Samsung Releases iPhone Killer!!

[retroneo]

Samsung just released their iPhone killer - it's very ambitious and raises the bar considerably!

Can't wait to see the 3G iPhone!!!

Samsung Omnia

3.2" Full Touch Screen with Haptic tactile feedback
7.2Mbit HSDPA + EDGE
WiFi 802.11g
GPS with voice navigation
Accelerometer and autorotation
Ambent Light sensor
Second front camera for video calling
Voice Recognition
FM Radio
H.264, MP4 and DivX playback
TV-Out
5 Megapixel autofocus camera with a flash, geotagging, image stabilization, face recognition and smile detection
Wide Dynamic Range - can take face photos facing sun!
H.264 SD Video Recording 30fps
Automatic panorama maker
Bluetooth Wireless Stereo
8 or 16GB onboard with microSD upgradable to 32GB.
Slightly shorter and narrower than the current iPhone
About the same thickness as the current iPhone
Brushed metal back

http://i.gsmarena.com/vv/newsimg/08/06/samsung-i900/big.jpg

Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro :-( but with the TouchWiz interface ported to it.
Google Android (amazing interface) should follow shortly after

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/06/09/samsung_launches_omnia/

[Hudzilla]

Windows mobile.

Nuff said.:rolleyes:

[ert3]

YEah I have used windows mobile and can garuntee that half of those features will not work to their fullest extent.

[djcraze]

I do say, the features are wonderful and the design is sleek.. Now only if it ran OSX....

I sure hope Mr. Jobs has something up his sleeve today to blow this out of the water.. I think I might cry otherwise O_O.

Another note, I think its gonna be something hard to top on the hardware specs... :(

[Tallest Skil]

Windows mobile.

Nuff said.:rolleyes:

+1. That was almost an "Uh, oh" moment, but...

Windows Mobile. HA.

[Tilpots]

Samsung just released their iPhone killer

His name's Bruno and they let him out of Sing-Sing.:D

[Nipz]

looks ***** to be honest!

And yea windows mobile... why dont they just through money away!

Edit: if anything this phone just makes the iPhone look better :) not killing it

[AdeFowler]

I can't see Apple getting close to the camera spec, but the iPhone's interface and AppStore FTW ;)

[jk000]

hahha it won't even half half the touch of quality and style that the iPhone does. I've used these other touch screens, the screens creek as your press them, it's not 'touch' screen it's more like 'push' screen, they're awful!

[edesignuk]

It's a nice handset, very good specification. Let's see what Apple can do later to better it.

{{crosses fingers}}

[MattGTO]

is it a catacinode or pressure touch screen?

[arkitect]

5 Megapixel autofocus camera with a flash, geotagging, image stabilization, face recognition and smile detection
Auto stitching panorama photos
Bluetooth Wireless Stereo
8 or 16GB onboard with microSD upgradable to 32GB.
Slightly shorter and narrower than the current iPhone
About the same thickness as the current iPhone


Well it has some great features and it will do great in Japan… but… smile detection? What in gods name is that? :confused: :o

[nickspohn]

we know apple is going to do better.

that's pretty much always the case :p


Then in 4 months from now we will be hearing again from these crappy cell phone makers they have a new "iphone killer"

[Nipz]

The camera detects when someone is smiling and auto takes a picture so you dont 'miss a smile'! load of cr*p :)

[Dorfdad]

Very cool features and very slick looking device!

The one feature the Iphone needs and apple will never give us is the ability to use Micro SD cards for extra storage space.

This feature alone would make the Iphone hands down the best phone ever for me at least...

Sadly Apple likes to LOCK down the sotrage for whatever reason (Money to Apple I suppose)

[Wingnut330]

I like the FM tuner and nicer camera. The FM would be nice, but I doubt the iPhone will get one of those anytime soon. Apple would much rather you download songs for $ than listen over the air for free. Can't say I blame them, but I would like that feature.

Windows Mobile is awful. I have a Treo now and can't wait to dump it!

[Diode]

Windows mobile.

Nuff said.:rolleyes:

Yea but devices like this running Android will be a different story. I feel Android WILL be a serious threat.

In reality though it will just make Apple more competitive :-)

[kdarling]

Well it has some great features and it will do great in Japan… but… smile detection? What in gods name is that? :confused: :o

It'll do great anywhere. Finally you can replace your camera for real. I'm just surprised that Sony-Ericsson isn't the one bringing this out.

