A couple of days ago we reported Sprint’s launch of the Samsung Intercept handset. Samsung has now unleashed a smart projector phone called Galaxy Beam. It will be made available across Singapore through StarHub in the current month. This device is bundled in with a built-in Pico projector and a clear Super AMOLED display.
The Samsung Galaxy beam comes pre-installed with the StarHub’s mobile TV app. StarHub customers can use MobiClip which is a mobile web video search service that helps users search and stream videos from user-content generated sites straight to their handsets. The company’s Gee! mobile site provides access to MobiClip. The highlighted feature is its built-in Texas Instruments Pico projector which enables patrons to share enjoyable moments easily with friends and family.
Ng Long Shyang, Head of Sales, StarHub, shares, “StarHub is pleased to be the first operator globally to launch Samsung Galaxy Beam, a highly innovative, world’s first Smart Projector Phone. The Android platform has been gaining ground in many smartphone markets worldwide and the Galaxy Beam marries exciting features such as StarHub’s mobile TV app, offering projection of a mobile TV programme on the wall. This unique smartphone also allows business customers to display presentations on the wall during business discussions. Our collaboration with Samsung to bring this world’s first device demonstrates our commitment to be the leading mobile service provider by offering consumers an unrivalled immersive experience in mobile communications.”
The 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display boosts the mobile experience with crisp, vibrant visuals. The Android 2.1 powered Galaxy Beam provides a good multimedia experience. This device includes an 8-megapixel camera with AF and flash as well as multi video codec support. Users can switch between entertainment and professional modes with ease. The projection screen size of 5-inches to 50-inches enables users to swap between a personal home theater system to a portable business projector.
Sung-Hyun Moon, Managing Director, Samsung Asia, comments, “The Galaxy Beam combines the best of both worlds, offering users the technological capabilities and features to enjoy entertainment and work functions on a smartphone now with an enhanced experience thanks to the built-in projector feature. We believe the Samsung Galaxy Beam will capture the imagination of users who demand the option of either enjoying their favorite media files on their Super AMOLED screens or projecting them to share with friends and colleagues. The Galaxy Beam will bring us one step further to achieving our vision of providing a smartphone for every lifestyle, in order to drive the mass adoption of smartphones”.
The Galaxy Beam offers access to a range of Google mobile services. Its multi-tasking capabilities allow users to access social networking websites, check emails, listen to music and send messages while avoiding the need to open and close several apps. This device includes Samsung’s Social Hub and Social Calendar that provide access to e-mail accounts, calendars and personal contacts. Users can stay connected with their loved ones for a long time as the phone is powered with an 1800mAh battery that lasts for approximately 7 hours of talktime and around 530 hours of standby time. The device is Bluetooth 3.0 enabled with USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi 802 11 b/g/n connectivity. The device also includes additional features like Mobile AP, TV out and GPS.
The Samsung Galaxy Beam will be available through StarHub with four plan options. The 3G SmartSurf 100 plan is tagged at a monthly subscription of $38 that includes 100 minutes voice credit, 500 SMS/MMS messages and 12GB data credit. The 3G SmartSurf 300 plan costs $58 per month and includes 300 minutes voice credit, 500 SMS/MMS messages as also 12GB data credit. The handset will be available for $398 and $198 with the first and second plans, respectively. The 3G SmartSurf 700 plan is available for a $98 monthly subscription and includes 700 minutes voice credit, 500 SMS/MMS credit and 12GB data usage. The 3G SmartSurf Unlimited plan is available for $205 a month. It includes 2000 minutes voice credit, 2000SMS/MMS messages and 12GB data credit. The handset comes free with the last two plans.
The device’s network capabilities cover HSUPA 5.76MB/s and HSDPA 7.2MB/s, 3G 900/1900/2100MHz, EDGE, GPRS GSM quad band 850/900/1800/1900MHz. The video capabilities include MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX, Xvid and audio features are supported by FM radio as well as MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA compatibility. Other mentioned features include AR with the Layar Reality Browser, SMS, MMS, e-mail and Exchange Active Sync. The phone comes with accelerometer and proximity sensors. Users can access their handsets even while in the offline or no SIM mode. It recognizes handwriting in English and Chinese and also includes an RSS Reader as also mobile widgets. The handset is available with 1GB to 16GB of MoviNAND memory. The phone measures 123 x 59.8 x 14.9 mm and weighs 155g.
The Samsung Galaxy Beam will be made available to StarHub customers from July 17, 2010 at all StarHub shops and select partner outlets.