February first will see the launch of the Verizon Hub - a VoIP home phone replacement that works through virtually any broadband connection. As you can see below, it's a slick device that combines a cordless phone with a touchscreen - short of a MID, but with some handy functionality. It will allow you to watch movie trailers, find out where your selected feature is playing, look up an address, get directions, and even buy tickets.
Customized widgets deliver web content, so weather and traffic updates will be waiting when you wake up and grab a cup of coffee. Hub has an integrated calendar, and will send you text messages as reminders or to notify you if an appointment is changed at the home unit. The contact management is robust, and the phone feature is not simply an accessory to the touchscreen. Thankfully, visual voicemail may finally become a casual, frequent activity.
VCast is supported, which I suppose would be useful for catching the news during breakfast. But I doubt I'd use VCast for more than that. When not on a call or using the practical features mentioned above, the Hub would most likely sit quietly on my counter. Still, it would look extremely nice doing so. I want one... and one for my mother.
For those with other Verizon services, such as FiOS, more features and integration are available - such as the ability to control your t.v. from the Hub.
