Apparently, Verizon is sitting up and paying attention, lots of attention to the iPhone. With much fanfare, Verizon is now launching a new cell phone in November just in time for Thanksgiving, part of a four cellular phone series, called the Verizon Voyager VX 10000. Verizon's CEO declares that the new phone is the 'iPhone killer.' Strong words that remain to be proven. With a touch screen, vertical shape, a QWERTY keyboard, 2.0 megapixel camera, and a smoother interface, the new Voyager is Verizon's answer to the Apple iPhone.

The touch screen features a 400x240 pixel resolution, a second large internal screen that opens up, 8GB SD card support, a speakerphone, and a VCAST music player. A remarkable improvement in their cellular phone display and appearance, the Voyager does have a resemblance to the Apple iPhone. However, it does not have the intuitive interface of the iPhone, nor the ability to switch from landscape to portrait modes. Its strengths lie in its internal keyboard, improved appearance (compared to other Verizon phones), and most of all, Verizon's existing widespread cellular phone coverage. Apple having chosen AT&T as its exclusive provider, has significant limitation in reaching areas that have sole Verizon coverage.

One of the most significant drawbacks to the Verizon LG Voyager phone is its use of Vcast software. Despite the improved appearance and ease of use, the phone still features a software that is poorly developed. The VCAST software is no match for the Apple OS X platform and offers limited and frustrating operability. What remains to be seen is the wireless speed capability and the price range of the new phone. While this cellular phone does not seem to be strong enough in design and functionality to "kill the iPhone," it does however offer a much desired improvement in Verizon's interface for cell phones, which proves that the iPhone has without a doubt, entirely changed the cellular phone market. More and more cellular phones will be developed in the years to come that are significant improvements on current phones and associated technologies. When these new phones arrive on the market, the public too will be increasingly sophisticated and clear about what they want in their phones. Who knows what Apple will unveil then?

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