Verizon Wireless just sent over a press release announcing the long-awaited release of the Samsung i760 smartphone.  Actually, I don't know if folks are still "awaiting" this one or not, as it was first shown last winter on the trade show circuit.

The i760 is a touchscreen device with a horizontal-slider QWERTY board and a front-mounted dialing keypad.  It's a look that folks seem to either be intrigued or flat-out turned off by.  Along with the dual keypads, the 760 will also feature Windows Mobile 6 Professional, a 1.3 MP camera, and stereo Bluetooth.  I have a few friends who were asking me about this one regularly during the spring and summer, but finally gave up hope.  Alas, for $349.99 after a rebate and signing of a two-year VZW service agreement, they can finally get their paws on this Samsung.

And oh yeah ... the same press release also confirmed the coming soon status of the XV6800, SMT 5800, and Palm Treo 755p smartphones.  That first one is like a VZW version of the Mogul, and the second one is like a VZW version of the HTC Vox.  The last one?  It's a Treo, silly.