Report: Verizon plans iPhone competitor

by Jim Duffy, Network World, MacCentral

Verizon Wireless is plotting a response to AT&T’s widely-anticipated Apple iPhone offering, according to published reports.

Apple previewed iPhone at the Macworld conference in January. It will feature a 3.5-inch, 160 dot-per-inch color screen, a 2 megapixel digital camera and a touchscreen Apple calls “Multitouch,” which is designed to enhance accuracy by ignoring unintended touches.

iPhone will be 11.6 millimeters thick — thinner than typical smartphones, according to Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

AT&T has exclusive rights to offer iPhone for five years. It will be available from the carrier next month.

Verizon Wireless’ counter is the LG Prada, or KE850, according to TheStreet.com . Prada is a sleek handset similar in look to the iPhone, the Web site reports. It includes a camera, and can play music and videos and allow for document viewing.

iPhone will cost US$500 while Prada is expected to retail for around $600. The offering is seen as key for Verizon Wireless to attempt to stem the tide of customers to iPhone and AT&T.

Verizon Wireless was not immediately available for comment. USA Today recently quoted Verizon COO Denny Strigl stating that the carrier will have a response to iPhone by late summer.

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