Samsung have announced an innovative new point-and-shoot called the DualView TL225 that features two LCD displays – one on the front and one on the rear – to help users compose their own self-portraits and capture better timed group shots.

The TL225’s 1.5-inch front LCD works as a kind of vanity mirror, giving you similar composition control in front of the lens as you’d expect behind it. This standout DualView feature is backed by some impressive software too, including Child Mode that plays animations through the front LCD to help attract the attention of youngsters. Also, in self-timer mode, the front display shows the countdown in large numbers so everyone in your self-inclusive group shots knows when to smile and not blink. To be doubly sure, the camera can also be set to take a second shot automatically without you running back to set it up.

Not lacking in the hardware department either, this 12.2-megapixel shooter can capture 720p HD video, sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD on the rear and shoots through a 27mm wide-angle Schneider-Kreuznach lens with 4.6x optical zoom.

The TL225 DualView has the makings of a must-have gadget for dedicated Facebook users, offering up unprecedented control over profile pics. Also, if you’re a new parent, this camera could be a good investment to capture the attention – and the best possible shot – of your baby or toddler.

Including smart gesturing tech that can delete a photo with the swipe of an X across the touchscreen (or a circle to rotate), Samsung’s TL225 DualView digital camera is available now from Amazon.com for $349.99.

Sources:
Amazon.com and Samsung
Via: Gadgetwise

Samsung today announced their new HMX-U10 Pocket Camcorder which manages to pack in 1920 x 1080 Full-HD shooting plus 10-megapixel stills – all in a unit with dimensions of just 2.20″ (56mm) x 4.05″ (103mm) x 0.61″ (15.5mm).

The HMX-U10 looks set to compete directly with the recently released Flip UltraHD, matching its 2-inch LCD and adding a “one-touch” YouTube uploading capability. The HMX-U10 goes even further, featuring a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor for those 10-megapixel stills – but is held back by a lack of any optical or even digital zoom from its fixed-focus lens.

This ultra-portable camcorder features an oddly-ergonomic seven-degree angled grip (above), a weight of 95g, accepts SD/SDHC memory cards and gives you the option of either USB or AC charging.

The Samsung HMX-U10 is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com for $199.99, with shipping expected to commence on September 25th.

Sources:
Amazon.com and SlashGear

Samsung only just announced their curvy N310 netbook yesterday, but the South Korean giant isn’t stopping there, launching yet another mini notebook today called the Samsung N120. This model promises an impressive 10.5 hours of runtime through its long-life 6 cell battery, as well as a full-size 12-inch notebook keyboard for quicker and easier typing.

The N120 comes with the same 10.1-inch display as the aforementioned N310 and will run Windows XP on an Intel Atom CPU. The type of chip, as well as both storage and RAM capacities are not yet specified, however.

The presser does make mention of 3 x USB ports, a 3-in-1 card reader, a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2 x 1.5W stereo speakers with sub-woofer as well as an option of Bluetooth 2.0+EDR. The full 12-inch keyboard will also feature an anti-bac coating that Sammy’s so keen on.

Samsung’s N120 netbook is expected to be available in most markets sometime in April, but they’re leaving us hanging on the pricing also.

Press Release:

South Korea, March 24, 2009. Samsung Electronics, a market leader in consumer electronics and world leader in IT technology, today launched the innovative Samsung N120 mini notebook. Although slim at just 10.1″, the N120 is designed for optimum usability and performance, with its full-size 12” notebook style keyboard, larger touchpad and an ultra-lightweight and robust slim line casing. What’s more, its enhanced sound system means you can experience a rich multimedia experience when you are on the go.

With the N120 you can enjoy high-quality sound anywhere using its integrated SRS 2.1ch system, featuring 2 x 1.5 Watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer. It also features a larger touchpad and a full-size 12” notebook style keyboard with optimized key spacing, so you can type faster and make fewer mistakes. Its ergonomic design places less stain on your wrists, which all adds up to a more enjoyable and productive experience.

Shielded by the robust Samsung Duracase, this mini notebook is more than capable of rolling with the punches. Having passed a grueling series of quality assurance tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical surges, it sets new standards for survivability and resilience, giving you much less to worry about when you’re traveling.

