Earlier today, here in the US, Verizon outright dashed rumors about adopting a version of Apple's iPhone (when the US exclusive with AT&T expires).
It's been about two weeks since Verizon launched the "There's a Map for That" TV campaign targeting AT&T directly.
Now, they're looking at Apple.
A new buzz-building campaign on TV and the Internet went live a few hours ago, on the iPhone offensive with numerous mentions of "i" doesn't do this and "i" doesn't do that .... while promoting what Verizon has dubbed 'Droid' ... coming in November.
The website (a redirect to a special Verizon Wireless page) lets you enter your e-mail to be 'among the first'.
You can preview the new Verizon website, DroidDoes.com here.
Update: 1 AM ET Oct 23: InformationWeek has more on the Verizon advertising launch here and Boy Genius Report covered Motorola's Droid Internet debut here.
Update 2: Video of the ad now embedded below.
Update Oct 27, 2009 3 AM ET: According to a piece in the Wall Street Journal, Verizon is still interested in the iPhone saying it's Apple's decision.