Samsung Gleams with Verizon Wireless

It's been a busy week for Verizon Wireless. Just days after it released four sparkling new phones, the carrier today announced yet another model, the Samsung Gleam SC-U700. We suppose the "Gleam" name comes from the phone's silver-and-black skin. Yes, we know that black won't exactly gleam in the sunlight, but the handset also has a silver keypad. Otherwise the flip phone has a pretty standard design with a thin (0.55-inch) profile.

Inside you'll find the usual range of Verizon multimedia features. The support for EV-DO networks brings compatibility with the carrier's V Cast streaming video programming and its V Cast Music service. Other goodies include stereo Bluetooth, a 2-megapixel camera, a speakerphone, a digital music player and an expandable memory slot. The Gleam also offers what Verizon is touting as a "new living wallpaper capability." According to the SCH-U700's press release that feature will "allow customers to easily see the phone's status with either a city or country view that changes with the time of day." No, we're not sure what the heck that means, either.

The Gleam is available now for $149 with a two-year service contract.