We’ve heard rumors and even confirmation that HTC will be releasing a dumbphone (read: non-smartphone) on Verizon Wireless in the US. Now, that’s one step to reality as the latest Verizon Wireless leaks on BGR reveal a device called the HTC Razzle, which is said to replace the Blitz, and will serve as a low-cost messaging phone.

The Razzle will have a QWERTY keyboard and will probably feature a version of the BREW OS on Verizon Wireless. Rumors point out a swiveling bottom area that will reveal a keyboard along with a 1.3-megapixel camera and Bluetooth to round out the device’s specs on Verizon’s CDMA/EVDO wireless data network.

Anyone out there ready to abandon their Touch Pro2 for a Razzle? If you are, the Razzle is expected in October.

Looks like the economy’s been tough as even HTC is taking a stab at the lower-end phone segment, a demographic that it is not used to with premium Windows Mobile and Android handsets under its belt. The low-end handset market is extremely competitive with low profit margins. Manufacturers in this segment usually compete with volume and attempt to build market share this way.

(via: Boy Genius Report)