verizon

Verizon BlackBerry Storm users will be the first to start using the VZ Navigator service globally when it's launched on the handset in Q1. The service will cost $20 per month, and will be initially supported in Mexico, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK, followed by Austria and Belgium in the second phase.

Today Verizon has released the new LG VX8360, which will replace the older VX8350 model. The only difference between the two appears to be in a slightly changed exterior. Features include a 1.3Mpix camera, QVGA display, VCast Music with Rhapsody, VZ Navigator, 950mAh battery, and supports microSDHC cards up to 8GB.

Pricing:

$49.99 - 2 year contract (after $50 rebate);
$119.

The LG VX8360 from Verizon should have been released back in October, but it's become available just now. I guess it's better late than never. The phone will be going for $50 with a contract, and will offer features including a 1.3Mpix camera, EV-DO, and VZ Navigator.

Following AT&T with its "iPhone 3G for $49" deal, Verizon is now offering the good ol' BlackBerry Pearl 8130 for a no less insane price of $19.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate on a 2-year contract. If you didn't get a new phone over the holidays, this one will make a good choice.

A Korean blog posted a few photos of the rumored Verizon's Casio Exilim NX9250 cameraphone.

It's got the carrier's branding on it, and comes with a 5.1Mpix camera on the back.

Also there seems to be a unique hinge seen on the second shot, which might hint at the possible rotating screen.

Verizon has released a new firmware update for its BlackBerry Storm. The new version 4.7.0.83 is considerably higher than the previous 4.7.0.76, yet we still don't know what are the changes/improvements/fixes included in the latest build.

But it wouldn't hurt if you update your handset anyway, would it?

Samsung u440 Cleo will soon be available on Verizon Wireless as the "Strut". It is a clamshell with a full internal QWERTY keyboard, so if you like those features combined, this handset is the one for you.

According to users at Howard Forums, it appears that Verizon customers owning a BlackBery Pearl 8130 or Curve 8330 can unlock the GPS function on their handsets by upgrading their firmware to version 4.5.0.97. Unfortunately, it looks like BlackBerry Maps is the only application that's able to utilize the internal GPS, Google Maps don't work.

Because the OS version isn't officially supported by Verizon, it might be an intentional concession, or if it was a mistake.

Verizon has introduced a new low-end flip phone today, called the CDM8950. Features are lame, but the price isn't bad: $29.99 on a 2-year contract after a $50 mail-in rebate, and INpulse prepaid customers will be able to get it for $99.99 after rebate.

Specs of the CDM8950 include:

• EV-DO (800/1900 MHz);
• 2" 176 x 220, 262K color TFT screen;
• 1.

Today Verizon Wireless has announced the anticipated CDMA Samsung Omnia today. It should be be available for order this week, and the full retail release is scheduled for December 8. The phone isn't cheap, though: prepare to spend $249.99 after rebate on a 2-year commitment.

Features include:

• Windows Mobile 6.1 with TouchWiz;
• 3.