verizon

Palm Treo 755p from Verizon has got a firmware update. Unfortunately, there's no info about it, only a phrase on the support page saying that this build "improves the phone application, stability and device usability." Well, sounds good enough for us, so if you own the respective handset, get it "tuned-up".

Here's the list of devices that are expected to be released by Verizon Wireless in the coming months.

• UTStarcom Touch Diamond;
• UTStarcom Touch Raphael;
• Motorola Blaze;
• Motorola VU30;
• Nokia 2605;
• Palm Treo 800w;
• Samsung SCH-U430 (late August);
• Samsung SCH-U440 (8th August);
• UTStarcom TX

Rhapsody has opened a DRM-free MP3 store. Each track costs $.99, while an album will cost you $9.99. All songs are encoded in 256kpbs CBR.

Users can preview 25 full-length tracks a month from the standard 5 million song catalog. But that's not all, the first 100,000 subscribers to sign-up before July 4th will receive a $10 credit, which can then be spent on a full album of your choice.

Motorola prepares a new low- to mid-range cell phone known as the Blaze. The design combines the traits of other Motorola handsets, including MING, PEBL a RAZR 2, and makes the phone look pretty ugly. The Blaze uses the a custom operating system for Verizon and will be sporting a touchscreen with haptic feedback.

Other features include:

• EV-DO Rev.

Verizon has officially released the LG VX9700 Dare.

This phone is set to compete with giants like Apple iPhone and Samsung Instinct and will be available through the carrier's website and TeleSales division for $199 after $50 rebate on a 2-year contract, $249 after $50 rebate on a 1-year contract, and $409 full retail.

In addition, for a limitted time Verizon is giving away 8GB microSDHC memory cards for those who order the phone online along with the $79 Nationwide Basic plan (1350 minutes) or $99 Nationwide Basic Unlimited plan.

Verizon will be launching the new Samsung U430 phone on its network. The phone was recently approved by the FCC, is very basic, lacks any multimedia features, and appears to be the replacement for the older U410 model. It will be available for free with a contract.

Samsung U430 features:

• Networks: CDMA dual band (800/1900 MHz)/CDMA2000 1xRTT;
• Battery: Li-Ion;
• Main Display: 128 x 160, 65 536 colors, TFT;
• Additional Display:  96 x 96, 65 536 colors, STN;
• Camera: 0.

We're not sure about this, but it looks like Treo 700wx is getting an official Windows Mobile 6 upgrade courtesy of Verizon. There was no mention of WM 6.1 update and whether Sprint customers will get it. We'll see... Btw, apparently, if you want, you can upgrade your Treo 700wx to Windows Mobile 6.0 unofficially.

The long-awaited LG Dare VX9700 is now listed on Verizon's InfoCenter intranet. The on-line sales will begin on June 26th, and on July 3rd the phone will appear in stores. It will be selling for $199 after $50 rebate on a 2-year agreement.

LG Dare Features:

• 3" WQVGA touch-sensitive display;
• Handwriting recognition;
• Drag and Drop contact and photo interface;
• 3.

Verizon plans to release the new Nokia 6205 flip phone for its CDMA network.

The phone will be available in both standard light blue and the new thematic Dark Knight edition skins starting June 15th. The price for both versions is $69.99 after a new 2-year contract and a $50 rebate.

Specifications for the Nokia 6205 include:

• Network: CDMA 800/1900MHz;
• Data: 1xRTT/EV-DO;
• Size: 91.

Verizon Wireless has officially announced three new LG phones for its network: Dare, Decoy and Chocolate 3.

 

• The first (LG Dare) is a slim candybar phone with a large touch-sensitive screen and only three keys, like on the PRADA and Vu models. It is a multimedia touchscreen handset equipped with a 3.