Smile detection has been out for a while.

You point at a group and optionally use your finger to touch the face(s) of the people that you want to catch smiling. Then press the shutter and say "smile" or wait. When the camera, which is keeping your target face in focus, sees a smile, it snaps the picture.

Works pretty well, too. Especially good for taking notoriously difficult kid and holiday pics.

Here's an example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsMI3snSy0)

[MacBoobsPro]

There will never really be an iPhone killer because no other phone runs OSX. Its the software that makes the iPhone great not the hardware. My 2 year old pile of crap SLVR had more hardware features than my current iPhone.

[bigjnyc]

i think its so funny that the phrase "iphone killer" has been thrown around so much in the past year, its like every touch screen phone that comes out aspires to compete with or take down the iphone. makes me feel good to be a loyal iphone owner from day one (or day 3 rather) :cool:

[lofight]

Apple is original. The rest just stuffs all the specs they can get in a phone, with an ugly UI.

[illidian]

An impressive feature set with the hardware, but not so much with the software.

[AdeFowler]

Smile detection has been out for a while.

You point at a group and use your finger to touch the face(s) of the people that you want to catch smiling. Then press the shutter and say "smile" or wait. When the camera, which is keeping your target face in focus, sees a smile, it snaps the picture. Works pretty well, too.
Why's it so hard to say "smile" then click? Sounds like a gimmick that'll be used by .2% of its users.

[citron230]

imitation is the highest form of flattery.

[BongoBanger]

Looks nice. Let's see what Apple actually produce before writing this off.

As for WinMo, it's OK. Not sure what all the hate is about.

[Mad Mac Maniac]

oh how i wish the iphone's camera could equal and/or top this!!! that is what i truly want. an ACTUAL camera. not the afterthough camera-like imitation that the iphone currently has... don't disappoint me steve... 3 hours!!!

[Ademius]

Well the design looks really nice, but the interface looks like crap lol.
The features stated sounds really great. Way to raise* the bar

*Waiting for Steve's Keynote :D

[waterskier2007]

look at how crowded that interface looks, kinda looks like **** if u ask me

[kdarling]

Why's it so hard to say "smile" then click? Sounds like a gimmick that'll be used by .2% of its users.

I take it that you don't have kids. Or they smile all the time ;)

We use it all the time for family pics, as well.

Everything these days is a "gimmick". What do you think over half of the iPhone UI is about, with its flashy window transitions?

[t0mat0]

Yea but devices like this running Android will be a different story. I feel Android WILL be a serious threat.

In reality though it will just make Apple more competitive :-)

Seeing as Apple is ahead in the 2 product cycles (or even >1 cycle ahead), it's Apple's move first. Android may come either before v3 iPhone, or just after it, but it's Apple's 1st move to make. If you've seen the Android videos on youtube on Google's account there, you'll see that they have some interesting ideas - the interface is a little laggy, but it was running on a HTC i think, (which can be laggy). If applications can port between Android and iPhone platforms, there might be a larger pool of apps coming out, and whilst we may want Apple to sock it to them, Android will provide useful competition. (Making smartphones more affordable, more mainstream, bringing in the possibility of competition might help keep app costs lower etc.

It'll bring money to the developers hopefully, and they bring the apps. Apple does a few things, well. Hopefully one of them soon, is to get Developers to make a shed load of apps for the iPhone. Once developers learn about the iPhone SDK, you can bet your Mighty Mouse that Apple will leverage that so that they can then start doing developing for the Apple TV, widgets, non-iPhone programs etc.

When other companies talk about iPhone or iPod killers, they usually don't talk about which version they're slaying ;)

Those flashy transitions can make the pause between swapping apps more/less noticeable!

[kdarling]

look at how crowded that interface looks, kinda looks like **** if u ask me

Doesn't look like that normally.

The picture has the homescreen in edit mode, where you can slide widgets from the popup choice dock on the left, to/from the screen.

In other words, you can put anything you want on your homescreen, where and how big you want it, from clock to pics, to media and game controls, app icons, contact pictures, shortcuts, etc.

It's something that the iPhone should've had from the beginning, and perhaps will finally get someday.

[ripkord]

*sigh* predictable slating of win mob, phone looks good, better than most.
Win mobile isnt bad, prefer symbian tbh.

