Verizon Wireless started playing more music today. The carrier launched a new Motorola Q handset with new music capabilities, and also struck a deal that some outsiders see as a challenge to Apple's iTunes online music store.

The new Q music 9m is similar in general appearance as the original, but comes in Verizon Wireless's black-and-red colors and has a dedicated music interface for V Cast Music. The phone went on sale online today and will be in stores Aug. 29 for $299.99 after a $50 debate and 2-year contract agreement.

Yesterday, Verizon Wireless announced its partnership with Real Networks to combine its Rhapsody Internet music player with the marketing muscle of MTV to sell songs on the V Cast service. Analysts think the deal will improve Rhapsody's visibility to consumers, especially the youth market, and drive use through Verizon Wireless's network. If so, it could cut into Apple's iTunes' huge online business, which amounts to about 70% of all online music sales.

Motorola says the new Q, which runs Windows Mobile 6, is one of the first smartphones to support over-the-air music downloads. It can be paired with Bluetooth stereo headsets and supports voice-activated dialing. It includes a slot for microSD cards up to 4 GB.