As well a being extremely portable, the N120 also delivers a significantly longer battery-powered performance of up to 10.5 hours* with a long-life 6 cell battery, independent of any power supply, for maximum freedom and mobility. The unique combination of its power efficient LED display and optimized processing performance coupled with Samsung’s class-leading engineering ensures that you’re always ready to go anywhere and do anything thanks to the N120’s vastly improved battery life.

To help you get the most out of life when you’re out and about the N110’s small form is packed with comprehensive array of the latest technology for maximum performance on the move, including advanced connectivity tools to help you stay in touch.

An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera, so it’s much easier to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging.

To make it as simple as possible to exchange data, including documents, pictures and music, between almost any modern camera, peripheral or audio-visual device, the N120 incorporates a range of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate).

As well as safeguarding your data, the N120 also uses the latest medical technology to protect your health by providing a more hygienic computing environment. Its anti-bacterial keyboard is coated with a special finish that successfully eliminates virtually all bacteria by making it almost impossible for them to live and breed.

“Now everyone can afford to experience exceptional portability and usability with the full sized keyboard and advanced communications tools of the ultra-light Samsung N120 mini notebook. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who needs to stay in touch on the go,” said Seong Woo Nam, Senior Vice President of Samsung Computer Systems Division.
The Samsung N120 will be available from April in European, CIS, Asian, and also in the US country.

FEATURES:

Intel® Atom processor
Incorporating Intel’s smallest and lowest power processor, the Intel® Atom processor, which is specifically designed to deliver an amazing Internet experience using mini notebooks. Based on an entirely new microarchitecture, the Intel® Atom processor increases energy efficiency to extend battery life, while delivering enhanced mobile performance and increased system responsiveness.

Genuine Microsoft Windows® XP Home
Packed with multimedia features, Windows XP Home Edition aims to unlock the full potential of your mini notebook. Designed exclusively for home computing, Windows XP Home Edition puts the exciting experiences of the digital age at your fingertips. From digital photos, music, and video to building a home network, Windows XP Home Edition brings you into the digital age with ease.

Richer sound
Enjoy a full and rich multimedia experience on the go with high-quality sound thanks to the integrated SRS 2.1ch system, featuring 2 x 1.5 Watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer.

Large size keyboard
Makes typing easier and faster with a full-size 12” keyboard packed into a 10.1″ mini notebook. Despite its small form, the ergonomic design, with optimized key spacing and larger touchpad, provides a more pleasurable and productive experience, with less strain on your wrists, fewer errors and faster typing speeds.

Slim line design
The class-leading slim line design lets you do more on the move – and still look good! As well as premium ergonomics and haptic styling, the elegant, durable casing ensures maximum portability and reliability – making it easy to carry in a handbag, briefcase or luggage.

Long-lasting battery life
Delivers longer battery-powered performance of up to 10.5 hours* with a long-life 6 cell battery, independent of any power supply, for maximum freedom and mobility. This vastly improved battery life is guaranteed by the power efficient LED display and optimized processing performance coupled with Samsung’s class-leading engineering. So you’re always ready to go anywhere and do anything.

Light weight
Experience optimum mobility with this ultra-light mini notebook, which weighs just 1.28 kg (including a 6 cell battery) – allowing you to carry less, but do more. Despite its compact size, it still incorporates comprehensive functionality for maximum performance on the move, including advanced connectivity tools and an ergonomic keyboard.

Durable casing
Shielded by the robust Samsung Duracase to ensure reliability and durability, this mini notebook is more than capable of rolling with the punches, giving you less to worry about when traveling. A grueling series of 54 quality assurance tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical surges, set new standards for survivability and resilience.

Always stay in touch
An integrated 1.3 megapixel digital motion camera makes it easier than ever to keep in touch with friends and family, using video-conferencing or live messaging. The camera combines the resolution and image quality of a still camera with the sustained high frame rates of a video camera.

Simple data sharing
Enables simple data sharing with a host of advanced connectivity tools, including a 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). That means you can easily transfer pictures, movies and data to and from virtually any modern camera, peripheral or audio-visual device.

