Engadget

Verizon bubs flub, hawk their last Hub

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:00 EST

No, we didn't accidentally link to the wrong page -- that "page not available" you're getting over on Verizon's site is where the Hub's product site used to reside. The whole thing's been unceremoniously yanked and the product sunsetted, suggesting that the carrier's functionality-rich VoIP base station wasn't getting the love it needed to justify its continued existence, Verizon didn't know how to market it, or some combo thereof. We got the following statement from Verizon today, which doesn't exactly come right out with the discontinuation -- companies often avoid admitting that a product's said its last goodbyes, for whatever reason -- but basically says the same thing in a more wordy fashion:

"Verizon Wireless, like many companies, continually changes and updates the products and services it offers to customers. Our sales teams in all channels will continue to focus on providing our customers the latest and most innovative wireless products and services. Verizon Wireless will continue to support existing Verizon Hub customers with post-sale service or support ."

So the good news is that current Hub owners should be good to go without disruption in service -- for the time being, anyhow. Question is, where's that Hub 2? Is the company completely abandoning the curious practice of competing with itself by pitting traditional landlines against VoIP and Verizon Communications against Verizon Wireless, or are they just making way for something a little more awesome?

[Via Zatz Not Funny]

Filed under: Household

Verizon bubs flub, hawk their last Hub originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook

Ross Miller — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST

Verizon Communications CEO Ivan Seidenberg isn't too upbeat on the future of landlines, telling the audience at a Goldman Sachs investor conference today that the company is just not interested in telephones connected with wires. The chief exec of one of the nation's biggest telecommunications firms continued with his gospel, saying his "thinking has matured" and that trying to predict when the dwindling landline business will plateau is akin to "the dog chasing the bus." He says the new way of thinking is "liberating," but of course, endeavors like the Hub technically don't count as landlines to the company since it'sVoIP, and the coupled with its continued success as the largest cellular provider in terms of subscriber base, yeah, we're sure it's not too tough a pill to swallow. So how abut ramping up FiOS installations just a wee bit faster, eh Ivan?

Filed under: Verizon Wireless

Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook

Ross Miller — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon CEO doesn't care about landlines anymore, feels 'liberated' by new outlook originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub getting price cut Friday -- Hub 2 drawing near?

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:13:00 EST

Verizon's landline-slaying (read: self-slaying) Hub will be getting a $50 price cut on a two-year contract come this Friday, which brings the grand total down to $149.99; alternatively, you'll now be able to get it for $219.99 on a one-year commitment or $299.99 completely devoid of the legal paperwork. According to the shot we have, Verizon is "reinventing" the price, but let's be honest -- either this thing isn't selling worth a damn or they'd like to move some inventory in preparation for the Hub 2 launch. Either way, it's an exciting time to be in the market.

Filed under: Household

Verizon Hub getting price cut Friday -- Hub 2 drawing near? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub getting price cut Friday -- Hub 2 drawing near?

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:13:00 EST

Filed under: Verizon Wireless

Verizon Hub getting price cut Friday -- Hub 2 drawing near? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's iPhone-like Hub 2 hands-on

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:56:00 EST

We had a chance to sit down and play with Verizon's next iteration of its Hub (already guys?), and while it wasn't a mind-blowing affair, they do seem to making some moves in the right direction. Firstly, the new version is detached from the handset completely -- right now at least -- making it much more of a "fourth screen" internet device, and less of what you'd think of as a standard landline... er, VoIPline. The redesigned unit is considerably more contemporary in industrial design as well, making it look something like a big iPhone -- which is probably what they're hoping for. We were told the screen is still resistive touch, though it seemed a little more responsive than the original unit we toyed around with.

Additionally, Verizon is working on further updating the software, adding new functionality like internet radio, a Webkit browser (which is kind of a no-brainer here), and yes -- an app store (or as they call it, the App Mart). The idea seems to be about moving the Hub more towards a role as another connected device for a kitchen or living room, and less about trying to sell it as a fancy phone, and that's definitely a step in the right direction. Verizon is still tweaking the box and adding features, but what we saw is very promising indeed. Now, if they just throw in some Bluetooth support, a speakerphone option, and lose that dated looking handset altogether (all suggestions we made when we met with them), we might be seeing the start of something magical.

Gallery: Verizon's iPhone-like Hub 2 hands-on

Filed under: Household

Verizon's iPhone-like Hub 2 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Screen Grabs: Verizon Hub tells of Serena's galavanting

Darren Murph — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST

Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com.

