Samsung, Microsoft Team on Ultra Messaging i600 Smart Phone

Samsung Electronics, the South Korean electronics firm, and software giant Microsoft on Monday launched the Samsung Ultra Messaging i600 smart phone in Europe and Asia, and the firms say it is both the first such device available in the regions to employ the high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) mobile protocol and the world’s slimmest third-generation (3G) smart phone with a complete qwerty keypad, the Associated Press reports via BusinessWeek.com.

The HSDPA protocol is a new mobile wireless technology that enables its users to more quickly download files like video and music, the AP reports. 

The i600 is also the first smart phone with support for such online applications as podcasts and RSS feeds, the two firms said, according to the AP.

The two companies announced the news at the International Telecom Union’s (ITU) Telecom World 2006 exhibition and conference in Hong Kong, the AP reports. Telecom World runs through Friday, Dec. 8.

The i600 runs on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system and features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless connectivity, and Samsung and Microsoft say it was designed for use by both the consumer and business user with its two digital cameras and 3G video call capabilities, according to the AP.

Microsoft Senior Vice President Pieter Knook said, “The mobile population is increasingly looking to use one device that easily plugs into their life, both in and out of the office,” according to the AP.

In related news, Samsung in conjunction with Cingular Wireless recently unveiled the BlackJack smart phone, and it too is aimed at both the consumer and enterprise user.

Related Links:

• Samsung Debuts Combined Mini-PC Phone

• Samsung, Cingular Unveil BlackJack Smart Phone

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