-By Mike Shields

Verizon Wireless and Google have announced plans to develop and promote a series of new mobile applications which aim to challenge Apple’s dominance of the fledgling space.

The two companies said they are developing several new phones which utilize Google’s vaunted mobile software, Android. Plus, the plan is to produce a slew of ‘leading edge’ applications for consumers which the two companies will market together. The new phones will come pre-loaded with several of the in-the-works apps.

Verizon and Google have agreed to commit “substantial resources” to these efforts according to officials. “The nation’s best wireless broadband network is a perfect complement to the innovation of Android-powered services and devices,” said Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam. “Together, we’ll work to deliver a compelling new experience to our customers.”
 
Of course, just recently Verizon’s rival T-Mobile collaborated with Google on an Android-powered phone, the myTouch. T-Mobile is promoting the myTouch in what has been described by some as the wireless firm’s largest ad campaign ever.