CES Gallery: Samsung Announces F500 Ultra Video for US market

Today at a press conference at the CES 2007 event in Las Vegas, Samsung Mobile announced that the SGH-F300 and SGH-F500 that we saw at the ITU show in Hong Kong last month will indeed make it to the US market. There were no carrier support announcements made yet, but Samsung said that we should expect to hear details "soon."

The SGH-F500, shown here, is the video oriented Ultra handset. It is quite small, though a bit bigger than the F300 Ultra Music, and like its sibling has two front faces. One face is dedicated to video playback and control while the other is home to a regular numeric keypad and a smaller display. It has a 262k QVGA video display that is larger and higher in resolution than the one found in the F300, but has the same music media file playback capabilities.

In terms of video playback, the F500 supports DivX, WMV, MPEG4, and H.264. The F500's body can be reconfigured to act as its own built-in stand for watching videos. Other features of note include a 2 megapixel camera, a 2GB capable microSD card slot, and a whopping 400MB of built-in storage space. Bluetooth 2.0 support with A2DP stereo is also available.

The HSDPA/UMTS capable F300 only supports the 900, 1800, and 1900MHz GSM frequency bands, but seems most likely destined for Cingular after having the frequency band support changed a bit.

You'll find more live CES photos of the Samsung Ultra Video on the following page.

Dual-Flip QWERTY with the Samsung SCH-u640

The Samsung SCH-u740, announced today at CES in Las Vegas, sports a design and layout similar to the already released SGH-d307, but is made for CDMA networks. The dual-hinge design allows the device to function as a regular handset, but with a twist it can be used in a landscape orientation with a full QWERTY keyboard.

The Samsung SCH-u740 is slightly updated when compared against its GSM counterpart, with a 1.3 megapixel camera and microSD memory expansion on board. A 262k color, 176x220 pixel resolution TFT LCD display adorns the inside of the device, with a 65k color STN unit on the outside, positioned just above touch sensitive music control keys. Speakerphone functionality and voice recognition, features that are almost expected on phones of this price range, are of course present, and Bluetooth connectivity is a welcome addition for short-range communications. High-speed data is taken care of with EV-DO, sure to be useful when sending and receiving email using the messaging focused device.

While no specific information on a release date or carrier availability has been announced, we are told that the Samsung SCH-u740 is expected to be available by the end of Q1 or the start of Q2 this year. Verizon Wireless is the likely carrier for the device.

More live photos of the Samsung SCH-u740 from CES are available on the following page.

Specifications for the Samsung SCH-740
Band	CDMA 800/1900MHz
Data	EV-DO
Size	97.5mm x 51.9mm x 14.8mm (3.84" x 2.04" x 0.58")
Weight	Unknown
Battery Life	Unknown
Main Display	2.2" 262k color TFT LCD, 176x220 pixel resolution
Sub-Display	1.1" 65k color STN LCD, 96x96 pixel resolution
Camera	Yes, 1.3 megapixel resolution
Video	Video capture/playback
Messaging	MMS/SMS
Email	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
Infrared	No
Java	Unknown
Polyphonics	Yes
Memory	Unknown on board memory, microSD memory expansion
Availability	Late Q1 2007
Other	QWERTY Keyboard

Samsung showcases T509 Slim Bar Phone

Posted: 06-Apr-2006 [Source: Samsung]

[Small size does not mean small feature set for this Bluetooth enabled multimedia handset. The ultra thin T509 bar phone complements the A900 (clamshell) and T809 (slider) to round out the Samsung thin phone line.]

Las Vegas -- Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) today unveiled a super slim bar phone that is expected to be the thinnest available in the U.S. when it launches this spring. The Samsung t509, displayed for the first time at the CTIA Wireless 2006 trade show, boasts an ultra-thin profile of only 9.8 mm. With the addition of the t509 to its U.S. product portfolio, Samsung leads the industry as the only company to have three distinct slim phone designs -- clamshell, slider and bar.

Driving the global trend and popularity of slim, wide-screened phone designs, Samsung's growing U.S. portfolio of ultra-slim phones is part of the company's aggressive global strategy in the slim phone category, demonstrating how quickly and effectively Samsung recognizes and acts on consumer demands. While Samsung delivers on developing smaller and thinner mobile phones, the company does so without compromising on reliability or on providing premium multimedia capabilities.

The functionality provided by a slim phone with expanded screen supports crucial advanced multimedia features, such as entertainment services, streaming video and messaging. The t509 joins Samsung's successful slim predecessors, the a900, featuring a clamshell design, and the t809, with its slider design. Both phones support impressive multimedia features and each measures less than 15 mm thin. Also included in Samsung's upcoming portfolio of sleek, slim phones is the d807, a stylish black and chrome slider expected in the U.S this summer.

