BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and WHITE PLAINS, N.Y - While AT&T has been reaping in the benefits of the popularity of the iPhone and Sprint is cashing on Palm Pre's smartphone quotient, US's largest wireless voice and data network - Verizon Wireless - is betting on Windows Mobile for its smartphone segment. In line with Microsoft announcing the availability of its next generation mobile OS, Windows Phone, the US carrier has officially announced the launch of the HTC Imagio, a Windows Phone for consumers in the US.

Also cashing in on the US Domestic Violence Awareness Month is purple-colored Nokia  2705 Shade, the carrier's first device to ship with #HOPE pre-programmed into the contact list. Dialling #HOPE, connects the users to US National Domestic Violence Hotline, where they can receive information or help with domestic violence situations along with answers to related questions.

HTC Imagio

HTC's latest Windows Phone is the HTC Imagio, a stylish multimedia smartphone that combines an intuitive user interface with global roaming capabilities for data access across more than 185 destinations worldwide.

The device also has the unique distinction of being Verizon Wireless’ first smartphone to support V CAST Mobile TV, a service offering news, sports and entertainment  channels directly onto the phone.

The impressive phone boasts of quadband GSM, HSPA,  CDMA/Ev-Do Rev. A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and microUSB in the connectivity options, along with a large 3.6" LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 480x800 pixels and a 5 megapixel  camera with autofocus and capable of video recording .

While the on-screen QWERTY keyboard, and 1500mAh battery compliment the smartphone capability of this device, the standard 3.5mm audio jack, along with five quick launch buttons adds on the multimedia capabilities of the mobile device. Further, Verizon Wireless' V CAST Music with Rhapsody service gives customers access to millions of songs to download over-the-air extends the music compatibilities of the device.

Windows Phone along with HTC's TouchFLO 3D interface power the smartphone, which will be available online at the Verizon Wireless store, starting this October 20th (October 6th for the Verizon Wireless Webstore) for US$199.99 after a US$100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

Nokia 2705 Shade

Verizon also announced the latest flip phone from Nokia - the Nokia 2705 Shade - a compact phone offering stylish connectivity for consumer on budget.

The device, which will be first available exclusively on Verizon's Online stores, will be available in two versions: with and without camera. Further, customers can even chose the color of their choice with several Xpress-on covers sold separately.

The handset is loaded with a 1.3 megapixel camera, microUSB, Bluetooth, and mobile browser for extended connectivity and multimedia functions. The onboard VZ Navigator service brings access to more than 15 million points of interest right on the phone.

The device is priced at US$29.99 for the camera version on a two-year service agreement, while the Xpress-On covers available in blue, red and purple are available for US$19.99 at the Verizon Webstore. Further, as purple is the awareness color for domestic violence, those who purchase the Nokia Shade with a camera online during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month, will receive a free picture frame phone lanyard and a purple Nokia Xpress-on Cover while supplies last.