Everyone has become dependent on the cell phone for communication. Now, Verizon Wireless wants to bring some fun and functionality back to the home phone market.

The company just announced a new desktop phone, dubbed the Verizon Hub. Designed to work with any broadband provider, the unit pulls together calling, calendars, and address books into one fancy-schmancy touchscreen.

As an added bonus, you can check on traffic and weather. That’s nice, but it seems like I can’t walk two feet without a way to check the weather—and I’m not even counting looking outside. Still, maybe the other features, like ordering up movie trailers, pizza and directions will entice.

It’s not that it doesn’t sound like a great replacement to your current boring cordless. However, what doesn’t sound cool is how Verizon expects people to pay $199 (after a $50 rebate) and a $35 monthly fee. That pricing comes with a 2-year service contract. Isn’t that like adding another cell phone into your billing mix? Is anyone asking for that?

Also, it looks a lot like the Verizon One that was being touted a few years back. AT&T also had a similar device last year, called the HomeManager. Did anyone buy either of those?

In case you missed both of those trains, the Verizon Hub will be available starting February 1.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.