Verizon Wireless and UTStarcom announced the CDM8945 Music Phone. The Music on Demand (MOD) and Video on Demand (VOD)-capable handset features Verizon Wireless’ newly launched V CAST Music service, which runs on Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO broadband network.

Using the Verizon Wireless CDM8945 Music Phone, V CAST Music customers can download music directly to the phone or transfer it from a Windows XP PC. With additional memory of up to 256 MB available on an easily-accessible TransFlash card (not included), consumers can have instant access to large playlists of their favorite tunes from V CAST Music anywhere, anytime they carry their shiny, black CDM8945 handset. Songs purchased from V CAST Music from the PC cost $0.99 and may be transferred to the phone via USB cable. Song purchases made from the handset cost $1.99 for a copy sent immediately to the phone and a second sent to the PC for download.

The phone is also capable of streaming mobile video and 3D gaming, available through Verizon Wireless’ V CAST service, the nation’s first wireless broadband multimedia service. In addition, the phone features a built-in 330K pixel digital camera with flash that can take still images or capture video. Photos can be stored on the TransFlash card and downloaded directly to a PC with a card reader.

The distinctive-looking handset features dual color displays. Its 260K- color TFT LCD main screen measuring two inches, provides easy reading and a rich, full-color experience for optimal viewing of playlists, videos, games, photos, text messages and Web pages. Its one-inch 65K color CSTN outer display allows for easy viewing of incoming caller ID, analog or digital clocks, and message alerts.