Review: Samsung Epix

AT&T customers can now have a smartphone of “epix” proportions. AT&T and Samsung Mobile announced the availability of the Samsung Epix smartphone, an innovative new mobile phone 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.

Samsung Epix Smartphone

The Samsung 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.

Windows mobile smartphone

The Samsung Epix, which has a cool silver finish, follows a long line of robust and groundbreaking crossover smartphones from AT&T and Samsung Mobile. The Samsung Epix smartphone is a next-generation, sleek, stylish and compact mobile 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.

Samsung Epix mobile communications

The Samsung Epix mobile phone 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 Samsung Epix handset 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.

Samsung smartphones

"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 Samsung Epix smartphone will resonate equally well with AT&T customers."

Samsung business handset

"Samsung developed this mobile 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 with Windows Mobile software

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.

Samsung Epix Mobile Device Manager

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."

Samsung Epix smartphone functions

In addition to being a feature-rich communications tools, the Samsung Epix cell phone is a multimedia and entertainment powerhouse. Samsung 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 Mobile content and more - via streaming video. Those who prefer full-length streaming video programming can access MobiTV.

Samsung Epix features

The Samsung 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.

Samsung Epix price & availability

The Samsung Epix (model : Samsung SGH-i907) will be available through select AT&T retail locations for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a mail-in rebate.

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