[bacaramac]

My buddy received his HTC Touch Diamond last week or so. It is nice, but why is no one using glass as their touch screen? The HTC seems cheap because of this sole reason. I think Apple made that a priority when building the iPhone. It is a lot nicer then some kind of plastic screen like the HTC and LG Vu.

[jrbdmb]

It'll do great anywhere. Finally you can replace your camera for real. I'm just surprised that Sony-Ericsson isn't the one bringing this out.Here's an example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsMI3snSy0)

The "smile detection" is interesting, but sorry, no phone camera is going to replace a real digital camera. Besides not having a real lens or a real flash, there are just too many features not available on phone cameras to have these be your only camera. That's why (IMHO) upping the MPs for the next gen iPhone is not a big deal.

[markym07931]

it has a call and an end button
it probably has a stylus...

specs look good otherwise though.. not an iphone killer, just a competitor

[chrisparr]

It's a nice handset, very good specification. Let's see what Apple can do later to better it.

{{crosses fingers}}

+1

I think visually it is a pretty good phone and the spec is very good. Never used windows mobile, but I've seen a demo of Android and if it comes with that then Apple has a battle on their hands.

We don't even know the spec of the v2 iPhone apart from 3G (wooo! Like that's cutting edge), so I don't know how people can say it will blow this out of the water. Let's be objective people.

[benfilan]

Gosh Darnit!

I had just read this:http://www.trustedreviews.com/mobile-devices/news/2008/06/09/Samsung-Upstages-3G-iPhone-Hours-Before-Launch/p1 and I was about to post it here but you beat me to it.

It looks pretty nice, but I'd still prefer my iPhone.

the phrases 'iPod killer' and 'iPhone Killer' are exactly why Apple is full of WIN right now - no one else is creating new products, they're just pushing thier own copies of other stuff. It takes a company ike apple to show people how its done:D

[jrbdmb]

This seems like the first (but obviously not last) *real* competition for the iPhone. Not better, mind you, but at least competitive.

In comparing phone recently, I am always struck by how tiny the screen is on most touch phones compared to the 3.5" screen on the iPhone - in particlular, I think that HTC dropped the ball by including only a 2.8" touch screen on the new Touch Diamond. This Samsung at least has a 3.2" screen, and could attract buyers who think that the iPhone is a bit too bulky.

[retroneo]

When the camera, which is keeping your target face in focus, sees a smile, it snaps the picture.

Here's an example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWsMI3snSy0)

You can also add faces of your friends so it automatically recognises them an focuses on them when you take photos!

it has a call and an end button
it probably has a stylus...

It's finger touch based with virtual touch sensation under the finger. The surface down where the call and end buttons are can also be used as a trackpad if you wish.

This will be amazing with the Google Android interface and apps.

[Loonytik]

Killer? Nosir.

[sjw]

It seems to have a great feature set, notably the 5mp camera, and it really doesn't look half bad, but of course, iPhone can't be beat for the UI and ease of use.

BUT, I just don't understand why Apple can't get their act together with the camera on the iPhone. 3mp just seems so paltry these days... not to mention the lack of flash. It would be the icing on the cake if they surprise us today with a camera upgrade as well.

[Van Wildonher]

Man, the fanboyism here is crazy. :rolleyes:

[LiveForever]

Its a Samsung and by definition derivative and un innovative.

Wouldn't touch it with a barge poll let alone my finger

[nanvinnie]

i love my iphone, but this looks to be a pretty nice phone. as said before, if it only ran osx.

[sushi]

Nice looking phone.

However, what makes an iPhone is the interface. Windows Mobile just isn't there IMHO.

[LiveForever]

Samsung, LG all make consumer durables and white goods. They are just a bland business with no real product innovation. They need someone to show the way first. Its a blatant iphone rip in terms of looks which is shameful but that's how they run their businesses. It may look like an iphone but it won't function or operate like one. My experience with Samsung is that there stuff looks good in the show room but its pretty dissapointing when you get it home. They don't have passion for design, just for making money.

[djransom]

Samsung, LG all make consumer durables and white goods. They are just a bland business with no real product innovation. They need someone to show the way first. Its a blatant iphone rip in terms of looks which is shameful but that's how they run their businesses. It may look like an iphone but it won't function or operate like one. My experience with Samsung is that there stuff looks good in the show room but its pretty dissapointing when you get it home. They don't have passion for design, just for making money.

Not for all of their products. A good buddy of mine have a LCD & plasma by them and their TVs are pretty good.

