Samsung Takes Phone Calls to a New Level with the SMT-i8080 Video Phone

Although video calls are not exactly a very new concept, since they've been around for quite some time now (either via the Internet or via 3G networks in the case of cell phones), there are quite a few such devices designed especially for home users. And this is the reason why people at Samsung have decided to fill this "gap" in the consumer electronics' market and launched the SMT-i8080, a device that allows users to make video calls in the simplest and easiest possible manner.

Thus, the device can be hooked up to the Internet via an Ethernet connector and allow the users to engage in two-way video calls. This is possible due to the fact that the device has been fitted with a flip-up LCD and embedded video camera, which work in tandem in order to assure seamless video communications between the two units.

However, the SMT-i8080 provides more than just communication features. Thus, the phone features certain navigational controls directly below the LCD display, which enable users to carry out various extra-activities, as for example the possibility of making purchases from certain stores, reserve movie tickets, stream audio or even view a selection of Internet-based TV channels.

As mentioned in the title, the SMT-i8080 is available for now solely on Samsung's home turf (namely, in Korea). However, the company plans to take it worldwide quite soon and the first step in this direction has been the deal with Hong Kong's PCCW. According to the two companies, the Chinese provider will lend a hand to Samsung and help with the launch process of the i8080 by providing the phone with its ADSL broadband access in the region.

Unfortunately, no pricing information has been released up until now, but it seems that the device will only be sold bundled with a subscription to the phone company's services.

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