Video of Verizon's new Hub home VoIP, messaging, and internet device

Verizon Hub

Verizon Hub

Verizon Hub

Today Verizon Wireless announced the availability of the Verizon Wireless Hub, a VoIP^(INFO) home phone service that includes a base station with a 7-inch 800x480 pixel touchscreen display and a wide range of Internet, messaging, and multimedia functionality. We visited with Verizon in the company's Manhattan offices to get a first hand look at the new device.

Since this isn't a mobile phone, some of our readers out there might wonder why we are covering it at all. The reason is that it acts as an integral part of a user's Verizon Wireless individual or family plan, and even requires such a plan to be used at all. On top of that, the fact that it supports Verizon's V CAST features and is tightly integrated with the company's text and picture messaging, chaperone, and calling services means that it is something that will add a lot of functionality to a plain old cell phone.

For instance, the directory service application can be used to look up local business and then send the address to your Verizon cell phone's VZ Navigator application so that you don't have to deal with the text input on your phone. The simultaneous ring service will also appeal to many. Up to 3 additional phone numbers from the linked Verizon Wireless account can be set to ring both on the cell phone as well as on the Hub, with either device being able to take the call. That means that if you forget your cell phone at the office, you would still be able to easily answer it at home.

Of course for any of this to work, the Linux powered Hub will have to be connected to your existing broadband internet connection. That connection can be through a wired ethernet cable or via 802.11b/g WiFi wireless access.

Verizon Hub

Verizon Hub

Verizon Hub

Verizon Wireless sells the Hub for US$199.99 after a $50 rebate, and charges a $34.99 per month access fee for the unlimited voice and messaging and the other included services. Additional wireless extensions can be purchased for $79.99 each.

Considering that Vonage charges $24.99 per month for a similarly unlimited calling VoIP service, users will have to decide if the extra $10 per month and significant up front cost are worth the messaging and other bundled services that the Hub offers. But in terms of real functionality, we think that many people are going to like what the Hub has to offer.