Samsung rolled out an improved version of its i550 handset (first announced in September 2007), Samsung i550w, which brings � besides the nice features of the original model � Wi-Fi connectivity for high-speed wireless Internet access.

Except Wi-Fi, the new i550w also offers tri-band GSM connectivity (900, 1800, and 1900 MHz) plus EDGE, UMTS and HSDPA, hence being one of the most evolved phones in terms of featured connectivity, comparable to Nokia's N-series handsets.

As the i550 model, Samsung i550w has a candybar form factor and measures 115 x 53 x 13.8 millimeters, weighs 109 grams and packs a 2.6 inch QVGA TFT display with 262,000 colors. It runs on Symbian 9.2 with S60 3.1. and comes with built-in GPS receiver, pre-installed Google Maps, full HTML browser, RSS support, Music player (supports WMA, MP3, AAC ,AAC+, OGG and ASF), Video player (supports WMV, 3GP, H.263 and MPEG4), Flash player, FM Radio, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, Java MIDP 2.0, USB 2.0 and a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack which, for some odd reasons, is not found in too many Samsung phones. Furthermore, we have built-in handsfree, document viewer (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF), organizer,150 MB of built-in memory that can be expanded up to 4 GB with a microSD card, and a standard Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery.

Another cool feature of Samsung i550w is its 3.15 Megapixel camera with auto focus and flash that will allow users to take pictures at a pretty high quality. There's also video recording capability, plus a secondary VGA video-call camera.

Samsung i550w is already on sale on some websites, unlocked, for $395 (about 260 Euro). No details yet about eventual official releases via mobile carriers.