home Phone Reinvented". The Hub is manufactured by OPENPEAK and based on Linux. The Hub allows you to listen to streaming music, view photos, and watch V Cast videos. It also comes with a basic set of applications like Calendar, Contacts and text/multimedia messaging. Although the call quality and design of the Hub are excellent, it lacks a catalog of applications. A device from Apple which would support the iTunes and the App Store could be a real game changer. The big question; is Verizon brave enough to loosen its control over its network? Possibly, after seeing AT&T success…
I have been reviewing the Hub and will be publishing my results later this week on pocketnow.com.
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