Verizon says Droid smart phone goes on sale Nov. 6

By BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

NEW YORK (AP) - Verizon Wireless' answer to the iPhone - the Droid - will go on sale next week for about $200.

Verizon revealed details Wednesday after intensely advertising the device in recent weeks. Verizon has been pointing out the features Apple's phone lacks, such as a physical keyboard and the ability to run several applications at once.

At a launch event in New York, Verizon said it was embarking on its largest marketing campaign ever and would target 15- to 35-year-olds who are highly engaged with their gadgets for social networking, blogging and other online tasks.

The phone, made by Motorola Inc., will go on sale for $199.99 after a rebate and will require a two-year contract. Verizon Wireless is the Droid's exclusive U.S. distributor and will sell them in its stores and Web site beginning Nov. 6.

The Droid won't be iPhone's first challenger. Sprint Nextel Corp. has been pushing the Samsung Instinct and Palm Inc.'s Pre. Verizon also has been selling the touch-screen BlackBerry Storm, but it hasn't been a huge hit.

Wednesday's announcement coincided with Google's release of an upgraded map and navigation program for phones such as the Droid that use Google's Android software. The program can speak directions out loud.