Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless has announced that its handsets will, for the first time, be opened up for third party applications: In early 2008, the company will publish the technical standards the development community will need to design products to interface with the Verizon Wireless network. Any device that meets the minimum technical standard will be activated on the network. Devices will be tested and approved in a $20 million state-of-the-art testing lab which received an additional investment this year to gear up for the anticipated new demand. Any application the customer chooses will be allowed on these devices. We’re covering this in detail on MocoNews, here.