Verizon upgrades VoIP Hub, plans hardware refresh & apps marketplace

Less than 90 days after unveiling its VoIP consumer media phone, Verizon is rolling out new features for the Hub. New goodies in the works include slicker hardware and an applications marketplace.

The new software upgrade includes more downloadable Widgets, instructional cooking videos and games. A web browser based around Google's Chrome browser and a software development kit for third-party programmers are also in the works.

Future hardware prototypes flashed to reporters included a model that resembles a digital picture frame and/or another that includes a smaller, more compact cordless phone.

The Hub applications store is being opened up to expand the appeal of the device, allowing customers to download the apps the want - and ultimately providing a marketplace for third-party developers to sell software a la Apple's iPhone App Store.  A launch date for the app store has not yet been announced.

Furthermore, anyone can now buy the Hub if they choose. When the Hub was initially introduced, purchasers had to be existing Verizon Wireless customers; the device connects to Verizon Wireless services linked to mobile services such as VZ Navigator for directions and local attractions, Chaperone (for tracking phone locations) and V Cast video entertainment.

However, the Hub still has a hefty price tag, costing $199 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a two-year agreement at $35 per month for VoIP and other services, with additional cordless phones at an additional $79.99 each.

Expect to see a national advertising campaign for the Hub to appear later this month.

For more:
- Dow Jones Business Wire on WSJ.com. Post [1].
- FierceWireless picked up the Reuters story. Article [2].

Related stories
Verizon launched Hub [3] on Feb. 1
SPOTLIGHT: Verizon's Uber-desktop phone rumors [4]