The t509 and d807 feature high-speed EDGE connectivity and Bluetooth(r) wireless technology to support delivery of entertainment and information on-demand services. Each phone boasts large, vivid 262K-color screens, ideal for watching streaming videos or viewing images taken with the phones' integrated cameras. On the d807, an external memory slot, supporting microSD(tm) memory cards, allows for additional external content storage.

"Samsung's industry leadership is based on our ability to deliver innovative phone designs, especially as consumers demand thinner and sleeker devices," said Peter Skaryzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. "When consumers choose one of our slim phones, they are getting an intelligently designed handset that integrates the best features and functionality on the market."

Samsung's reputation to develop slim designs with advanced features started early with the introduction of the company's first 9.8mm mobile phone, the SPH-N2000, in Korea in 2001. Samsung will continue to introduce additional slim concept designs throughout the world with various form factors and features.

Global products announced earlier this year and on display at CTIA include the credit-card sized SGH-P300 phone, which measures 8.9 mm and comes packed with a 1.3 megapixel camera, music player and advanced video recording capabilities. Samsung's SGH-D870 is the world's thinnest three megapixel camera phone in a slider form factor, and the SGH-D520 and SCH-Z540 are both slim, elegantly designed multimedia phones.

Sony Ericsson Launches W200 Walkman Phone

Snapshot by Brad Kellett on Sunday January 07, 2007.


After the success of its first affordable Walkman handset, Sony Ericsson has today announced a new beginner Walkman phone known as the W200. Launched at CES in Las Vegas, the Sony Ericsson W200 is targeted at the US market, where budget handsets tend to do better than their more expensive counterparts.

While the Sony Ericsson W200 is not big on features, it has everything covered for a good music experience. A dedicated Walkman button provides easy access to your audio stored on Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards, which are currently available up to 1GB in size. Bored of the music you have with you? An FM radio is also available, which can be used with the handset's speakerphone as an alarm clock.

Music is not the W200's only trick, though, as the handset also features a VGA resolution camera with 4x digital zoom. A full HTML compliant browser is also present, and the device's PIM applications can be easily synchronized with a desktop PC.

The Sony Ericsson W200 will be available in two versions, one for the Americas and one for Europe, starting Q2 2007. The two versions will be available in two color schemes, Rhythm Black and Pulse White.

Specifications for the Sony Ericsson W200
Band	GSM 850/1800/1900MHz or GSM 900/1800/1900
Data	GPRS
Size	Unknown
Weight	Unknown
Battery Life	Up to 15 days of standby time
	Up to 7 hours talk time
Main Display	65k color, 128x160 resolution
Sub-Display	N/A
Camera	VGA
Video	Video capture/playback
Messaging	MMS/SMS
Email	No
Bluetooth	Unknown
Infrared	No
Java	Yes
Polyphonics	Yes
Memory	27MB internal memory, Memory Stick Micro (M2) expansion slot
Availability	Q2 2007
Other	music player, RDS FM radio, speakerphone, 128MB card included

New Nokia N95 all-in-one multimedia computer

Posted: 26-Sep-2006 [Source: Nokia]

[New Nokia N92 HSDPA multimedia computer offers a 2-way slide concept, integrated GPS, 5-megapixel camera, 2.6" QVGA display, and supports Wi-FI, compatible microSD cards and mini-USB.]

Nokia Open Studio 2006, New York -- Nokia today introduced the Nokia N95, an all-in-one multimedia computer with a pioneering 2-way slide concept, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 megapixel camera and support for high-speed mobile networks, making it easier to watch and record videos, listen to songs, take high-quality photos, browse the internet, or catch up on email while on the move.

"The Nokia N95 brings a range of multimedia ingredients together, such as a fantastic display, outstanding photo and video capability and high-speed connectivity, making it the ultimate multimedia computer," said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Multimedia, Nokia. "This single device - which fits easily in your pocket - can replace stand-alone devices that you no longer need, whether it's your music player, your digital camera, PDA or navigation device. Most importantly, the Nokia N95 is with you and connected when you want to use it."

The innovative 2-way slide concept makes it easy to switch between different modes, going from reading maps to watching a video with a simple slide. A numeric keypad slides out from one end of the device while dedicated media keys slide out from the opposite direction, converting the display into full screen landscape mode. With powerful 3D graphics, the Nokia N95 has a stunning user interface that makes it intuitive to find the features and services you want.

With its integrated GPS at your fingertips, finding your way just got easier. The Maps application includes maps for more than 100 countries, enabling users to explore the world, find specific routes or locate services such as restaurants and hotels and covering more than 15 million points of interest. You can also purchase additional features, such as city guides and voice guided navigation.

With the Carl Zeiss optics on the 5 megapixel camera, you can capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. Photos and video clips can be enjoyed on a compatible television thanks to the device's TV out feature and support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology.

