It was just this past February when Verizon officially put their Hub touchscreen VoIP device up for sale. At the time it required a 2-year contract and $200 to get aboard, which is and was one of the many barriers to the device’s success. ‘Was’ I say? That’s right, the Verizon Hub has already been discontinued purportedly due to floundering sales, poor technical support and probably a whole slew of other reasons. Engadget received word back from the company, which falls just short of admitting the Hub’s demise. It’s a bit of a shame considering how cool it could have been, but when a product is flawed it is quickly represented by sales numbers or in this case lack there of.
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.
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Last year was my first year at CES. It’s also when I discovered that Las Vegas will milk you for every penny between your sofa’s pillows, which includes charging you not only for Internet access, but for any other computers added to the network in your hotel room. Enter the Buffalo Ethernet Hub. It’s powered by your computer’s USB port and can distribute your Internet connection to two connected computers. Sure, a switch or router could accomplish the same feat but not without an external power supply.
Note: Mac computers can share their Internet connection over WiFi and Ethernet.
[via EverythingUSB]
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The Verizon Hub (aka touchscreen VOiP phone) went on sale yesterday. To grab one you’ll need to sign a 2-year contract and drop $200. This is the first time I’ve seen a contract required for a non cell phone device. Well, looks like Verizon has found a way to curb land line attrition.
You can buy it here
Features:
- Chaperone – Track your kids cell phones
- Unlimited Nationwide Calling
- Text, Picture and Video Messaging
- V CAST – News and Sports, Entertainment, Food & Dining, Lifestyle
- Visual Voice Mail
- VZ Navigatorsm
- Weather & Traffic updates
- Directory – Business Search/People Search/Reverse Lookup
- Web Management Site – Manage your Verizon Hub remotely
- Movie Listings, Show times and Trailers, Movie Ticket Purchasing
- Calling Features – Caller ID/Call Forwarding/Do Not Disturb/Incoming Call Blocking/Call Waiting
- Virtual Command Center – 7″ Touch Screen
- Wi–Fi Ready
- Widget Shortcuts to Weather, Missed Call & Message Status, Calling Features, Time, Date and Calendar
- National Directory Assistance
- Intercom & Handset Paging
- Screensavers
- Set Backup Number
- International Call Block
- Contact List
- My Photos – Slideshow/Set Background
- Communications – Call Logs/Voicemail/Messages
- Pick Your Own Area Code
- Simultaneous Ring
- Star and # Pound Code Dialing
- Calendar – Day/Month Views/Create and Update Invites/View Family Schedule/Text Message Reminders
- Speakerphone
- Speed Dialing
- Anonymous Call Rejection
- Calculator
Verizon’s Hub, the home phone meets MID, got official a few days ago. The device incorporates a touchscreen with what is presumably a VoIP phone, although Verizon fails to make it entirely clear. Families – as Verizon likes to pitch it – can peruse movie trailers, check weather, get directions (and send them to their phone) and view traffic. Additionally, Verizon Wireless customers can sync contacts and calendar information to their Verizon Wireless phones as well as connect applications to the device, such as VZ Navigator and Chaperone.
The Verizon Hub will go on sale on February 1st.
[Verizon]
