US : Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) ushered in the next wave of wireless multimedia experience for consumers with the debut the SCH-a890, the company's first phone for the new U.S. high-speed wireless networks. The clamshell-designed a890 supports 1X-EVDO networks and combines Video on Demand (VOD) capabilities, a 1.3 mega pixel camera, multimedia messaging options and advanced voice recognition.

 

Supporting average wireless data speeds of 500 Kbps (based on network usage), the a890 allows consumers to wirelessly browse Internet sites, download video files and transfer photos quickly as if they were on their home or office computer. Through the phone's VOD capabilities, users can directly stream or download videos onto the phone at speeds comparable to home cable modem and high-speed phone lines. Consumers can access an online catalog of videos that can either be streamed onto the handset from the network or downloaded and stored on the handset for convenient playback.

Streaming video is a cross between live television and downloading -- the content streams immediately like television with the quality of a direct download, but it does not use excessive memory or battery, which can be the case in downloading to a wireless phone.

The a890's 1.3 mega pixel camera allows consumers to capture high-quality digital pictures and send them to family and friends with attached text or voice memos. Features such as such as image effects, zoom and self-timer, give the photographer creative control when setting up and saving the digital images.

Equipped with advanced voice recognition software, the a890 gives consumers hands-free and eyes-free dialing, text messaging, menu navigation and more, all with no prior recording or voice training. With the a890 and its advanced voice-activated commands, consumers can enjoy safe and reliable communication while on the go.

The highly-anticipated a890 is the first of approximately 25 to 30 phones Samsung will bring to the U.S. market in 2005. The company looks to extend its lead over Asian and U.S. competitors through innovations that leverage the new 1X-EVDO networks.