Verizon Wireless has just launched a VOIP-based and Linux-powered home phone on Friday, the Verizon Hub, which plugs into a home broadband line and acts as a family calendar, limited Web browser, messaging center, digital picture frame and, of course, a phone.

The Hub is based on OpenPeak’s OpenFrame design and it’s an 8-inch, 800x480 touchscreen device which can be put on a table or kitchen counter.  Furthermore, The Hub has Web-based widgets such as a calendar and the weather, along with details about missed calls and visual voice mail.

The device can also stream movie trailers and other video from V CAST, send directions to phones using VZ Navigator, track children’s cell phones using Chaperone, view local traffic information, and send and receive text, picture and video messages. The Hub basically works with any Internet connection, not necessarily one from Verizon.

According to some data from the FCC, the number of home phones has declined as people go wireless-only. During the third quarter of 2008 alone, Verizon gained 2.1 million wireless customers and 225,000 high-speed Internet customers, but also lost 571,000 residential landline customers, according to the company.

AT&T also tried to launch its own home phone, the $499.99 AT&T Home Manager, a 7-inch touchscreen device produced by Samsung, but that didn’t have the desired success. However, for now, Verizon has yet to announce any pricing or service plans for the Verizon Hub, but said all would be revealed before the product goes on sale on February 1. It remains to be seen if this device will have the desired success.