• October 6, 2011

Vringo has brought its Facetones social application to Verizon's V Cast Apps store. The Facetones app lets users creates an automated video slideshow using friends' photos from social networking and photo sites, then plays the slideshow when the phone rings. The app, which is available through a 99 cent monthly subscription or purchase of $2.99, will initially integrate with Facebook.

Relaunched in March, Verizon's app storefront can be accessed on more than 20 Android and BlackBerry devices and offers thousands of apps, games and other content. It also includes direct billing of purchases to customers' monthly wireless bills. Verizon will release the iPhone 4S, unveiled by Apple on Oct. 14. In addition, the company said the iPhone 4 8 GB model is available now for $99.99 and has lowered pricing for iPhone 4 16 GB and 32 GB models. AT&T and Sprint will also carry the new iPhone model. --Mark Walsh