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        Cingular adds Samsung smartphone to U.S. lineup

        Doug | Date: Nov 13, 2006 | Comments: 1


        Cingular is set to introduce a new Samsung-sourced Windows Mobile 5.0 smartphone in the U.S. The "ultra-thin" Blackjack features a fully integrated QWERTY keyboard and access to Cingular's 3G-enabled BroadbandConnect service, according to the company.



        (Click here for larger image)

        The Blackjack appears very similar to the Samsung i320 introduced in Europe over the summer. It's also similar to T-Mobile's Dash, made by HTC. All three devices feature a 1.3 Mpixel camera and Bluetooth 2.0, but Samsung's entries lack built-in WiFi support.

        Cingular lists the following key features and specifications for the Blackjack:
        • Processor -- unspecified
        • Memory -- 64 MB RAM; 128 MB flash
        • Display -- 2.3-inch QVGA TFT LCD, 16-bit color
        • I/O port -- USB 2.0
        • Expansion -- micro-SD slot
        • Wireless:
          • Quad‐band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
          • UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900
          • Bluetooth 2.0
          • Bluetooth Profiles -- A2DP, Headset, Handsfree, Serial Port, File Transfer, Object Push
        • Camera -- 1.3 Mpixel, video-capable
        • Dimensions -- 4.45 x 2.32 x 0.46 inches (113 x 59 x 11.8 mm)
        • Weight -- "less than 100 g"
        Additionally, Cingular touts several entertainment services available to Blackjack users, including:
        • Cingular Music -- a one-stop shop and subscription service for "everything music on the handset." The company claims to be the first U.S. carrier to offer subscription music to the handset, including music from online retailers Napster, Yahoo! and eMusic.

        • Cingular Video -- an on-demand streaming video service with a large selection of video clips including television shows, sports, news and weather, entertainment and premium content, such as HBO.

        • XM Satellite Radio -- access to 25 commercial-free music channels through the XM Radio Mobile service.
        "The BlackJack is a winner," said Stan Sigman, president and CEO of Cingular Wireless. "The BlackJack represents the best that Cingular, Microsoft and Samsung have to offer in terms of innovation and collaboration. We have hit on the right formula in developing a handheld device that will appeal both to the most discerning business users and the most entertainment savvy consumers."

        The BlackJack will be available Nov. 16 for around $200 after a $100 mail-in rebate, with a two-year activation, a qualified voice plan, and an unlimited data plan, Cingular says.

        Additional perspective on the Blackjack is provided in an article at our sister site, eWEEK.com, here.


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