Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:33 am
Samsung plans to release the Corby -- a low-cost touch screen device focused on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube -- later this month in Europe, hoping the use of social networking will gain market share among teenagers.
The South Korean company said the Corby's 2.8-inch touch screen uses its new Touchwiz UI with haptic feedback for a slight vibrating response when a selection is touched.
Users can customize the handset with useful applications and widgets that can access profiles on Facebook, sent "tweets" from Twitter and watch videos through YouTube with the press of its display.
It also supports "one finger zoom" to zoom in and out with one finger and "smart unlock" to unlock the phone and use the menu by drawing a letter on the screen
Additional features include a 2.0-megapixel camera, MP3 player and FM radio.
Made for the youth segment, the Corby's body is crafted with a colorful two-tone design, available in Jamaican Yellow, Cupid Pink, Minimal White and Festival Orange.
"We recognize the importance of social networks in the modern mobile industry," said J.K. Shin, Head of Samsung's Mobile Division. "The design and functionality of the Corby meets the needs of a highly digitally connected and style conscious youth audience."
The popularity of social networking has propelled the surging growth of smartphones like Apple's iPhone and Research in Motion's BlackBerry devices.
Struggling handset makers Samsung, Nokia and Motorola were late to embrace the shift and are now scrambling to integrated Facebook and Twitter into their devices.
After posting a 72 percent drop in first-quarter profits, Samsung said it would focus on touch screen smartphones.
In February, Nokia said that it would partner with Facebook directly, integrating its service into the top handset maker's phones.
Samsung said the Corby will launch in Europe later this month for $215.
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