Samsung SGH-T578H: world's first TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset

We knew NXP and T3G were working on an automatic handover between TD-SCDMA and GSM, and now both firms are buddying up with Samsung to gloat about the unveiling of the "world's first" TD-SCDMA HSDPA / GSM multi-mode handset. The celebrated mobile is being dubbed the Samsung SGH-T578H, which is equipped with a software-defined modem capable of achieving data transfer rates of 2.8Mbps. TD-SCDMA network deployments have already been completed in ten major cities in China, and it should be upgraded to support Release 5 (HSDPA) of the TD-SCDMA standard in time for users to enjoy streaming content from the Beijing Olympics. Regrettably, there's no mention as to when the aforementioned mobile will be released, but we're sure this trio won't let it go unnoticed should that day come.

[Via MobileTechNews, image courtesy of 163]

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Nov 9th 2007 4:15PM]

So this phone works on cdma networks AND gsm networks right?

[a ham sandwich @ Nov 9th 2007 4:24PM]

and i assume TD-SCDMA is the CDMA variant used in europe and asia?

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Nov 9th 2007 5:39PM]

I think its next gen CDMA. Asia and the US don't use different CDMA. That would kinda' make no sense.

[Cesar Cardoso @ Nov 9th 2007 6:50PM]

TD-SCDMA is the Chinese 3G official standard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TD-SCDMA

[xman @ Nov 9th 2007 4:29PM]

Can I get this with dual sim slots? Please??? Unfortunately, no carrier in the US will want this phone. Hopefully, a few class action suits will eventually clear the way.

[Raja @ Nov 9th 2007 6:55PM]

TD-SCDMA is not the CDMA technology Americans are familiar with. It is a Chinese creation designed with the intention of being the Chinese 3G. TD-SCDMA is not WCDMA either, which came out of Europe, which is also known as UMTS, and which contains the High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) service for the downlink (HSDPA) and the uplink (HSUPA).

However, both TD-SCDMA and WCDMA are part of the 3G bouquet of standards under the IMT-2000 umbrella.

[Matt @ Nov 10th 2007 5:45AM]

HOLLY GRAIL... Software based radio... I thought this was only a SciFi. WTF so few companies use it then. This would make ANY phone a world phone. Just cram a powerful signal processor into any phone and let the software manage the frequencies instead of radio chips. Phones would be slimmer, more choice for the end user...imagine being able to pick up that gorgeous Nokia N95 and run it on Sprint, VZV, T-Mobile, at&t, alltel, cricket and every tiny rural network just by flipping the power button on and letting the phone find the network based on the sim card. Ahhh...I'm back on earth now. The harsh reality kicks in. :-(

Maciek
www.symbiosis60.com