It was just 3 days ago that leaked word came through that Verizon’s HTC Ozone was set for release on June 29th.  Guess what?  Verizon made it official today, and as stated before it will cost $49.99 after a 2-year and $70 mail-in-rebate.  Spec wise it’s a full QWERTY keyboard phone with built-in WiFi, 1500 mAh battery, global roaming enabled and the usual VZW stuff such as visual voicemail, VZW navigator and more.

Full release after the ‘leap’

HTC OZONE BRINGS VERIZON WIRELESS’ SMARTPHONE LINEUP TO NEW HEIGHTS

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and BELLEVUE, Wash. – Verizon Wireless and HTC today introduce the Verizon Wireless HTC Ozone™.  This easy-to-use smartphone combines a simple design with a host of connectivity options that include the nation’s largest wireless 3G network, global roaming and Wi-Fi, making it a smart option and, at $49.99*, a great value for first-time smartphone users or savvy business professionals.

Available color: Black

Key features:
·         Ergonomically-designed QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy typing
·         Flexible connectivity options with Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, global roaming capabilities and support for Wi-Fi
·         1500 mAh battery delivers extended operating time
·         Includes international charging adapters to stay powered up while abroad

Lifestyle features:
·         VZ NavigatorSM – get audible turn-by-turn directions to more than 15 million points of interest and share the directions with others
·         Visual Voice Mail – view, delete, reply, listen to and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions
·         Mobile IM – connect with friends on AOL® Instant Messenger, Windows® Messenger and Yahoo!® Messenger
·         Mobile Email – access to popular e-mail services such as Yahoo!®, Hotmail®, AOL® and Windows® Live Seamless Microsoft® Exchange synchronization with Microsoft® Office Mobile for maximum productivity
·         Access to most frequently used features with a simplified “sliding panel” user interface
·         One-touch messaging key for quick connection to friends and family

* Price and availability:
·         The HTC Ozone will be $49.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.  Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
·         VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 monthly access, and Visual Voice Mail is available for $2.99 monthly access.
·         Customers can purchase the HTC Ozone beginning June 29 online at www.verizonwireless.com, by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN, or through business sales channels.  It will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on July 13.  For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of the HTC Ozone in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and data network, serving more than 86.6 million customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 86,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.