Palm Pre, Pixi coming to Verizon Wireless

(AP) -- Palm says two upgraded versions of its Pre and Pixi smart phones will come to Verizon Wireless on Jan. 25.

The announcement at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas brings more smart phone choices to Verizon Wireless customers. However, the carrier is throwing its weight behind smart phones running Google Inc.'s Android software, positioning those as its main alternative to AT&T Inc.'s iPhone.

Palm and Verizon didn't say what the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus will cost. They have more memory and a simplified interface compared with the original Pre and Pixi, which went on sale through Sprint Nextel Corp. last year.

Palm Inc. also says the Pre and Pixi will be available in France for the first time, with carrier SFR in the second quarter.

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