Motorola has revealed a touch screen phone to sell exclusively for Verizon Wireless.

Called the Krave ZN4, the phone is scheduled to go on sale today through Verizon Wireless only. However, to get the $149.99 price tag, consumers will need to sign a two-year contract with the mobile phone provider and mail in a $50 rebate. The strategic move on part of both companies is a direct attempt to steal some of the market away from Apple and its pesky but oh-so-lovable iPhone device.

"The Motorola Krave ZN4 offers an all-in-one-of-a-kind mobile experience," claims Motorola’s website. "It is the first touch device to feature an interactive clear flip - letting you access the touch screen even with the phone closed. Open or closed, you’ll be watching, listening, creating, and communicating."

Resembling the MING series, the Krave measures around 4-inches in height and 2-inches in width. The sleek phone features a see-through flip cover protecting a vivid touchscreen, and comes packed with a full HTML web browser, Bluetooth support, a 2 megapixel camera and visual voice mail. The phone will also come with a Verizon-specific operating system with V Cast Mobile TV and Music along with VZ Navigator. The Krave also supports up to 8 GB of optional removable memory and an EV-DO connection.

But will Motorola’s offering be enough to thwart Apple’s quest for world domination through its iPhone device? Boy Genius Report’s hands-on review didn’t seem convinced when the website got its hands on the phone back in June. "It’s by no means a smartphone here. The mobile web browser is ok, and that’s being super nice. Texting or writing emails with the touch screen keyboard a la LG Voyager is bland, hard to use, and frustrating. Additionally, the phone has Haptic feedback but you have to press the darn touch screen so hard you feel like you’re going to break it."

Back in July, Apple reported that the company sold 717,000 units during the third quarter of its 2008 fiscal year, a huge increase when compared to the 270,000 units sold in the same time period during the previous year. Although the iPhone had a rough debut, its popularity has quickly matched that of Apple’s other blockbuster device, the iPod. Currently consumers can get the iPhone through Apple’s online store, but must also choose an AT&T wireless plan. Taking note of Apple’s success, Motorola teamed up with Verizon to offer the same exclusive offering with its Krave.

Unfortunately, many consumers may shy away from the Krave simply because of Verizon’s business tactics. Currently users of the just-released Blackberry Curve 8330 are lashing out at the mobile service provider because the company locks consumers out of the Curve’s GPS technology, thereby forcing them to use Verizon’s proprietary VZ Navigator rather than allowing the use of third-party software.

Still, only time will tell if Motorola’s Krave will even put a mild scratch in iPhone’s share of the mobile market.