Brief: Verizon announces FlipShot phone availability
The $200 device offers multimedia features
November 22, 2007 (Computerworld) -- Verizon Wireless and Samsung Electronics Co. announced online availability of the multifeatured FlipShot phone on Wednesday. The device sells for $199.99 with a new two-year voice subscription.
The FlipShot features a 3.0-megapixel camera with digital zoom, a camcorder, a speakerphone, Bluetooth capability for headsets, a business card scanner and Mobile Web 2.0 access. It is also capable of playing Vcast music and video services from Verizon and includes a personal organizer, notepad and alarm clock. It measures 3.76 inches by 1.83 inches and is .73 inch thick.
Jeff Kagan, an independent analyst, said that December is the biggest month for cell phone sales, and predicted that the multimedia capabilities of phones such as the FlipShot will be promoted to holiday season buyers. He also said the manufacturers hope to cash in on the popularity of Apple Inc.'s iPhone by touting their own phones as full-featured competitors.
"The FlipShot is a next-generation wireless phone," Kagan said. "It has an easier-to-use screen and is loaded with features that customers should love.
"These next-gen phones do so much more than just phone calls," he said. "They are becoming the third screen in our lives. You have TV, computer, cell phone and now -- with Internet connection speeds increasing -- the new features are getting exciting."