LG Chocolate, enV sequels for Verizon in pipeline?

LG is slated to provide updates to two of Verizon's more successful phones in the near future, according to a leak of photos and details. The pictured VX8610 is most likely to be a direct replacement for the current Chocolate (known as the VX8550) and will make the unusual move to a BlackBerry-like trackball in place of the jog wheel of the current phone or the directional pad of the original. LG's slider will also have the unusual addition of a detachable Bluetooth earpiece for hands-free calling without the need for a separate carrying case.

The handset should also incorporate a 2-megapixel camera, offer microSD for storage, and ship in colors such as a deep blue.

A second phone, the VX9100, will reportedly serve as a sequel to the enV (VX9900) on the same network. Aside from a more upscale, easier to strike external number pad, the phone will also have an improved QWERTY keyboard on the inside. A 2-megapixel camera and microSD will also come with the VX9100, which has only been seen to date in black.

Both phones are believed to be ready for Verizon before the end of spring.

VX8610

VX9100