Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:23 pm
Verizon is in talks with Apple to distribute a "media pad" device that would let users listen to music, view photos, watch high-definition videos and make calls over a Wi-Fi connection.
Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple's new device is similar to Amazon's Kindle electronic reader, but smaller in size with a larger touch screen.
Earlier this month, the Basking Ridge, N.J.-based carrier said it was looking at entering the electronic-book market, possibly focusing on areas Amazon's Kindle neglects, such as college textbooks.
Discussions between the two companies have reached back a half-year.
Verizon is also in talks to bring the iPhone to its upcoming fourth-generation, or 4G, network.
Until now, AT&T has been the exclusive U.S. carrier of Apple's iPhone. The company has said it is in talks with Apple to extend the partnership through 2011.
Phone carriers are increasingly looking at deals to supply wireless Internet access to new gadgets which represent revenue growth opportunities.
Verizon and AT&T have said they plan to sell netbooks -- smaller scaled-down versions of laptops.
T-Mobile said it will link its wireless network to utility "smart meters".
Sprint is in talks with consumer gadget makers such as Garmin, SanDisk and Eastman Kodak about delivering wireless Internet service for their products.
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