[cfs]

My experience with Samsung is that there stuff looks good in the show room but its pretty dissapointing when you get it home. They don't have passion for design, just for making money.

Their HD tv's are fantastic though.

[retroneo]

Nice looking phone.

However, what makes an iPhone is the interface. Windows Mobile just isn't there IMHO.

I've updated the original post with even more specs. This phone running Android is the real iPhone killer. (Samsung supports Android)

Android has an amazing interface too. Check out the latest videos of it.

Accelerometer and autorotation
Ambent Light sensor
H.264, MP4 and DivX playback
TV-Out
Wide Dynamic Range - can take face photos facing sun
H.264 SD Video Recording 30fps

This is getting my hopes up for a higher end iPhone with a similar level of spec. Imagine this spec running OS X iPhone.

[retroneo]

Samsung, LG all make consumer durables and white goods. They are just a bland business with no real product innovation.

The unique stacked die CPU/Memory in the iPhone is a Samsung innovation, as are some of the flash chips in it.

Samsung surely gets early access to their own products before Apple!

[needthephone]

Yea yea but it's a SAMSUNG...

[nanvinnie]

from the process and procurement angle... doesn't apple buy their screens from samsung? not sure if i heard it right, but i thought i heard that before.

anyway it'd be nice for apple to up some of the features on the iphone...video, flash... that'd be nice.

[benmrii]

Samsung makes quality products. Some of their phones are lacking but their higher end stuff, particularly the not-typically-available-in-the-US higher stuff, are quite good.

WinMo may be the least of the mobile OS's but it isn't that bad folks... a better phone on a lesser OS will get business. But the big deal is say "thank you" to all of these 'iPhone Killers' that have been released, they are probably 99% of the reason behind the subsidized cost of iPhones that will likely be announced in just a few hours.

[cjbryce]

Samsung makes quality products. Some of their phones are lacking but their higher end stuff, particularly the not-typically-available-in-the-US higher stuff, are quite good.

WinMo may be the least of the mobile OS's but it isn't that bad folks... a better phone on a lesser OS will get business. But the big deal is say "thank you" to all of these 'iPhone Killers' that have been released, they are probably 99% of the reason behind the subsidized cost of iPhones that will likely be announced in just a few hours.

Agreed - Apple aren't the only outfit making good kit.

My current phone is an HTC TyTn II, which I've had for about 18 months. Great phone, albeit with Windoze Mobile. Of course, I'm here because I really like the iPod Touch and would have an iPhone if only it wasn't on an O2 exclusive;) and if it had 3G/HSDPA.

Is there perhaps anything happening in the very near future which might change the status quo on the iPhone? :D:D:D

[kdarling]

Its a Samsung and by definition derivative and un innovative.

That's a pretty ironic comment, since the iPhone uses Samsung CPU and memory chips, and is itself a hardware derivative of dozens of ARM based touch phones that preceeded it.

[marksman]

Don't knock that phone.

It is likely many years before an iPhone offers "Smile Detection" for its built in camera!

[lofight]

Yea yea but it's a SAMSUNG...

:p lol, well they do have some good low-range phones, like mine C 170

[mashoutposse]

No Safari = no sale.

[Van Wildonher]

Looking better and better after the lame 3G iPhone. I'll likely still buy one, but ONLY because they are cheap.

[retroneo]

Well this certainly showed what hardware Apple could have released. Shame the iPhone 3G fell so far short in the hardware area.

It's the software side that is the iPhone's strength. Nothing comes close.

[NT1440]

i admit its pretty, but does it rely on heavy menu navigation? (windows mobile, so its crap)

and how bout the touchscreen? capacitive or press?

[Hey Jude]

Looking better and better after the lame 3G iPhone. I'll likely still buy one, but ONLY because they are cheap.

Wow, what a difference a few hours makes? This phone has definitely made its way onto my short list of phones that I am considering purchasing within the next month or so.

Who would thought that Apple could have screwed up an almost perfect phone so badly?

Jude

[Van Wildonher]

i admit its pretty, but does it rely on heavy menu navigation? (windows mobile, so its crap)

and how bout the touchscreen? capacitive or press?

As far as I can tell iPhone is the only capacitive touchscreen phone so far. So that's a plus there. I suppose I'll end up waiting it out until next month and see what starts happening with the early termination fees and jailbreaking/unlocking.