Healthy working environment
Using the latest medical technology, the Samsung anti-bacterial keyboard is coated with a special finish that makes it almost impossible for bacteria to live and breed. So, virtually all bacteria are successfully eliminated and the notebook remains clean, creating a more hygienic computing environment.

ECO friendly
Samsung’s own certification mark (ECO), which guarantees Eco-friendly features, including removal of hazardous substances and material, optimized energy efficiency and effective material usage for a more environmentally friendly product.

Warranty, On Time – and On Us
All this is backed up with the peace of mind that your notebook is protected by Samsung’s class leading warranty service. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong with your notebook, the Samsung international warranty infrastructure will provide you with a fast track collection repair and return service for your notebook in order to minimize disruption and get you back working as quickly as possible.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2007 consolidated sales of US$105 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of four main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, and Telecommunication Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs.

Source:
SlashGear

Samsung today announced a curvaceous new netbook called the N310 which features a large keyboard for easy typing and a “frameless”, scratch-resistant 10-inch display, with a glassy appearance similar to Apple’s Unibody MacBook Pros.

The N310 was styled by international designer Naoto Fukasawa, who seems to have brought a little fun and sophistication to the model. It will come in a range of colors like Sony’s Vaio P and include an unspecified Intel Atom processor, 160GB HDD, 1GB RAM, WiFi, WiBRO, HSDPA, Bluetooth 2.0, 1.3-megapixel camera, 3-in-1 card reader and 3 x USB ports.

This stylish little netbook will run Windows XP and Samsung claims it will acheive up to 5 hours of battery life, or up to 11 hours when using the extended battery pack. Weight comes in at 2.71lbs (1.23kg).

There is no word on pricing just yet, but expect Samsung’s N310 to hit North American and European shelves in May.

Sources:
Samsung (Press Release) and Samsung Hub and Crave

Samsung today announced their new HZ15W compact point-and-shoot camera which features a 12.2 megapixel sensor and a professional 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider-Kreuznach lens. The lens also gets a whopping 10x optical zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-240mm.

The HZ15W’s lens makes it one of the most powerful compact point-and-shoot cameras around and features both optical and digital image stabilization to ensure blur-free images, particularly when used at full zoom. The camera also features the ability to record HD video at 720p, even at full 10x zoom and has full HDMI connectivity so you can plug it directly into an HDTV set.

The HZ15W is designed for amateurs and pros alike, with a choice of shooting modes including full manual, which gives you control of ISO, aperture, shutter speed and exposure levels. As with many modern digital point-and-shoot cameras, this model packs face and blink detection and also adds Smile Shot and Beauty Shot modes to help you improve your spontaneous portrait photography.

Samsung also announced a model called the TL320 which features an impressive 3-inch hVGA AMOLED display and quirky analog memory and battery level dials on the top edge. This one also comes equipped with a Schneider-Kreuznach lens, but sadly it’s limited to a 5x optical zoom.

The former HZ15W will be officially available from March, but is already listed on Amazon.com for $329.99. The latter TL320 will go on sale in May for a smaller $279.99.

Full Press Release Below:

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES PAIR OF 12 MEGA-PIXEL, 24MM ULTRA-WIDE ANGLE COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS

New TL320 Boasts Three-Inch AMOLED for Enhanced Viewing and Energy Efficiency HZ15W Offers 12 Mega-Pixel Resolution and 24mm, 10x Optical Zoom Schneider Lens

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – February 23, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America today unveiled two new 12 mega-pixel compact digital cameras boasting 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lenses. Samsung’s new TL320 raises the bar for innovation in the digital imaging industry as it is the world’s first digital camera to feature a three-inch AMOLED screen with HVGA resolution. The new HZ15W, Samsung’s second mega-zoom, point-and-shoot digital camera, offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot with an impressive focal length of 24-240mm (35mm film equivalent).

The TL320
The new TL320 goes above and beyond traditional compact point-and-shoot digital cameras, offering an impressive list of features that set the camera apart from the competition. The TL320 features a Schneider lens, renowned for quality and trusted by professionals worldwide, and offers consumers a more versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle focal length paired with a powerful 5x optical zoom.

