Verizon’s New Hub Features Intel Atom, Browser, Twitter, and More

Yesterday we stopped by Verizon to take a look at what the company has up it sleeves for the next version of its Hub. While there was some new hardware on display, including two models that ditch the phone-attached feature, Verizon said that these were just mock-up designs and it wasn’t sure which ODM it would go with. Both prototypes, however, had capacitive touch-screens as opposed to the current resistive technology, and Verizon confirmed one was powered by an Intel Atom processor, typically reserved for netbooks . While the new designs were very attractive, the screen sizes remained the same. One had a glossy black border, while the other sat atop a speaker. On both prototypes, Verizon added the ability to switch between multiple pages of applications. And to provide new applications, Verizon showed us an application store portal called App Mart for installing things like Rhapsody radio, an Alarm clock, and more. Other updates include a browser–Verizon is still working with partners and wouldn’t confirm if it was powered by Opera or not–as well as standalone apps for YouTube,Twitter, and recipe software. Previously, we were a bit turned off that the technology was only available to Verizon Wireless customers, but the company says that it’s planning to waive that requirement soon, so that anyone can purchase and use the Hub. The new units were much more attractive than before, and the industrial design reminds us a lot of digital picture frames as opposed to the big telephone hub that this first version of the unit looked like. Photo via Engadget