Verizon Wireless is set to launch a color-screen mobile phone from LG Electronics that includes an integrated digital camera and support for multimedia messaging services, according to the carrier’s Web site.
The device is notable because Verizon has largely remained out of the camera-phone market in the United States, a move that stands in stark contrast to Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless Services Inc. and others that have been heavily promoting integrated camera phones.
Verizon declined to comment on the phone, citing policy not to discuss possible upcoming products.
The phone’s selling price was unclear, as was a specific release date. However, it could be released as early as next week. That Verizon will sell the phone seems an almost certainty because the phone’s user manual is available on LG’s Web site, complete with the Verizon logo.
The high-end, CDMA 1xRTT-capable LG VX6000 features text-messaging capabilities, a WAP browser and support for Verizon’s Get It Now application download service. The phone also supports MMS services, dubbed Pix Messaging, although technical details were not available.
Verizon offers the high-end Samsung SPH-i700 mobile phone/personal digital assistant, which includes an integrated digital camera. However, the carrier is not promoting the device as a camera phone.