Utilizing the same advanced technologies found in its revolutionary AMOLED televisions, Samsung was able to incorporate a three-inch, 460,000-dot HVGA AMOLED screen in the new TL320, the largest AMOLED screen on a digital camera to date. In comparison to a traditional TFT-LCD screen, the TL320’s AMOLED consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, producing darker black levels, more vibrant colors, and a brighter display which can easily be viewed outdoors and even in direct sunlight. Additionally, unlike a TFT-LCD, the TL320’s AMOLED screen has the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same color gamut.

Samsung’s new TL320 also offers advanced high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity through the use of a cradle to view one’s video and photos in HD clarity on an HDTV. The camera’s 5x optical zoom can be used while recording, and because the camera utilizes H.264 compression (a codec for high-definition video that yields three times the recording length than that of MJPEG video) users can record HD video for longer periods of time with the TL320.

For added stability and blur-free images, Samsung has outfitted the TL320 with both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. The shooter has the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization or choosing Dual Image Stabilization, combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

For the more advanced user who prefers to have more control over camera settings, the TL320 offers aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual shooting, as well as Samsung’s unique Advanced Picture Mode. Much more precise than simple white balance presets, Advanced Picture Mode gives users the ability to fine tune color tones before image capture by adjusting the color temperature from 2,80010,000K, in 100K increments, or by manually configuring the camera’s color space shift.

For users looking for simplicity when it comes to taking digital images, the TL320 offers a comprehensive suite of automatic controls designed to help them capture better images with ease, including the camera’s Smart Auto mode. When selected, Smart Auto will automatically choose from one of the TL320’s 11 scene modes, determining which best suits the environment the user may be shooting in. For example, the TL320’s Smart Auto feature will automatically set the camera to its Landscape scene mode if the user is taking an image of a mountain range, and then switch gears and automatically select the Portrait scene mode if the user proceeds to take an image of an individual. No manual interaction is required.

In addition to Smart Auto, the TL320 also incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which allows users to easily search for a specific image they have saved on their memory card. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on specific criteria. Users can quickly sort by the date or week the image was taken, the overall color tone, as well as whether they’re searching for portraits or specific file types, including photos, videos, or voice memos.

Users can also take advantage of the TL320’s Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot technologies. Designed to help capture better portraits and group shots of family and friends, Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the TL320 to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire two consecutive shots if the camera detects that a subject’s eyes are closed. Beauty Shot is a unique functionality which will automatically enhance and balance skin tones as well as remove blemishes.

Featuring a brushed stainless steel finish, the TL320 is as stylish as it is advanced. The camera offers a compact form factor highlighted by two analog dials found on top of the TL320’s body. The two dials give the TL320 a retro look and provide users with the ability to quickly glance down at the camera for an approximate readout of remaining battery life and memory capacity.

The HZ15W
The step up model from the HZ10W introduced in January at CES 2009, the 12 mega-pixel HZ15W offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot digital camera, featuring a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens coupled with a generous 10x optical zoom. For blur-free images, especially when using the HZ15W at its maximum zoom, Samsung includes both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Optical Image Stabilization can be used independently or shooters can choose Dual Image Stabilization, which combines the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

Like the HZ10W, the HZ15W puts high-definition video recording in the palm of users’ hands. With the HZ15W, consumers have the ability to record high-definition video at a resolution of 720p, and utilize the camera’s full 10x optical zoom. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression and offers consumers true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly to an HDTV without the need for a cradle. Additionally, the HZ15W’s ultra-clear, three-inch LCD screen is sure to turn heads and gives consumers the ability to easily frame their shots and review their images and video in any condition, even in direct sunlight.

Designed for a range of consumers, including entry-level photographers and advanced amateurs, the HZ15W offers a variety of shooting modes, including Manual. The camera’s Manual shooting mode allows users to manually configure settings such as shutter speed, aperture, exposure, and ISO values. Similar to the TL320, the HZ15W also features a highlyintuitive suite of automatic controls designed to help improve one’s ability to take great digital images. The camera’s advanced automatic shooting options include Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection, Beauty Shot, as well as Smart Auto, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode for the user, and Smart Album, which simplifies the process of searching for an image saved on a memory card.

