Verizon Wireless is bolstering its phone line-up with high-end devices from the likes of PalmOne Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
First up, Verizon announced it is selling PalmOne’s Treo 650 for $300 with a two-year service agreement. Verizon is offering the device with voice plans starting at $40 per month and an unlimited wireless data plan for $45 per month. Verizon previously announced it would sell the device, but did not say when. Cingular Wireless L.L.C. and Sprint PCS also sell the Treo 650, which features the Palm operating system, Bluetooth and a tiny keyboard.
Separately, Verizon said the high-end Samsung i730 smart phone “will soon be certified on the Verizon Wireless network.” The posting on the carrier’s Web site said the phone features a slide-out keyboard, the Windows Mobile operating system, Bluetooth and a speakerphone. Interestingly, Verizon said the phone’s Bluetooth function “does not support all profiles for object exchange.” The carrier made a similar statement when it announced it would sell the Treo 650. Object exchange allows users to transfer files from the phone to a computer through Bluetooth, a feature that Verizon has said violates its copyright agreements with its content providers.
Finally, documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission indicate Verizon will sell the clamshell-style Samsung SCH-A950, which features an MP3 player, Bluetooth and an integrated digital camera. Verizon typically does not comment on devices until it officially announces them. Documents included in the filing refer to Verizon services like Get It Now and Pix Message.
In other Samsung FCC filings, the handset vendor appears to be getting ready to sell the SPH-A820 with Sprint. Documents included in the filing indicate the phone will feature Sprint’s “Ready Link” push-to-talk service and PCS Vision wireless data service.
