Mobile ESPN Expands Selection With Samsung

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 17 2006 - 6:00am

Mobile ESPN launched the second phone for subscribers of its sports-fan-oriented cellphone service.

The step-up Samsung-made $99 ACE, engineered with lightweight magnesium, is slightly more than a half-inch-thick and weighs 3.5 ounces. It still features ESPN's red and black design, trademarked logo, user interface, sports-oriented services, including ability to stream sports clips with full-motion video and stereo sound through two embedded speakers.

The user interface features icons that connect users to the Mobile ESPN sports application, downloads, digital camera features and messaging capabilities.

An “E” button takes sports fans directly to personalized sports content, including ESPN BottomLine scores and headlines; favorite teams and player statistics; Gamecast — a live, graphical game representation; customized Mobile ESPN video clips and game highlights; ESPN commentary and analysis; real-time scores; sports alerts and fantasy team management.

The device also features 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder, Bluetooth and MP3/AAC music player.

Mobile ESPN's launch phone, the Sanyo MVP, is free after $29 mail-in rebate. It launched at $399 in tests late last year and rolled out nationally at $199 after $100 rebate.