Specifications
TL320 Mega-Pixels 12.2 mega-pixels Optical Zoom 5x optical zoom / Schneider lens LCD Size 3.0” hVGA AMOLED Lens Schneider – KREUZNACH Movie Mode 720P HD Resolution With HDMI Connectivity
(An optional cradle needed.) Size 97mm x 60mm x 21.8mm Special Features – 24mm Utlra-Wide-Angle Schneider Lens
– 5x Optical Zoom
– 3.0” hVGA AMOLED (460K dots)
– Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)
– Full Manual Mode (A/S/M) supported
– Advanced Picture Mode (manually adjust color tones)
– High-Definition 720p Video With HDMI Connectivity
– Smart Auto / Smart Album
– Face Detection / Smile Shot / Blink Detection /
Beauty Shot / Self Portrait / Red-eye Fix
– Frame Guide
– Recycle Bin
– Dual Analog Gauges (Memory Capacity / Battery Life) * Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Available in black or silver, the TL320 will be available in May 2009 at an MSRP of $379.99.

Specifications
HZ15W Mega-Pixels 12.0 mega-pixels Optical Zoom 10x optical zoom / Schneider lens LCD Size 3.0” TFT-LCD (230k pixels) Lens Schneider Lens f = 4.2 ~ 42mm (35mm equivalent : 24~240mm) Movie Mode 720P HD Resolution Size 105 X 61.4 X 37.2 mm Special Features – 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Schneider Lens
– 10x Optical Zoom
– High-Definition 720p Video With HDMI Connectivity
– Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)
– Smart Auto / Smart Album
– Face Detection / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
Self Portrait / Beauty Shot / Red-eye Fix
– Function Description, Photo Style Selector
– Frame Guide
– Recycle Bin * Specifications are subject to change without notice.

The Samsung HZ15W will be available in March 2009 at an MSRP of $329.99

Sources:
SlashGear and LetsGoDigital

Not to be outdone by LG’s solar-powered phone we saw yesterday, Samsung have announced their own solar handset that can supposedly generate enough power through its cells to “call anytime, anywhere.”

The phone, like the LG model, is being showcased at Mobile World Congress 2009 and is quite an attention-grabber with its full-touchscreen display and uncompromising styling. The rear of the phone is covered in solar cells that integrate well with the design and following with the “eco” theme, the casing is made of PCM plastic extracted from recycled water bottles.

The phone includes an “eco-walk” function that presumably aims to encourage people to walk more often, calculating CO2 emissions you’ve saved by not driving on-the-fly with its built-in pedometer. This function is extraordinarily gimmicky and largely inaccurate – how on Blue Earth does it know what kind of car you drive and its emissions? Many of the people this would appeal to would, I’d imagine, have either downsized their car or upgraded to a hybrid or even an electric model, which, depending on where they source their electricity, could render this function worthless.

On a positive and practical note, the phone does have the ability for a user to switch off Bluetooth and dim the screen when trying to charge by solar power alone. The handset will also come with an energy efficient charger to top you up on days with little sun, or for users in sunless countries.

Samsung’s Blue Earth will be free from Brominated Flame Retardants, Beryllium, and Phthalate and will apparently see a European release in the second half of this year.

Full Press Release Below:

Samsung Introduces “Blue Earth” – The First Solar Powered Full-Touch Phone

Barcelona, Spain, February 16, 2009 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today unveiled the innovative solar powered full-touch screen phone “Blue Earth” at Mobile World Congress 2009, alongside Samsung’s vision for environmental sustainability. Under the slogan: “The Blue Earth Dream: Eco-living with SAMSUNG mobile”, Samsung reinforced its commitment to protect the environment through the design of eco-friendly products and a programme of activities for its customers.

Designed to symbolize a flat and well rounded shiny pebble, Blue Earth is the first solar powered full-touch screen phone. By charging with the solar panel located on the back of the phone, users can generate enough electronic power to call anytime anywhere.

