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Whether or not your favorite part of your cell phone is the connected application market seems to be a moot point anymore. They’re going to exist whether you use them or not, and Verizon Wireless has made sure that they are finally in the game. Their service was announced last summer, so this has been a long time coming. The details have changed a bit since the announcement from the Big Red network, but the changes are definitely a good thing, and no longer paint the digital retail store in a bad light.

Mainly, it looks like Verizon Wireless conceded that having more than one application market makes sense. Initially, Verizon was going to remove all pre-loaded application links from devices, like Research In Motion’s BlackBerry devices, or Windows Mobile handsets, and put their own application store at the forefront. You would have still been able to download the appropriate company’s market, but it would have been an extra download, and just an extra hassle. Now, though, Verizon is sharing up to 70% of revenue from applications purchased through their V Cast Apps marketplace with developers.

Probably the easiest feature of the whole thing, though, is the fact that customers will be able to put their purchases directly onto their bills, so no extra credit card is needed. Easy enough for customers, and even easier for developers. And, while Verizon Wireless has officially released V Cast Apps, it’s only available on one handset right now: the BlackBerry Storm. There are more BlackBerry devices planned for the new future, so keep your fingers crossed that they roll out soon. Announcements should be forthcoming, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

[via Rethink Wireless]

Ah, rumors! What a great way to start your Wednesday morning with a fresh batch of iPhone 4 rumors, right? And they just won’t stop, either. Whether or not you’re taking the bite on these Verizon Wireless rumors, let alone these images of new iPhone screens with front-facing cameras, is completely up to you. But, over the years, we realize that usually the speculation never really matches what Apple is working on. Though, if this aluminum unibody design is anywhere close to the real deal, we’d be pleasantly surprised.

The original iPhone’s casing was rugged and heavy. That was a good thing. But then the iPhone 3G showed us that aesthetically, a plastic shiny case was even better. Then we all realized it was plastic, and by the time the iPhone 3GS was being rumored, we were all clamoring for something more hefty than shiny plastic. That didn’t happen, obviously, so now the rumors are back. We need something sturdy, something that looks good, and something that puts a little weight in our hands. Or, not. The aluminum unibody casing that you see in the image above is definitely attractive, and certainly reminds us of the upcoming iPad, but we’re wondering how realistic it is.

The render is coming straight from Mac Predictions, and the fact that it looks a lot like the iPad is the only reason we’re beginning to second guess the form factor. Then again, maybe that’s exactly what Apple wants: the new iPhone and iPad to look so similar, that you can’t deny their sex appeal. Or, maybe you could. We wish we had some more firm details, but all we can do for you is give you the render, showcasing that big screen, front-facing camera, and curved aluminum back. Hope that’s good enough for you, at least until June.

[via IntoMobile]

There are quite a few Samsung Galaxies out there, aren’t there? Thankfully for the company, a galaxy is big, open place with lots of names to take from them, which are perfect for phones. This time around, we’ve got another Android-based device, and thankfully it’s coming with the latest version. Though, the more we look at the picture, it’s looking more like a weird amalgamation of Android 1.0 and 2.1 icons. That could just be a marketing glitch, or maybe it’s us being too picky. Either way, the device exists, and it’s not that bad.

The Saturn I6500U may look like a slider, but looks can be deceiving. It’s rocking a 3.2-inch HVGA AMOLED touchscreen, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, WAPI, a 3.2MP camera on the back, and an FM Radio. Yes, we know, an FM Radio is definitely one of those need-to-have things, and we’re glad that Samsung has thrown it in there (along with the kitchen sink). However, the single best feature would probably be the 800MHz processor tucked nicely inside the framework. It’s also got a MicroSD card slot, where you can expand the memory up to 32GB.

The device is currently showcased on China Unicom’s website, which should mean the device is ready to purchase right now. It doesn’t look like this thing will be leaving the China-based wireless network any time soon (or, at all), but then again, if you’re looking for an Android device with the Samsung name branded on, perhaps you should look at another Galaxy altogether.

[via Samsung Hub]

Not sure when will you see the HTC Desire in your country? Vodafone UK has just started to accept HTC Desire preorder on its website today. The HTC Desire will be available from April 8th, free with a monthly contracts from £30 (24 month contract). The £30 package comes with 600 minutes (900 minutes if you order online), unlimited texts and 500 MB of mobile internet. Check out SlashGear’s full review here if you are getting this Android smartphone! [via Android Community]

Pre-Order Opens At Vodafone UK For HTC Desire

More Android goodness due to arrive soon on the UK’s best network

Vodafone UK has now opened pre-order for the HTC Desire as the build up to its Android April continues.

Based on the new HTC Sense with Android 2.1, HTC Desire is the richest way to visually experience news, friends, photos, favourite places and whatever else that is important.

With one of the most advanced displays available on a phone, HTC Desire is designed with a large 3.7 inch WVGA AMOLED display to enhance and maximize content, whether it is pictures and videos, browsing the Web of checking on friends’ status updates.

HTC Desire is powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor making it one of the fastest handsets around and is Adobe Flash Lite 4 enabled and 10.1 ready. It also features a new optical touchpad for enhanced navigation experience.

The HTC Desire is one of a range of great new Android-based handsets that Vodafone UK customers will soon be able to choose from, with the HTC Legend, Sony Ericsson X10 and Google Nexus One also scheduled to launch soon.

The HTC Desire launches on 8 April and will be available for free on monthly contracts from £30 (24 month contract), with 600 minutes (900 minutes if you order online), unlimited texts and 500 MB of mobile internet.

The Wall Street Journal reports that AT&T sent two of its wireless networking experts to Apple during 2009 to find a way to reduce the iPhone's strain on AT&T's network. The two companies worked together and Apple invented new ...