Feb 11, 2011 09:43 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier Alltel Wireless has just announced the release of a new device on its airwaves, in the form of Samsung Gem, a smartphone running under Google's Android operating system.

The new device offers a nice range of features than many Android users are already familiar with, while also offering a selection of applications specifically designed for Alltel customers, the carrier announced.

The new handset runs under Google's Android 2.1 operating system, and packs built-in Google mobile services including Google Search and Google Maps with turn-by-turn GPS navigation.

Moreover, users would enjoy integrated Outlook, Facebook and Gmail contacts, so that they can access anything they want faster than before.

“Alltel Wireless is proud to add this advanced and versatile smartphone to our Android lineup,” said Scott Moody, Alltel Wireless Vice President of Products and Services.

“The Samsung Gem offers our customers a premium smartphone experience at a great price. The Samsung Gem is now free after a $50 mail in rebate at Alltel Wireless.”

The new smartphone would also offer one-touch direct-to-social site photo posting, so that users would be able to easily share photos, messages and more on their favorite social network sites.

The specifications list of this device also includes 3.2 megapixel photo snapper, Wi-Fi capabilities, support for the carrier's 3G wireless network, Bluetooth,

“In addition to the advanced touchscreen display, Samsung Gem users will text, picture and video message with the Swype virtual keyboard, an innovative system that allows you to simply slide your finger from key to key, only raising it in between words,” the company notes.

The new device also comes with various personalization features, enabling its owners to drag and drop widgets to customize their homescreens.

The new Samsung Gem smartphone was made available at Alltel Wireless for free upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement and after a $50 mail in rebate.