Blue Earth is made from recycled plastic called PCM, which is extracted from water bottles, helping to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. The device, including charger, is free from harmful substances such as Brominated Flame Retardants, Beryllium and Phthalate.

The latest in a series of eco-friendly products, Blue Earth comes with a unique user interface which is designed to draw attention to preserving our fragile environment. Simple to set screen brightness, backlight duration and Bluetooth to an energy-efficient mode, this new user interface allows the user to be energy-efficient with just one click of ’Eco mode’. Through the ‘eco walk’ function the user can count their steps with an in-built pedometer, calculating how much CO2 emissions have been reduced by walking as opposed to motor transport. This unique function allows user to calculate the value of this footprint through the number of trees that have been saved.

The packaging for Blue Earth is designed to be both small and light, made from recycled paper, and comes with a 5 star energy efficient charger which uses standby power lower than 0.03W. As part of the Voluntary Agreement of European Commission IPP (Integrated Product Policy) pilot program, Samsung has agreed to start using rating on energy consumption on the no-load mode of the mobile device charger.

“Samsung’s ‘The Blue Earth Dream’ demonstrates our small but meaningful commitments for the future and our environment,” said Mr. JK Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Communication Division of Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to achieving the highest eco-status with our customers and business partners by providing the best eco-products and promoting eco-activities.”

Get in touch with Samsung Mobile! Learn more about ‘The Blue Earth Dream’ and other eco-friendly initiatives at www.samsungmwc.com and visit us at Hall 8, Stand 8a139 at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona.

About The Blue Earth Dream

The Blue Earth Dream conveys hope and sets goals for sustainable growth and life. In increasing environmental awareness, Samsung is developing ways to reduce CO2 emissions and to save energy at every stage of the product life cycle, as an effective response to climate change. Milestones have been put in place to eliminate hazardous substances from handsets and packaging will be designed from recycled materials. Samsung will encourage its customers to recycle handsets at a growing number of special take-back points worldwide.

Sources:
Samsung (Press Release) via SlashGear

Samsung yesterday announced an impressive touchscreen camera phone called the Memoir, that packs a huge 8-megapixel camera, Xenon flash and 16x digital zoom inside a slim, streamlined body. The phone is designed to look much like a regular point-and-shoot digital camera and could easily be mistaken as such.

The SGH-T929 Memoir includes a full touchscreen display powered by Samsung’s TouchWiz UI and combined with a 3G connection over partner carrier T-Mobile, makes for easy uploading to photo sharing sites such as Photobucket or Flickr.

Phone functions aren’t ignored either. The phone/camera hybrid comes with a full-touch virtual QWERTY keypad for easy composition of messages and can handle not just simple TXTs, but also MMS, IM and email. The Memoir also includes built-in GPS navigation, a music and video player and Bluetooth for handsfree calls and voice-activated dialing.

This is a rather comprehensive piece of gadgetry and certainly scores well for convenience. If you’re in the market for some of the devices this thing covers (Phone, Camera, Sat Nav), it may even be worth its likely hefty price tag. The Memoir is rumored to cost $299 on a 2-year contract and should be available soon on the T-Mobile network.

Full Press Release Below:

SAMSUNG MOBILE AND T-MOBILE USA INTRODUCE BEST-IN-CLASS
8-MEGAPIXEL CAMERA PHONE

Samsung Memoir Captures and Shares High-Quality Images
With Advanced Features and Touch Screen

DALLAS, and BELLEVUE, WASH. — Feb. 5, 2009 — Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) and T-Mobile USA, Inc., today announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Memoir, a full touch-screen mobile phone equipped with an 8-megapixel camera and premium multimedia features, placing it among the highest quality imaging phones available in the U.S.

The Memoir, available exclusively from T-Mobile, is designed to look and feel like a customer’s current point-and-shoot digital camera. The built-in 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash, 16x digital zoom and five shooting modes empower customers to capture exceptional photos and videos from their phone — whether they’re on the go, on a vacation or just hanging out around the house.

The touch-screen phone, enabled by Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface and powered by T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, makes sharing photos easy. Samsung’s new photo widget allows customers to post images taken with the Memoir directly to their favorite online photo sharing source, such as flickr®, Kodak® Gallery, Photobucket and Snapfish.

