Verizon Wireless Unveils Holiday Lineup

Today Verizon announced four new handsets for its 2007 holiday lineup; the Verizon Wireless Juke by Samsung, the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 smartphone, The Venus by LG and The Voyager by LG. Each of the phones will hit store shelves before Thanksgiving. Prices were not announced.

None of these handsets are revolutionary, though the Voyager sports a touchscreen. Verizon's attempt to have their own 'iPhone-killer'? Well, it is a start. From descriptions of this handset, and reviews we have read, it appears to be a solid smartphone and the touchscreen helps. It does NOT have built in memory like the iPhone (memory cards are needed, which of course you can purchase) nor the slick Mac OS supporting it. But hey, you have to start somewhere.

The four handset descriptions:

The Juke- this handset features a swivel design. It boasts 2GB of internal storage, music player, VGA camera with Nightshot and access to VZ Navigator and Chaperone. The phone is exclusive to the carrier and will come in blue, red and teal. Read the Phonescoop review here.

The Venus- this phone sports dual screens and the bottom one includes tactile feedback. The handset includes a microSD slot, Get It Now, VCAST Video and Music, a music player and a 2 megapixel camera. It comes in black and pink. Read the Phonescoop review here.

The BlackBerry Pearl 8130- this first Pearl from Verizon Wireless includes EV-DO capability and GPS. Comes in tinted silver, a color exclusive to the carrier. Read the Phonescoop review here.

The Voyager- This phone has a large external touch screen that opens laterally to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. The Voyager also features an HTML browser, VCAST and microSD slot. Read the Phonescoop review here.

Of the four devices, the Juke is the slickest looking one, and the form factor is rather unique. Otherwise, more of the same from Verizon.

Parting words from the company:
"We are excited about these devices," said Mike Lanman vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "Our fourth quarter device portfolio includes best-in-class multimedia wireless phones that offer customers the latest in innovative technology and an array of features. Whether customers are seeking a cool, hip, fashion-forward music phone, a device that will help them stay connected to the office, or an entertainment- rich device that can also function in a business setting, we will have it -- on the nation's most reliable wireless network."