Not long ago we uncovered a
VX9600 brought to the FCC's attention courtesy of LG, and naturally, whenever we hear about an LG model that starts with "VX," we think but one thing: Verizon. That's not too interesting -- LGs pass through Verizon's lineup all the frickin' time -- but what caught our eye with this one was the mention of a game pad and a detachable keyboard. Meanwhile, a tipster of ours recently received a survey from Verizon asking what they thought about a purely hypothetical phone with a 3-inch touchscreen and a series of detachable modules, including a keyboard, game pad, stereo speakers, and an "internet module" with integrated WiFi. Coincidence? Doubtful; if we had to guess, the VX9600 is this very device, for which Verizon is apparently considering the names "Phenom," "Clip," and "Versa." We've got to admit, they've managed to stumble across a pretty unique concept here, and we're curious to see how it actually works in practice. We'd seen some intel indicating that Verizon had been targeting a November launch for this thing as recently as September -- but launch windows change insanely fast, so there's really no telling when we'll see this Frankenstein of a phone at this point.
[Thanks, Marcus]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JCK @ Nov 4th 2008 11:34AM
Does it come with a cool fanny pack to haul all those modules around? Not practical.
Jake Lyon @ Nov 4th 2008 11:57AM
Not a very good concept idea, I agree.
Rifter @ Nov 4th 2008 12:39PM
I think this is brilliant. How many people carry around a PSP or DS?
Now, think about big that is... lets take another step... didn't John Carmack just recently say that the Iphone is a far better gaming platform to develop games on (talking about the power of the hardware).
Now, to do games well, you need a good controller... it looks like they have that covered. If you are doing that, is it much of a stretch to add a keyboard? Or, for audiophiles, add speakers... The cellphone is getting all sorts of gadgets jammed into it right now, so we can keep everything in our pockets.
I am still waiting for the cell phone to be thin-client workstation, as well as a cell phone, utilizing remote desktop, bluethooth connectivity, docking stations, and tunneling protocols, over the internet. I don't think THAT day is too far off, and this is just one step.
gareth @ Nov 4th 2008 11:40AM
Fascinating,
From the first pic, it looks like the OS of the LG Dare. I'm surprised, knowing Verizon though I can imagine there would be more of a marketing blitz.
Has anyone played with the Dare and noticed any weird expansion slots?
The D Train @ Nov 4th 2008 12:36PM
Probably just something they put in there to show its a touch screen, since the Dare OS is only touch screen it makes sense. BUt the Dare doesnot have any type of expansion slots to it no, this is an entirely new device, that was just a shopped image on to the render for that slide.
kevin @ Nov 5th 2008 2:12PM
the Dare has a USB port right? (mini or micro whatever it is it's still usb) USB is an expansion port and if it's usb2 it's a very fast expansion port
tande @ Nov 4th 2008 1:34PM
Damn it.
I knew this was going to happen. I get all set for the Storm and then rumors of something else that piques my intrest start showing up.
Well I think I'll wait and see what this is like then make a decision one way or another. You just have to bite the bullet at one point with phones.
Nal @ Nov 4th 2008 3:29PM
Yeah seriously, new and better phones are coming out everytime it's so HARD to settle! I was going to get the Touch Pro and settle on that for a bit until a cooler phone comes out, and now there's all this news.. man. I love these types of phones, like avant-garde type phones.
Anyway, a phone like this was shown as a prototype in some show, I'm sure Engadget covered it. I know Gizmodo did. A phone with a separate screen and keyboard? The concept phone has been shown already. Maybe LG picked it up? The concept phone did look sweet though. I believe it was black with red glowing lcds or buttons? That phone was sexy. Hopefully it will be the same phone.
tande @ Nov 4th 2008 5:23PM
Unfortunately I don't think they'll be the same phone. The one I think you're thinking of was a DotMoCo one IIRC and wasn't done by LG.
I'm sure that this will be similar but I'd expect physical connectors unlike the magnetic ones in that concept.
Nal @ Nov 4th 2008 8:45PM
Oh, that's unfortunate. That magnetic concept is pretty neat. I hope there aren't any physical connectors. That seems very first gen. Anyway, whatever this is better be revealed soon. I need a phone to settle on for the next couple of years without drooling (too much)!
Ben @ Nov 4th 2008 4:01PM
Hey, I just got that survey too! I did market research for that phone like a week ago...
Sarah @ Nov 5th 2008 3:00PM
Ever heard of Modu, anyone? :)