Entertainment
The Samsung SCH-A890 includes a useful suite of PIM (Personal Information
Management) applications such as Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, Memo
Pad, To-Do List, and World Time.
Additionally, QuickPhrase advanced voice
recognition debuts on the Samsung SCH-A890, allowing consumers to use speech-to-text
inserting pre-programmed, frequently used messages with voice commands. Once
in the messaging application, users can activate phrases such as
"Call me" or "Will call you later" by simply speaking those words, and the
text is included in the message.
Should users want to install additional
applications or games, the SCH-A890 supports BREW (Binary Runtime Environment
for Wireless). The dynamic BREW platform allows users to transfer and install files
on the SCH-A890 through a PC or through the web. Conveniently, Verizon Wireless
also uses its network to bring consumers games, productivity tools, wallpapers,
ring tones, and more with Get It Now. For a minimal fee, users can transfer
multimedia at the touch of a button.
A new category in Verizon's Get It Now service includes 3D Gaming. VCAST uses technology that
significantly increases download capabilities to deliver better
graphics, sound and depth. And the additional bandwidth delivered with
VCAST creates a rich environment for Verizon to introduce a
wide range of the 3D game titles at launch. Costing
more than standard games, about $10 for a 3-month subscription, the 3D games
are considerably more entertaining providing 3D rendering and effects reminiscent
of the 90s consoles.
Made by a small UK company named SuperScape, there are currently a few
games in a wide range of genres including AMF Bowling, Asphalt Urban GT,
Evel Knievel 3D, Evil Slayer, Kingdom Hearts, Spider-Man 2 3D: NY Rooftops,
SWAT: The Movie, and Swerve Basketball.
Internet
 Using Verizon Wireless' broadband EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) service,
the Samsung SCH-A890 can achieve DSL speeds of 300 to 500 kbps, allowing for
high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming.
Additionally,
through Verizon's VCAST service, customers can stream and playback video
clips using Windows Media, currently the highest-quality digital media format
available for streaming applications. For a $15 month access fee, customers
can receive unlimited access to more than 300 daily video clips, including
news and entertainment from the News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox studio
and Viacom Inc.'s VH1 and Comedy Central cable channels.
Using technology from PacketVideo and thePlatform, video-on-demand is
available through Get It Now. Preloaded with PacketVideo's media player,
the SCH-A890's content catalog with integrated Windows Media playback allows
users to fast forward and rewind streams, or download for local playback.
Media publishing technology through thePlatform allows customers to subscribe
and select preferences for their favorite content; receiving text alerts
when new content becomes available, viewing new clips within their favorite
channels, and checking summary reports on videos purchased.
While similar technologies have been available in Asia for years, VCAST
marks the North American wireless industry's initial push into mobile television,
delivering live and prerecorded TV programs from such networks as ABC News,
CNBC, MSNBC, and the Weather Channel.
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