Samsung Instinct, now known as potential iPhone killer
Supposed iPhone killers aren't in short supply, but lacklustre software and devices that simply aren't as sexy as Apple's offering often see challengers fall at the very first hurdle.
Now however, there's a new, much stronger challenger; Samsung. Say hello to the Samsung Instinct:
It may look like an iPhone, and indeed, its touch-based interface may be similar to the iPhone. But, rest assured, it isn't. This is the device that Samsung has developed and delivered exclusively to US mobile network Sprint, where it'll go head to head with Apple's iPhone on AT&T.
Instinct is said to "offer consumers an industry-leading user experience by combining full touch-screen functionality with fast speeds available on the nation's largest mobile broadband network." Sprint claims the device to be revolutionary, though calling it an iPhone sibling may have been closer to the mark.
Sprint, possibly still upset about Apple's exclusive iPhone agreement with rival mobile network, AT&T, has plans for a $100 million marketing campaign, making Instinct its biggest launch in history. It makes clear its iPhone beating ambitions too, the official Instinct website, nowisgood.com, takes multiple pop-shots at the iPhone. Our favourite; "Slow ends this June".
Instinct features a 3.1in touchscreen, complete with haptic feedback to let you know your touches are being received - a nice touch, you might say. There's also EV-DO Rev A, GPS, a microSD slot and three physical navigation keys - three more than the iPhone, of course. Add to that voice recognition, a 2MP camera, stereo Bluetooth and, make note, a removable battery, and you have what seems a worthy iPhone competitor
The handset measures in at 2.17in x 4.57in x 0.49in, weighs a little under 4.5 ounces and will be available in the US as of June. No news on UK availability just yet, but Vodafone UK already has the Samsung F490 in stock, the Instinct it appears could be a recycled F490 with a few Sprint alterations. If however the Instinct itself does come to the UK, we wouldn't be surprised to see network exclusivity. With Apple's device being tied to O2, we'd put good money on Instinct landing with a competitor such as Orange or T-Mobile.
Dan Hesse, Sprint's president and CEO unveiled the device during his keynote speech at CTIA and said:
"This device is like no other touch-screen phone. Period. None are faster. None have more content pre-loaded."
"We'll make it easy-to-use, bringing applications and contacts within a single finger tap. We'll provide data at blazing speeds on our mobile broadband EVDO Rev A network. We'll offer applications that customers want: high-speed web access and entertainment services like music and TV. And some other things that others can't deliver, like GPS navigation and over-the-air downloads."
However, whether or not Sprint and Instinct will be able to compete against Apple's iPhone could come down to one key factor; software. With Apple's experience with software and more importantly, user-friendly UIs, the iPhone is a truly pleasant device to use. Early impressions with the Instinct indicate that its web browser in particular leaves a lot to be desired. Mind you, it should be noted that Instinct's software is still in beta stages.
There hasn't been any official word on pricing from the Sprint camp just yet, but rumours indicate that Instinct will land at below the $300 mark, with unlimited data subscription plans starting at $70.
Make no mistake, this is the first real challenger to Apple's iPhone, but with Apple's iPhone SDK now in the wild and a 3G iPhone surely just around the corner, Apple still has the upper hand - for now.
Official press release: Samsung Instinct(TM), Exclusively from Sprint, Brings Speed, Simplicity and a Fully Integrated Touch-Screen Experience to Wireless Marketplace
Official product page: nowisgood.com
