Samsung has announced the Wave, it's first handset based on the opinion-dividing Bada platform.
Platform aside, the handset features the latest-gen TouchWiz 3.0 interface (looking more like the iPhone than ever) and a full 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen that Samsung claims gives "the best ever viewing quality on a mobile."
The Samsung Wave UK release date has been set for April, while other headline grabbing features are a 1GHz processor, anti-smudge technology for the screen and very welcome 802.11n wireless tech.
The handset also features a "Social Hub" for accessing services like Facebook and Twitter (but why does Samsung have to keep referring to these sites as SNS – Social Networking Services?)
Media-wise, there's also multi-codec support for DivX and Xvid, 5.1 surround-sound-delivery transforms and 720p HD video decoding and recording. Beautiful.
Samsung isn't bashful when it comes to trumpeting the handset's display. "Super AMOLED offers much brighter, clearer, and less reflective AMOLED OnCell display, with mDNIe (mobile Digital Natural Image engine) technology. DNIe technology is proven display technology which incorporated to Samsung's LCD TV and LED TV lineups."
The WVGA screen means the Samsung Wave packs a 800x480 pixel count like the Omnia II.
According to Samsung, Super AMOLED reflects five times less light than original AMOLED.
Sasmung has worked hard to integrate different forms of communication under the same contact. There's also a Ultimate Inbox where you can see texts, emails and tweets all in the same place as well as a Push Calendar.
"We're delighted and extremely excited about the launch of Samsung Wave – the first handset to run on the Samsung Bada platform and the first to feature a stunning Super AMOLED screen," said Mark Mitchinson, Vice President Samsung Mobile UK and Ireland.
"The Bada platform enables seamless access to an abundance of quality apps, through a screen that really has to be seen to be believed. The screen is fantastic for displaying 720p HD video decoding and recording capabilities, plus the new Social Hub offers a life changing user experience."
Our hands-on will be coming soon.
Your comments (2) Click to add a new comment
marktyers
February 14th 2010
2. Even after several years of playing second fiddle to the iPhone, Samsung still don't get it. Web OS is a brilliant platform but they made it very hard for developers to download and play around with the SDK. I tried to download the Bada SDK and, guess what - The registration form is hopelessly complex and after wading through it, I clicked on the download link only to be told only partners can download and use it. Needless to say I won't be bothering to learn Bada, will stick with iPhone and Android. Yet again, Apple's competitors shoot themselves in the foot...
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heavylight
February 14th 2010
1. Well that's the press release out of the way.
Now what did you think of it?
And is it any warmer?
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