14 DAY TRIAL // On Monday, wireless services provider Verizon Wireless and mobile phone maker Samsung Electronics announced officially the launch of Samsung Continuum, a Galaxy S smartphone.
The Continuum is first handset in the world to arrive on shelves with a dedicated ticker display, on which users receive info on the latest news, sports, finance and social networking updates.
Just as previously rumored, the Continuum comes to the market with two displays.
There is a 3.4-inch touch screen Super AMOLED main display, beneath which the handset sports a customizable 1.8-inch Super AMOLED dedicated ticker display, aimed at offering real-time updates to users.
Moreover, the handsets runs under Google's Android 2.1 operating system, providing users with support for Google Mobile Services such as Gmail, YouTube, Android Market and more.
Powered by a 1GHz Hummingbird Application Processor, the handset offers support for HD-like multimedia content, as well as for fast Internet browsing and file downloads.
The specifications list of the new device also includes a 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder with LED flash and HD video recording capabilities.
3.5-millimeter headphone jack, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Stereo Bluetooth connectivity options have been included into the mix too, as well as 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities to enable users to connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
The new mobile phone comes with a microSD memory card slot with support for up to 32GB of additional storage space (an 8 GB microSD preinstalled).
We should also note that the Continuum should arrive at Verizon with Bing Maps and Bing Search preloaded, as well as with Swype Technology to offer fast typing on its touchscreen diplay.
The specifications list of this device also includes:
- Grip Sensor – By touching the bottom sides of the device, the ticker display lights up to give users real-time weather, social networking services (SNS), message, IM and e-mail notification updates - Multiple file formats supported, including DivX and Xvid support - Six-axis sensor that works with the smartphone’s accelerometer to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right - Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported - Corporate Email – Supports Android Éclair Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts
A wide range of Verizon specific features were included with the new handset too, such as V CAST Music with Rhapsody, V CAST Video on Demand, V CAST Song ID, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Tones, VZ Navigator, Mobile IM, City ID, and Blockbuster Application.
Other features of Continuum include Samsung’s Social Hub, Integrated Calendar information and Contacts syncs with Exchange, Google, Twitter and Facebook, AllShare, Write and Go, and more.
The Samsung Continuum should be put on sale at Verizon Wireless starting with November 11th, both via the Verizon Wireless Communications Stores around the world, as well as via the carrier's online store.
The price tag for the new Android phone was set at $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year contract.