Samsung InnoV8 Will Push Multimedia Smartphones to a Higher Level

Samsung's next smartphone, the Symbian S60 powered InnoV8 (i8510), will take direct aim at Nokia's N95/N96 models by having the most features that can be packed in a device and still be made pocketable.

First, the Specs

The Samsung InnoV8 will start with Symbian's S60 operating system. It will have the latest release, Feature Pack 2 (version 3.2) which streamlines some user interface elements, addressed wireless access point management, and improved battery efficiency among other changes.



In addition, the InnoV8 will pack 16 GB of internal flash memory, identical to the recently announced Nokia N96. However, unlike the N96, the InnoV8 will also come with a microSD memory card slot, taking its potential internal storage to levels previous found only on dedicated MP3 players.

Also topping any current smartphone device to date, this model will feature an 8 megapixel digital camera. Offering face/blink/smile-detection, image stabilization, and the ability to geotag photos using the internal GPS, the InnoV8 will match other current top offerings by Nokia and other manufacturers.

In shape it will be a slider, with a 2.8-inch QVGA sliding aside to reveal a numberpad.

Rounding out the feature set, the InnoV8 will have Wi-Fi (802.11g), Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, a built-in FM tuner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and stereo speakers. It will even have an accelerometer and optical mouse.

Availability

The Samsung i8510 InnoV8 is slated to be available in Europe and Asia in September of this year. Though a quad-band GSM device (850/900/1800/1900MHz), lack of North American 3G compatibility might keep it as just a novelty import, similar to the way the N95 was originally.

It does feature compatibility with European 3G networks (900/2100MHz) in addition to the aforementioned Wi-Fi for high speed wireless access.