We didn't happen to spot Nelly's shiny new BlackBerry Storm on last night's Gossip Girl, but we did see that cast-wide Verizon contract rubbed in our faces again. Verizon's newest non-cellphone (that'd be the Hub) made a brief appearance at the tail end of the episode to inform Lily van der Woodsen that her dearest Serena had reverted to her old carefree ways and hopped a private jet to Spain. Hope she took a worldphone over there, else making that "I'm here!" call is going to be just a wee bit difficult in GSM world.

Gallery: Screen Grabs: Verizon Hub tells of Serena's galavanting

Screen Grabs: Verizon Hub tells of Serena's galavanting originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change Verizon's Hub?

Darren Murph — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:09:00 EST

Ah, the Verizon Hub. A curious beast this day and age, wouldn't you say? For those of you who spent the better part of Super Bowl Sunday setting one of these crazy contraptions up in your domicile, we're eager to hear of your experiences. Has it made you want to throw away your cellphone? Are you already regretting the contract you're now locked into? Are the widgets sufficiently useful? We found ourselves a bit torn as to whether or not the Hub was even a device worth considering given the monthly fee attached, but now that it's sat in your place for well over a month, we're anticipating some better feedback from those who've used it a time or two. Spill your guts below.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

How would you change Verizon's Hub? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 01:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon readying subsidized HP laptops, Hub 2

Nilay Patel — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:18:00 EST

We just got a pair of small-but-juicy Verizon rumors from a very reliable tipster: first, we hear that HP and Big Red are working together on subsidized WWAN-enabled laptops for launch in Q2. Exactly what machines will be involved can't be confirmed, but if we had our guess we'd say Big Red's got a cheap Mini 1000 on a two-year contract in the works, since these so-called "netbooks" are all the rage these days. Second, a updated version of the charming-but-questionably-useful Hub "landline killer" home phone is due out in the second half of the year, and VZW's apparently retargeting it a little: we're told it'll be more upscale and boast even more features. And here we thought that internet radio widget was gettin' all crazy. No word on pricing for any of this stuff, but we'd bet we'll find out more soon.

Filed under: Household, Laptops, Wireless

Verizon readying subsidized HP laptops, Hub 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub spotted streaming internet radio

Darren Murph — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:26:00 EST

We've already heard a few of you clamoring for internet radio support on Verizon's Hub, and if a mall unit is indicative of shipping units, your prayers have been answered. Mr. Dave Zatz happened upon a Hub while checking out the good word at a Verizon mall kiosk, and sure enough, WiFi radio functionality was in tact and working smoothly. We're told that the company's initial music partner is Clear Channel's iheartradio.com, though details beyond that are nonexistent. In all honestly, the Hub seems like the perfect device to see all sorts of added utility via firmware updates, so we're crossing our fingers in hopes that Verizon feels the same way.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Verizon Hub spotted streaming internet radio originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:03:00 EST

We had a chance to get our grubby mitts on Verizon's new VOIP / home phone -- the Hub -- and we thought we'd give you a little preview of what's in store if you're planning on busting out the credit card. The device, which we've seen floating around in various forms since January of 2007, is a combo of a cradled wireless handset and 7-inch, resistive touchscreen display. It's an interesting play for a sector of the market that's all but forgotten (and maybe for good reason). If you want to hear some thoughts on the device, follow the bread crumbs beyond the break.

Gallery: Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions

Continue reading Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions

Filed under: Cellphones, Household

Verizon Hub hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub "landline slayer" officially unveiled

Laura June — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:18:00 EST

We've been on the trail of the Verizon Hub since way back when it was called the Verizon One, in fact, but it's just been officially announced, and there are plenty of details to report now. The system boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display, and will work with Verizon wireless subscribers handset(s) to eliminate the need for a landline (people still have those!?) The idea here is that the hub can sync to your calendar, contacts, maps, traffic and weather reports via broadband. It can also send and receive text messages, and do all kinds of cute little tasks like send driving directions to your phone. Subscribers have to live in an E911-capable area, and will be able to bring any phone number with them if they want to sign up for new service. The hardware's going to cost $200 (after a $50 mail-in rebate) with a subscription fee of $35 per month -- which comes with unlimited minutes and texts to and from the device. It'll be available starting February 1st. Get ready.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: Peripherals, Verizon Wireless, Accessories

Verizon Hub "landline slayer" officially unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub "landline slayer" officially unveiled

Laura June — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Verizon Hub "landline slayer" officially unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub in the wild on way to February 1 release

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:58:00 EST

Our tipster tells us these bad boys can't be activated just yet, but they'll be available in stores as of February 1 -- and you won't need anything crazy like FiOS to get 'em. The Hub is the evolution of the Verizon One concept first shown at CES two years ago, featuring family-friendly features like a digital corkboard, scheduler, photo frame functionality, and integration with Verizon Wireless handsets to fire MMS shots straight to the screen. In a way, you can think of it as the watered-down realization of that awesome videophone in Back To The Future II, but with less teleconferencing and fax capability and way, way less Lea Thompson.

