Entertainment

Since the Samsung A970 doesn't have an operating system, only common PIM (Personal Information Management) applications are preinstalled. Containing an Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, File Viewer, MP3 Player, Notepad, Voice Services (Dial and Memo), and World Clock, email access to MSN Hotmail, AOL Mail, and Yahoo Mail is integrated as well.

Additionally, consumers can download and install small programs through BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless), a mobile platform for Java-based software. Available through the web, or Verizon Wireless' Get It Now service, an abundant supply of productivity tools and games are available, most for a small fee.

The A970 also supports 3D games. Reminiscent of early console games, many popular titles have been adapted for the small screen.

Currently a few games in a wide range of genres are available including Duke Nukem Mobile 3D, EA Sports Madden '06 3D, Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm Multiplayer, Need For Speed Underground 2, and The Incredibles 3D. Pricing is about $10 for unlimited purchase, or $3 for a monthly subscription.

Internet

As carriers move to 3G broadband wireless service, Verizon Wireless has been tirelessly expanding its EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) network. As the largest wireless broadband provider in the U.S., access is currently available in more than 171 major metropolitan markets and 68 primary airports at up to theoretical speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps. But more realistic rates are around 300 to 500 kbps.

Through EV-DO, Verizon Wireless is able to provide VCAST, a subscription-based video streaming and download service. With VCAST, video clips (up to 5 minutes long) of the entertainment, sports highlights, news and weather are accessible through the Samsung A970. Combined with EV-DO speeds, consumers can watch mobile television anywhere.

Programs such as ABC News, CNBC, MSNBC, the Weather Channel, the News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox studio, and Viacom Inc.'s VH1 and Comedy Central cable channels are offered in live and prerecorded formats. Also capable of Video-On-Demand, users can select preferences for favorite shows and receive text messages alerting them when new videos are available for viewing.

Through EV-DO and broadband access, VCAST video service and imaging and data transfer functions will change the way consumers view wireless.

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