Verizon launches telephone-music player mobile
August 2nd, 2006 - Posted in LG, VoIPA combination mobile telephone and MP3 digital music player made by South Korean LG Electronics has been introduced to the US market by Verizon Wireless to challenge Apple’s popular iPods.
The LG “Chocolate” handheld had a color to match its name and a sleek design similar to that of the iPod, complete with circular navigation ring. The LG handhelds were to be on US store shelves by August 7, Verizon said.
Verizon sweetened the offering by eliminating the monthly subscription plan for its VCAST online music shop, which claimed to have a catalogue of 1.3 million songs.
VCAST users will be able to pay per song or album the same way Silicon Valley’s Apple Computer charges for digital music downloads from its iTunes store on the Internet, according to Verizon, which is based in New York City.
LG launched “Chocolate” in November of 2005 and has been available in Europe and Asia. An estimated 1.7 million of the devices had been sold, according to industry tracking websites.
Verizon was exclusive US distributor for “Chocolate,” according to the companies.
Verizon Wireless is owned jointly by US telecom giant Verizon Communications and the British operator Vodafone.