The Verizon Hub is an ongoing experiment of trying to integrate a web 2.0 app culture into wireline phones – almost mimicking the iPhone experience for home phones. Verizon is not alone – AT&T has a version and so does Comcast. I like to call them broadband phones. Apparently Verizon’s seen enough of the experiment though.
Dave Zatz is reporting on his Zatz Not Funny blog that Verizon is discontinuing the Hub. A visit to the Verizon Hub web page gives you a ‘page is unavailable’ error. I agree with Zatz’s assessment that the Hub was probably over priced ($200), especially in this economic climate. How many people would be willing to fork over that much dough for a phone you can’t carry with you these days? My guess is few and far between. There are also a growing number of iPhone docking stations that can match or beat the Hub and phones like it.
I suspect Verizon is also focusing more wireline phone product development with FiOS Digital Voice (FDV). FDV is a feature rich IP voice product which doesn’t require a $200 device investment. It’s Verizon’s answer to cable’s success with IP voice products.
If Verizon has indeed killed the Hub, how long before AT&T does the same with its Home Manager?
I can see how this may have had potential a few years ago if it would have been cheaper.
Verizon Wireless, like many companies, continually changes and updates the products and services it offers to customers. Our sales teams in all channels will continue to focus on providing our customers the latest and most innovative wireless products and services. Verizon Wireless will continue to support existing Verizon Hub customers with post-sale service or support .