“With the 8-megapixel Samsung Memoir, T-Mobile customers can capture and share little slices of life in all their vibrant brilliance,” said Denny Marie Post, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “With the ability to share photos at your fingertips, the Memoir helps make those connections more meaningful by their immediacy.”

The Memoir’s full-touch virtual QWERTY keypad and multiple messaging capabilities, including text, multimedia messaging, instant messaging and e-mail, make staying connected quick and easy while on the go. The Memoir is complete with a music and video player and built-in Assisted GPS navigation, which allows customers to utilize location-based services including turn-by-turn directions. For hands-free use, the Memoir features stereo Bluetooth® technology, speakerphone and voice-activated dialing.

“This is the camera phone that will make people want to leave their digital camera at home,” said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Mobile. “When you combine the Memoir’s imaging capabilities, customizable menus and music player, not only is it a great phone, but the entertainment possibilities are unlimited.”

T-Mobile’s 3G coverage available in select markets. Samsung Memoir also works on T-Mobile’s 2G network. See coverage maps at T-Mobile.com

Model number: SGH-t929

Sources:
Gizmodo via DVICE

A video has surfaced of a new innovation in OLED technology which is thought to be from the recent Japanese Flat Panel Display (FPD) trade show. It shows a full-color OLED display by Samsung which is capable of being folded in two, much like a sheet of paper. The display joins Samsung’s .05mm thick OLED that was also present at the show – flapping in the wind.

This cellphone/portable media player is emblazoned with Samsung’s logo beneath a smaller panel on the front on the device which appears to be a touchscreen. Tech specs have yet to be seen and we’re probably a long way off from seeing this on the market, but it is an impressive glimpse of future display tech currently in development.

Sources:
Oled Display and You Tube
Via: Gizmodo

Samsung has developed a new OLED display that is so thin, it literally flaps in the wind. The 4-inch “Flapping Display” is just 0.05mm thick, can produce 480×272 pixels with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio and reproduce 100% of the NTSC color gamut, making the picture quality comparable to that of most flat-panel displays on the market.

The new OLED is being exhibited at the FPD (Flat Panel Displays) International 2008 which began today in Japan. To emphasize the screen’s characteristics, Samsung has it hanging in the air, flapping around in the breeze from a fan.

In the slim stakes, Samsung’s new OLED tech manages to trump the impressive breakthrough made by Sony with their 0.3mm thick OLED we saw in May. Samsung reckons it is possible to go slimmer still, paving the way for displays with e-paper flexibility, that can also produce full-color, high-quality images.

Samsung used a “sputtering” membrane sealing technology to achieve the slim design, which wouldn’t have been possible with a normal glass substrate. The new technique coats the panel with a flexible protective membrane, which gives it that envy-inspiring wispiness.

Source:
Tech On

Samsung has today unveiled their X360 (no xbox relation) notebook which it hopes will outdo Apple’s MacBook Air. The impressive offering was presented at the IFA consumer-electronics fair in Berlin and will feature Sammy’s next-gen 128GB SSD, finger-print scanner for security, 7-in-1 card reader and silver-nano particles on the keyboard to resist bacteria.

The new lappie is based on Intel’s Centrino 2 chipset and will come with one to four gigs of memory. It has a 13.3-inch, 1280×800 widescreen display but sadly, like the Air, this slim design doesn’t accommodate an optical drive. Ports include 3 USB, HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet and ExpressCard 34.

Naturally, it will include such modern necessities such as Bluetooth 2.0+, WiFi and a 1.3 megapixel camera. The battery is rated at up to 10 hours, but that is not based on real world performance. The X360 will ship with Windows Vista, I’m sure to the annoyance of many.

Samsung’s dig at Apple is none too subtle in their ‘Lighter Than Air’ Slogan, but to be fair, the claim is partly accurate. The X360’s weight manages to under-cut the Air by around 3 ounces. It can’t compete on thickness, however, with the thinnest part measuring 16.7mm all the way up to 30.9mm at the back.

The X360 should be shipped around Europe sometime in October with prices starting at £1150 ($2300).

Sources:
Register Hardware and TechRadar