Mobile phone provider Samsung Telecommunications America, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has launched the world’s first 4G LTE-enabled, multi-mode, CDMA handset, the Samsung Craft (SCH-r900). Samsung Mobile is also the suppler of the LTE infrastructure for MetroPCS’ commercial launch of 4G LTE service in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In a statement, Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile, said, “It is extremely gratifying to introduce the Samsung Craft as the world’s first commercially available LTE-enabled handset operating on infrastructure by Samsung as part of the first LTE commercial network and services to be offered in the U.S.”
He added that “the Craft combines 4G speed and a multimedia device packed with full Web, entertainment and productivity features.”
The Samsung Craft boasts a brilliant, 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display and sliding Qwerty keyboard. Powered by 4G LTE technology, the Craft provides a faster HTML Web experience, full-track music downloads and video streaming. Plus, it includes a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and camcorder with auto-focus that features single, multi, panorama, mosaic and frame shot to capture photos instantly on the go. Additionally, the Craft includes a 2GB microSD card, preloaded with the Paramount Pictures’ hit movie “Star Trek.” Other key features include a music player, Wi-Fi connectivity, Stereo Bluetooth capability and microSD memory storage up to 32 GB.
While Samsung Mobile’s LTE network products support of 1.4 to 20 MHz bandwidth, the manufacturer’s network infrastructure solutions portfolio offers Enhanced Node B (eNB) products, including rack types, remote radio heads, picocells, femtocells and distributed antenna system (DAS) hosts.
The Samsung Craft is available at MetroPCS stores and online in the Las Vegas metropolitan area for $299, after a $50 instant rebate, plus tax, according to the supplier.
Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Beecher Tuttle