New Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional Handset Boasts
State-of-the-Art Features Including Wi-Fi, Built-in aGPS, Video Share
and 2.0 Megapixel Camera
AT&T customers can now have a smartphone of “epix” proportions. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung
Mobile) announced today the availability of theSamsung Epix™, an innovative new smartphone featuring both an advanced touch screen and new optical mouse technology that is powered by AT&T’s 3G network, the nation’s fastest, and the Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system.
The Epix, which is available exclusively to AT&T customers in
the U.S., provides users with a choice of ways to navigate its touch
screen, including the first-ever implementation of optical mouse
technology on a phone sold in the U.S. Located in the center of the
device between the right and left soft keys, the optical mouse allows
for quick and easy navigation by simply sweeping a finger over it. To
make a selection, a single click will bring users to their desired
location within the phone’s menus. The optical mouse can also be
switched to a four-way navigation key for more traditional navigation.
For those who would rather interact directly with the touch screen,
they can either use their finger to navigate or the Epix’s built-in
stylus for pinpoint accuracy.
The Epix, which has a cool silver finish, follows a long line of
robust and groundbreaking crossover smartphones from AT&T and
Samsung Mobile. The Epix is a next-generation, sleek, stylish and
compact handset. It brings users the ease of use of a personal computer
with Windows Mobile 6.1 to a slim pocket-sized device that is perfect
for today’s on-the-go mobile consumer.
In addition, the Epix boasts an impressive feature set, which includes:
- Wi-Fi® (802.11 b/g) — to
connect with home or campus networks or access more than 17,000
AT&T hot spots nationwide, including at thousands of participating
Starbucks locations. - Built-in aGPS — for
use with AT&T Navigator, AT&T Navigator Global Edition and
other GPS-based applications for personal and business use. - AT&T Video ShareSM
— the first-ever service in the U.S. that allows users to share live
video over wireless devices while participating in a voice call, so
they can share family moments, monitor progress on a job site or review
the day’s work without having to leave the office. - Global Capabilities
— when abroad, AT&T customers can use the Epix to make or receive a
phone call in more than 200 countries and check e-mail, browse the Web
or perform other data functions in more than 150 countries, including
in more than 60 — such as Japan and South Korea — that have deployed 3G
networks. - 2.0 Megapixel Camera — with video-capture capabilities.
- Slim, Light Form Factor
— Equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard, the Samsung Epix measures 4.6
inches x 2.4 inches x 0.5 inches, weighs just 4.4 ounces and includes a
large 2.5-inch TFT color display.
The Epix also provides users with access to multiple e-mail accounts
with Microsoft Direct Push for corporate users and AT&T Xpress
Mail, which includes access to most major personal e-mail accounts. The
Epix also offers over-the-air synchronization of contacts, calendars
and task lists with Microsoft Exchange Server or Xpress Mail and
support for Good Mobile Messaging.
“The Samsung Epix provides AT&T customers with the choice of the
cutting-edge capabilities of a touch screen and optical mouse combined
with the convenience of a QWERTY keyboard,” said Michael Woodward, vice
president, Business Mobility Products for AT&T’s wireless unit.
“AT&T and Samsung have had a very successful history of bringing
innovative smartphones, such as BlackJack™ and BlackJack II™, to market
and the Epix is no exception. We’re sure that the Epix will resonate
equally well with AT&T customers.”
“Samsung developed this phone with the business user in mind,” said
Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Telecommunications America.
“Users want a device that they can take on the road with them. The Epix
allows you to never miss a beat at the office, stay in touch with
colleagues and family and enjoy entertainment.”
Personal Computer in a Pocket-Sized Design
With
Windows Mobile 6.1, the Epix brings a powerful personal computer
experience to a compact device. Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile keeps
people connected with synchronization of schedules and contacts,
Internet Explorer Mobile provides improved quick and easy Web browsing
and Office Mobile enhances productivity with the ability to manage
Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. Additional Windows Mobile 6.1
features on the Epix include threaded SMS messaging, Internet
connection sharing, mobile banking and Voice Command.
The Samsung Epix also supports Microsoft’s System Center Mobile
Device Manager 2008, an enterprise-grade mobile solution for managing
and protecting Windows Mobile 6.1 phones. Mobile Device Manager
provides users with software distribution capabilities and
security-enhanced access to company data while they are away from the
office.
“People increasingly need powerful phones to be able to stay in
touch with their work and personal lives,” said Todd Peters, vice
president of marketing, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “The
Epix continues Samsung’s tradition of sleek, versatile devices that
appeal to our shared customer and adds to the already expansive
portfolio of Windows Mobile phones on AT&T.”
Instant Access to Entertainment
In addition to
being a feature-rich communications tools, the Epix is a multimedia and
entertainment powerhouse. Epix users have access to AT&T Mobile
Music, an integrated, on-the-go music experience that delivers “your
music, your way” by providing simple access to a robust collection of
music content, including access to online subscription music content
from Napster Mobile®, XM Radio Mobile™ and more.
For the visually oriented, CV (Cellular Video) from AT&T gives
viewers access to thousands of video clips — news, sports, weather,
entertainment, premium HBO MobileSM content and more — via streaming video. Those who prefer full-length streaming video programming can access MobiTV.
The Epix also includes features such as stereo Bluetooth®
technology, with stereo headset support, a 2.0 megapixel camera with
video-capture capabilities, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and microSD™
memory card slot for external storage of up to 32GB of data. The Epix
also features a built-in 1800 mAh battery to ensure users can maximize
their productivity and stay entertained.
Backing the Epix is the AT&T BroadbandConnect 3G network, which
currently is available in more than 320 major metropolitan areas in the
U.S., and by year-end, AT&T expects to offer the service in nearly
350 leading U.S. markets. The network’s HSPA-based technology allows
Epix users to perform data functions and conduct a phone call
simultaneously. In addition to 3G connectivity, the Epix is also
designed to connect seamlessly with AT&T’s nationwide¹ EDGE
network, which is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and
along some 40,000 miles of major highways.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Epix will be available through select AT&T retail locations or at http://www.att.com/wireless for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a mail-in rebate. For more information, please go to www.att.com/samsungepix.