Designed for High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) networks and with support for WLAN, EDGE and WCDMA networks, the Nokia N95 provides excellent coverage and speeds wherever you may be. In HSDPA networks, browsing the internet, reading email, streaming video and downloading large files can be carried out up to 10 times faster than with 3G.

The Nokia N95 also offers a first class entertainment experience with the combination of a large 2.6" QVGA 16 million color display, impressive 3D graphics, built-in stereo speakers offering a 3D stereo effect, standard 3.5 mm audio jack, support for compatible microSD cards and mini USB for convenient data transfer. Browsing the internet on the Nokia N95 is a pleasure using the Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map, with new features such as a floating toolbar, password manager and auto complete, as well as web feeds with support for Atom and auto update.

The Nokia N95 is based on the world's leading S60 software on Symbian OS, enabling you to personalize your device from a wide choice of compatible applications that can be downloaded to the Nokia N95, including games, navigation, entertainment, productivity and creativity. The Nokia N95 comes out of the box ready to create, connect, consume and interact with some of the internet's most popular services. Use Yahoo! Search to search for and find most anything on the web, scroll though a book with Amazon's MobiPocket Reader or snap a photo and send it directly to your Flickr site.

The Nokia N95 is expected to start shipping in volumes during the first quarter of 2007 at an estimated unsubsidized retail price of 550 euros.

Sony Ericsson Launches MBW-100 Bluetooth Watch

News by Michael Oryl (editor) on Thursday September 28, 2006.

Today Sony Ericsson launched their first Bluetooth watch, the MBW-100. The latest in a line of novel Bluetooth devices from the company, the MBW-100 was designed in partnership with Fossil and will provide its wearer with caller ID and other information from their linked mobile phone.

The MBW-100's controls and OLED display can also be used to control music playback on compatible mobile phones as well as alert users of newly received text messages - all from their wrist. Perhaps equally useful, the watch can be used to reject inbound calls and have them sent directly to voicemail.

The Bluetooth 2.0 functionality on the MBW-100 should be able to run for 7 days on a charge, and the analog watch functionality should work for an additional 7 days beyond that. Sony Ericsson states that the MBW-100 is compatible with the following Sony Ericsson handsets: K610, K610i, K618, K790, K800, V630, W710, W810, W850, Z610, and Z710.

Sprint Power Vision M1 by Sanyo

Sprint Power Vision M1 by Sanyo
Posted: 04-Jan-2007 [Source: Sprint]

[New Vision M1 by Sanyo features 1 gigabyte of internal memory - that translates to 18 hours of music playing time - plus stereo Bluetooth and a 2.0 megapixel camera.]

Overland Park, Kan -- Sprint and SANYO today announced the full-channel availability of the M1 by SANYO, a Sprint Power Vision(SM) enabled wireless phone that offers an unprecedented combination of features and capabilities aimed at today's mobile music and entertainment users. As Sprint's first phone with 1GB of internal memory, the M1 by SANYO features storage for up to 16 hours* of music and other multimedia files including pictures, video clips and voice recording.

The attractive M1 by SANYO provides quick and easy access to Sprint-exclusive content, including:

* Sprint Music Store(SM), which allows users to browse and wirelessly download full-length songs directly to their phone.

* Sprint TV(SM) with more than 50 channels of television and on-demand video and audio including more than 20 channels offering live content.

* NFL Mobile, a Sprint-exclusive wireless application that brings fans access to same-day video highlights, customizable real-time statistics, scores, injury reports and other information updated every two seconds.

* Sprint Movies, the first "pay-per-view" service for mobile phones in the U.S. that streams full-length movies, including recent box-office hits and timeless favorites from Buena Vista VOD, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures.

* Sprint Power View, the industry's first made-for-mobile sports and entertainment video programming network.

The M1 by SANYO's advanced power management offers up to 18** hours of continuous music-playing time to support extended use of the multimedia capabilities. Additional key features include stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, a 2.0 megapixel camera with auto-focus, nine equalizer settings for fine-tuning the listening experience, and background music mode for listening to music while checking e-mail, surfing the Web or sending text messages. The M1 by SANYO also has external controls and large external LCD for optimal usability.

"The M1 is the music phone with more -- more onboard memory storage, more music-playing time, more camera image resolution, more multimedia capabilities, more everything," said Andy Kodera, senior vice president and general manager of SANYO Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "The M1 is really the perfect companion for Sprint's powerful network and rich content and service offerings."

"Music and entertainment lovers will definitely appreciate the M1 by SANYO," said Danny Bowman, vice president of device marketing and planning for Sprint. "With one gigabyte of internal memory, this good-looking wireless phone will easily become the only device you need to take your music with you on-the-go."

The M1 by SANYO is available through all Sprint retail channels including www.Sprint.com. Suggested retail price is $349.99 or $199.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement.