Samsung, Cingular Unveil BlackJack Smart Phone

Cingular Wireless in conjunction with Samsung and Microsoft on Monday unveiled the BlackJack smart phone, an ultra-thin handheld with an integrated qwerty keyboard and high-resolution QVGA color display, according to a Nov. 13 press release on PRNewsWire.com.

BlackJack Smart Phone

The device will run on Microsoft’s Windows 5.0 operating system, which gives users access to the mobile versions of many programs commonly found on PCs, such as Microsoft’s Outlook Mobile e-mail application, Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer Mobile Web browser. It also includes the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0.

It is set to be released in the United States on Nov. 16 and will start at $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and two-year activation with unlimited data plan, according to the release.

BlackJack users will also have access to Cingular’s recently introduced Cingular Music service, which the company says is the “most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier.”  They’ll also be able to stream videos via the firm’s Cingular video service, which features content from such popular networks as HBO, according to the release.

“Cingular and Samsung really hit the jackpot with the BlackJack,” said Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer, in the release. “For millions of mobile professionals, this is the device that will bridge between work and play.”

In addition to the Cingular music and video service offerings, the BlackJack also features a 1.3-megapixel camera with camcorder capabilities and built-in Bluetooth support.