Verizon Wireless, Samsung Launch SCH-a990 Camera Phone

Verizon Wireless and Samsung on Thursday announced the availability of the SCH-a990 phone, which features a 3.2-megapixel digital camera, making it the first camera phone with such resolution available to Verizon customers in the United States, according to a July 6 press release on Yahoo Finance.

The SCH-a990 takes similar quality photos as standalone digital cameras, according to the release, and can record up to one hour of video. It also features Verizon V Cast capabilities for watching video and downloading and listening to music, and the phone’s Bluetooth wireless technology enables users to wirelessly print photos to a Bluetooth-enabled printer.

The SCH-a990 looks like a typical cell phone when held upright, but when a user flips it 180 degrees, it takes on the appearance of a digital camera. It also has a built-in flash and photo-editing software, according to the release.

Peter Skarzynski, Samsung senior vice president, said, “The launch of the a990 marks the first time a multimedia phone is fully integrated with a high resolution camera in the U.S. With a design that feels and looks like a phone and a camera, Samsung’s a990 is the premier print quality camera phone for photo enthusiasts in the U.S. market.”

Users of the SCH-a990 will also be able to employ Verizon Wireless’ VZ Navigator, which includes tools for mapping and verbal navigation, among other features, according to the release.

The SCH-a990 goes for $349.99, after a $50 rebate, with a two-year service agreement. It’s available immediately through Verizon online, and it will be offered in more than 1,900 Verizon retail stores on July 24, according to the release.

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