Hub-bub

Chris McGinn posted a new blog on Digital Landing! Read about the upgrade to your home phone Verizon has to offer.


Verizon is reinventing the home phone with its new Hub. The new system nixes the traditional landline phone for a Internet-connected display that links with Verizon cell phones and other content to bring information and technology together.

It uses similar VoIP technology to Skype and Vonage but with some Verizon add-ons like Chaparone ($10) which helps track your kids through GPS-enabled phones. The display posts info like weather forecasts or movie listings.

BusinessWeek criticizes Verizon for not being more open. For example you can text message from the display but only to Verizon-enabled phones. Also the Internet options are limited and features like its calendar don’t synch with popular web-based calendars.

The HUB runs $200 after rebate and $35 for unlimited calling/month. This may not be the answer but it’s the future of the home phone.