Gallery: Verizon Hub in the wild on way to February 1 release

Filed under: Household

Verizon Hub in the wild on way to February 1 release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub in the wild on way to February 1 release

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:58:00 EST

Gallery: Verizon Hub in the wild on way to February 1 release

Filed under: Verizon Wireless

Verizon Hub in the wild on way to February 1 release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's Hub ultra-deskphone finally coming soon

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:19:00 EST

The Hub is shaping up to being one of the greatest untold gadget dramas of the past decade. Okay, maybe that's an overstatement -- but seriously, what exactly is this thing? Part of the story is that it's a virtual corkboard and picture frame for families in the same vein as the Verizon One and AT&T's HomeManager, but we've also heard that it'll play nice with picture messaging and other services from Verizon Wireless phones -- in other words, it's the secret sauce that'll let Verizon control your entire communications ecosystem. Word on the street is that Hubs have arrived in Verizon stores with strict orders from corporate not to bust open the boxes until told to do so, so in the meantime, enjoy a shot of the surprisingly attractive box design. We're being told that the official launch will come before mid-February, so we'll get this all sorted before too long.

Filed under: Household

Verizon's Hub ultra-deskphone finally coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's Hub ultra-deskphone finally coming soon

Chris Ziegler — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:19:00 EST

Filed under: Verizon Wireless

Verizon's Hub ultra-deskphone finally coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon's Hub will interact with Verizon Wireless phones

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:09:00 EST

We're still trying to piece together the Verizon Hub mystery -- namely whether it'll be available outside the realm of Verizon's FiOS broadband customer base -- but either way, we have some evidence here that it'll play nice with the Verizon Wireless handset of your choice. The device was designed from the start to be the be-all, end-all wireline home base (hence the name), so it really comes as no surprise that there'd be some interaction with mobiles for those rare occasions when you simply must leave your home. What you see here are a couple of diagrams (just follow the arrows!) involving the transfer of information to and from Verizon Wireless-branded cellphones; in the first, an address is looked up using the Hub's yellow pages facility, located on a map, then transferred to an LG VX9400. In the second, a lovely photograph from a beach (seriously, what are we doing in front of a computer right now?) is snapped and transferred to a Hub, where it's displayed in real time. Fun stuff -- let's hope owners of any old broadband connection are going to be able to partake.

Filed under: Verizon Wireless

Verizon's Hub will interact with Verizon Wireless phones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verizon Hub headlines carrier's 2008 initiatives, devices

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST

We've gotten the inside track on a few dates on Verizon's radar for the next few months, and it looks like the boys and girls in red are prepping an interesting mix of exclusive and Sprint catch-ups to keep customers fat and happy. As handsets go, the Motorola Q9c is planned for April along with the TouchFLO-powered XV6900, LG enV2, and the CDMA rendition of the BlackBerry Curve (so much for exclusivity clauses on this one, it seems), while the Samsung Glyde is currently slated for late April or early May. Centro fans will be happy to hear that the diminutive Garnet phone will finally hit Verizon following Sprint and AT&T launches in the tail end of May or the beginning of June, followed shortly by the Nokia 6205, which apparently isn't either the 2505 or 7205 unless one of those flips have been renumbered.

As technology goes, Verizon looks to launch EV-DO Rev. A-based push-to-talk services -- Sprint folks will know this as Qualcomm's QChat -- toward the end of May. We've also caught wind of something called "Verizon Hub," which we're told will go head-to-head with T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service. It's not known whether this'll be a WiFi setup (a la HotSpot@Home) or adopt Sprint's CDMA femtocell strategy, but seeing how Verizon and Sprint seem to be endlessly engaged in a game of cat and mouse, we wouldn't be surprised to see 'em go with femtocells. We don't have a date on Hub just yet, but it's targeting the second half of the year at the earliest.

Update: Commenters are noting that Verizon's do-all FiOS phone bares the "Verizon Hub" name, though it doesn't go head-to-head with HotSpot@Home -- and the Hub we're referring to is showing up on Verizon Wireless roadmaps. Weird. We'll keep a close eye on this one.

Filed under: Handsets, HTC, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, RIM, Samsung, Verizon Wireless, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

Verizon Hub headlines carrier's 2008 initiatives, devices originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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