Verizon Wireless recently announced the release of several new handsets for its subscribers, including Samsung Alias. The Alias is actually not a new phone, but just a renamed and slightly improved Samsung SCH-U740 (or simply U740), launched by Verizon more than one year ago.

The main feature of Alias, as in the case of SCH-U740, is its "dual-hinge design", which allows users to open the phone both vertically and horizontally. When opened vertically, Alias can be considered a clamshell, while when opened horizontally, it reveals a full QWERTY keyboard that comes in handy for all those who send lots of text messages and emails while on the go.

The changes that Alias brings when compared to the older SCH-U740 are the new silver finish (which makes it look better) and the upgraded QWERTY keyboard. Other than that, the phones is kind of the same device, so those who expected a real successor for SCH-U740 will probably be a bit disappointed.

Anyway, among Alias' other features we have Verizon's Wireless Sync (which enables you to synchronize it with any desktop PC for quick access to contacts, email or calendar), V CAST Music and V CAST Video (for music and video downloads), a 176 x 220 pixels internal display with 256k colors support, a 96 x 96 pixels external screen, English and Spanish user interface, Instant Messaging (Yahoo!, AIM and MSN), Mobile Web 2.0, Bluetooth, 1.3 Megapixel camera, microSD card support, Notepad, Calculator, Currency Converter, Calendar, Stop Watch and other basic features. All in all, the Alias is an entry-level phone with a cool look and an even cooler form-factor.

Samsung Alias will be commercially available starting the second half of April. The handset is priced at $129.99, with a 50 bucks mail-in rebate and a 2-year contract agreement signed with Verizon.