Verizon, AT&T spar with dueling devices that integrate home, wireless phones: The new Verizon Hub challenges AT&T’s HomeManager

Verizon Wireless today announced its new Verizon Hub, a touchscreen device that integrates wired and wireless home communications.
The device is meant to replace stand-alone home phones by providing a touchscreen that displays access to all home communications. Running on a broadband connection, Verizon Hub bridges all home wireless and wireless connectivity. It features visual voicemail, contact list management, text message calendar alerts and the ability to deliver turn-by-turn directions to a Verizon Wireless mobile phone.
Because of Verizon Hub’s broadband connection, users can access Internet features including weather forecasts, news, calendar items and changes and more. The service also can connect to certain Verizon-branded wireless services including VZ Navigator and Chaperone.
The Verizon Hub will go for $200 after a $50 rebate, contingent on a two-year service plan. The service plan, dubbed Verizon Hub with Digital Voice, will cost $35 per month.
The Hub is a direct response to AT&T Mobility’s nearly identical product, HomeManager, which is a home phone alongside a touchscreen with access to communications in the home.
HomeManager is available to current and new AT&T high-speed Internet and wireline customers for a flat fee of $300 for the device, though customers must sign a two-year contract for AT&T’s broadband service or sign up for its U-verse TV, broadband and voice services.