Microsoft To Power Verizon Media Phones

By Ian Bell Updated January 27, 2005

Starting Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless V CAST customers can stream and play back exciting audio and video clips using Windows Media. Using technology from Microsoft, PacketVideo and thePlatform for Media Inc., V CAST customers can enjoy the first-of-its-kind wireless broadband entertainment experience in the U.S.

V CAST wireless multimedia content will be available to Verizon Wireless customers in the Get It Now virtual store for $15 monthly access, in addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan. “Microsoft worked closely with experienced partners, including thePlatform and PacketVideo, to deliver a complete end-to-end solution from the handset player to the infrastructure,” said Neil Sharma, business development manager in the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft.

On Feb. 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to access V CAST on three new phones: the LG VX8000 from LG Mobile Phones, the SCH-a890 from Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and the CDM-8940 from UTStarcom Personal Communications. The phones come preloaded with PacketVideo’s media player and content catalog. The PacketVideo player, built with integrated Windows Media playback, features an interface that allows users to rewind or fast-forward streams, download clips for local playback, and navigate between video segments.

Publisher

I work with the best people in the world and get paid to play with gadgets. What's not to like?

Mobile

The new MediaTek Dimensity 7200 brings high-end tech to midrange phones

A render of the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 smartphone processor.

When MediaTek goes midrange, it does so with a chip that shares plenty with its top-of-the-range Dimensity 9200 processor. Meet the Dimensity 7200, the first chip in its newly updated 7000 series, and it’ll be coming to phones in the very near future.

What makes it special? MediaTek has worked with chip foundry TSMC to make the Dimensity 7200 using a 4nm process, and it’s the same second-generation process used to make the Dimensity 9200. This means it should receive many of the power and efficiency boosts that make the 9200 stand out.

Mobile

Best Verizon New Customer Deals: Galaxy S23, iPhone and more

Verizon is one of the best carriers out there when it comes to speed, network coverage and reliability. They also have fantastic smartphone deals on every major brand. If you want a new iPhone, Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy, chances are Verizon can throw some discounts your way. We've collected our favorite deals below. You'll find some great sign-on bonuses, trade-in offers, and one straight-up free phone. If you're considering switching carriers but need a nice deal to sweeten the pot, we've got you covered.
Today's best Verizon new customer deals
Get a free Samsung Galaxy S23 when you pre-order

The Samsung Galaxy S23 was announced this month and will be shipping out very soon. Verizon will do anything to get this phone in your hands, including just giving you one. Well, as long as you have a fairly new and well-maintained one they can swap it with. If you do, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S23 for $0 after the trade-in. It comes in the form of a 36-month trade-in credit, so you'll have to stick with Verizon for the next three years or buy out whatever is left when you leave. It's a fantastic phone, so we recommend grabbing it while you can.

Mobile

Secure Your Value: Lock in the price of your Verizon phone plan for 3 years

Verizon store front displays the 5G network in NYC.

This content was produced in partnership with Verizon.
Prices are steadily climbing for fuel, groceries, products, services, you name it. This means that we will all have to budget more, spend less, and potentially cut out excess wherever we can. You certainly don't want to be seeing the costs of your bills going up, especially if you have budgeted for expected amounts. If you've ever opened or peeked at your electricity or water bills to see meter hikes, you know exactly what we're talking about. Even minimal jumps of $5 can throw your checkbook off balance so if you have the opportunity to lock in prices for good, at a reasonable cost, you should definitely take advantage. It will bring you peace of mind, but it will also make budgeting in these trying times much more manageable. During a period when many companies are elevating prices, Verizon is doing the exact opposite. Allow us to explain.

Verizon's Welcome Unlimited plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data access via its renowned 5G nationwide network. You can jump in for $25 per line, per month, for four lines, and you can bring your phone -- you don't have to buy a new one. Better yet, for new and existing customers, bringing their own devices, Verizon will lock in the price for three years. That means no surprise increases, no hidden charges, and honestly one of the smartest offers we've seen in a long while. Why Verizon, you ask? Don't worry, we'll dig into that, but for now, you can check out that Welcome Unlimited offer below, or keep reading. We have to point out that this is a limited offer and won't be available for long. Also, to celebrate three years of savings, Verizon is giving away 20 pairs of tickets to the SuperBowl for the third year in a row. For a chance to win, you can head to now or enter online - but do it soon because this sweepstakes ends February 15.