Verizon, Samsung Launch 3.2-Megapixel Camera Phone

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 7/7/2006

Basking Ridge, N.J. — Samsung Telecommunications and Verizon Wireless are introducing a mobile camera phone with a 3.2-megapixel camera, the SCH-a990.

Featuring similar print quality of a stand-alone digital camera, the SCH-a990 also has video-recording capabilities, V CAST to view video, V CAST music to download music directly to the phone, and Bluetooth wireless technology to allow a customer to print pictures wirelessly from the SCH-a990 to a Bluetooth-enabled printer basic print profile.

The SCH-a990 is described by both companies as looking “first like a phone and then, when the screen is rotated 180 degrees, like a camera.” The design, along with the high resolution and features such as a flash and in-camera photo editing software, “make the SCH-a990 the first mobile device that is as much a camera as it is a multimedia phone,” the companies 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.,” said Peter Skarzynski, senior VP, Samsung. “With a design that feels and looks like a phone and camera, Samsung's a990 is the premier print quality camera phone for photo enthusiasts in the U.S. market.”

The new SCH-a990 also supports Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator, a tool for customers that includes mapping, audible turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to find over 14 million points of interest, the companies said.

Other key features include: 3.2-megapixel digital camera with flash, auto focus, picture editor, PictBridge digital printing, zoom, TV out and 180-degree swivel screen; V CAST music to download songs over the air or transfer your own music collection onto removable microSD memory cards; and V CAST video and 3D games that can be downloaded or streamed video into the unit. It supports dedicated external music keys for easy use and listening pleasure. The handset is Mobile Web 2.0-capable that can be customized, as well as a camcorder with up to one-hour recording time.

The dimensions of the unit are 3.8 inches by 1.8 inches by 0.8 inches and 4.4 ounces with standard battery.

The SCH-a990 is available for $349.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement and is available online at www.verizonwireless.com and will be available in more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless Communications stores on July 24.