Verizon updates VoIP phone

Verizon Communications is trying to keep customers tied to the old idea of a home phone with updates to its new Verizon Hub.

(Credit: CNET)

The Verizon Hub, which was introduced earlier this year, is essentially a souped-up voice-over IP handset. It's designed to be the main phone and communication "hub" for the household, providing not only phone service, but also sports, weather, and other news.

But given the device's hefty price tag of $199 with a two-year contract, it seems a bit steep for consumers who can already get that information and functionality from their cell phones. In addition to the pricey cost of the hardware, Verizon also requires a $35-a-month phone service. While this VoIP service is cheaper than Verizon's regular phone service, it's pricey considering that Vonage and other providers offer similar services for about $20 a month.

Verizon is selling the device through Verizon Wireless and the service is offered to all consumers and is not limited to users in the Verizon broadband or wireline telephone territory.

As part of the upgrade, Verizon is offering more Widgets for the device that include instructional cooking videos and games. The company is also launching a new application storefront where users can download applications for the device, much like they do for smartphones like Apple's iPhone.

My colleague Nicole Lee from CNET Reviews gave the device high marks when she tested it, but she also noted the high price tag as potential deterrent. And I tend to agree. At a time when people are cutting the phone cord and using their cell phones to reduce their monthly expenses, it seems ridiculous that they would be willing to spend an additional $200 on a new device plus $35 a month on a phone service.

[slickuser]

does it run on Atom?

[iPhoneUser]

The best place to find one of these is in a landfill...next to the pile of Beta players, MiniDisc players, and growing pile of Kindles and e-readers. This will not sell and the person responsible for this device at Verizon should be canned. Completely pathetic. Did Verizon not get the memo that no one uses landlines anymore, let alone pay $35/month ON TOP of your other services just to get a "landline iPhone wannabe"? LAME!!!! I bet you're kicking yourselves now for not agreeing with Apple when they approached you first about the iPhone.

[monkeyfun14]

Eh I thought it was pretty cool when I saw the commercial for one I definitely see where a interest for one of these would come but god forbid anyone release something with a touch screen these days with out being deemed a copier.

[B-McGee]

Well, when products continue to be brought to market with touchscreens yet no other real innovations, then yes, you are copying the most successful touchscreen on the market.

[snglmnd]

Where's the live video app?
They must realize live collaboration is the next hot app, why
not make The Hub, an actual live hub?
Maybe we'll see it as an add on?

[kieranmullen]

I agree. Put video camera on it, do not give the peopel the option not to have it People will not pay more for it to start out with, once they have it though they might use it more and get used to the idea.
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[Dwane2]

Cool device but you can only interact and or text to verizon handsets. You cannot text to any other carrier. That is a deal breaker.

[kaniatron]

I think the concept of video conferencing is great from what I had seen on the advertisement. I agree about the price and service issues. Although I see the potential, perhaps if they made it possible to use a verizon cell phone as a land line, like plug it into some hot swap device or syncing device so its mobile and land at the same time.You could use it as a charger and perhaps have it use call forwarding and carry two numbers. If your cell phone isnt in the dock it will take messages in some interface preferences or menu. Then use the touch screen for more processing, contacts, new, scheduling etc.

[JCPayne]

Still not worth it... You have to pay $35 to Verizon Wireless for this but it is a VOIP only phone and requires you to have a high-speed Internet connection. Thus you have to pay $35 for this service plus the cost of last mile service in addition. So you're still looking at ~ $60 a month. If you want savings might as well look at the MagicJack which is an annual subscription of like $20 on top of whatever you're paying for the last mile... T-Mobile does better then Verizon. T-Mobile @Home is ~ $10 a month.

[sirtikalot]

hey **** for your information IPHONE copied the lg prada which is the first touchscreen phone. So if anyone copied its Apple

[John_Kapili]

This is very similar to the antiquated Tele-Go service of the beginning of Cell phone.
Hey Ivan is that the same lies you told to FairPoint and Idearc Customers, Retirees and Employees?
Verizon is pulling the same thing that happened at Fair Point and Idearc. Frontier won't last either. As said its a dying business. The only entity that will prosper from this is Verizon. http://www.JohnKapili.com
"Don't Trust Verizon Thousands Agree"

[_traveler]

They got it all wrong, people are ditching the land lines to save money. Verizon's VoIP does not make sense. You can get softphone VoIP service with all the cool features free from Liberty International. If you want to use your current handsets with an ATA or buy a video phone your service is still cheaper or free if you refer 3 new customer activations to Liberty.