Samsung shows off line of Galaxy S accessories, uses Fascinate to model them

Now that Samsung's managed to deploy the Galaxy S far and wide across the globe (though we're still waiting for that Epic 4G and Fascinate, ahem), it's apparently high time for the company to start turning these bad boys into an ongoing revenue stream with a line of first-party accessories that should keep our pocketbooks empty for months to come. Pricing and carrier availability are still an open question, but all told, they're announcing a desktop dock that pairs with a dock-friendly app in the Market (pictured above), a windshield- and dashboard-mountable car dock, and a spare battery charging kit that includes a combo phone stand / battery charger, an extra wall charger, and the 1500mAh pack itself. You've also got a selection of protective cases and screen covers in your choice of regular, mirror finish, and privacy versions. If you bought everything, you'd probably come close to doubling your expense after having bought the Galaxy S itself, but accessorizing is all part of the fun, right? Interestingly, Samsung's shot of the car dock (above) seems to be the first official press picture of the Verizon Fascinate that we're aware of... so there you go. Follow the break for the full press release.

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SAMSUNG MOBILE UNVEILS PREMIUM GALAXY S SMART PHONE ACCESSORIES

New class of smart phone accessories feature compact desktop dock, convenient portable vehicle dock, and affordable spare battery charging solution to help make the Galaxy S smart phone experience brilliant

DALLAS, August 11, 2010 - Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1, the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S., today announced a line of premium accessories for the Android™-powered Galaxy S smart phone portfolio. The lineup of premium Galaxy S accessories, including a convenient desktop dock, vehicle dock and backup battery charging system, will provide users with an enhanced mobile experience for each of the Galaxy S smart phones.

The Samsung Galaxy S accessory lineup includes a small, compact desktop dock providing consumers an easy-to-use option to view their favorite movies, listen to music, display as a digital picture frame and use the desktop speakerphone when making hands-free calls while at a desk or in a home office. The Galaxy S desktop dock, which also doubles as a charger, allows for useful application downloads and internet browsing features such as Google Search™ by Voice, which allows users to speak their search query. Users can download the Desk Home application from the Android marketplace by searching for "desk home Samsung". The Desk Home application can switch brightness levels from day to night and provides one-touch access to the Daily Briefing, alarm clock, music, pictures, movie gallery and local weather so that you can always stay up-to-date with daily activities.

The Galaxy S portable vehicle dock allows users to mount their device to a car windshield or dashboard and display turn-by-turn instructions for a safe, hands-free GPS navigation experience. Users can receive and display the latest traffic alerts, location-based information and activate the Google Search™ by Voice features when the Galaxy S smart phone is in the vehicle dock. The lightweight vehicle dock rotates freely between landscape and portrait modes and is attachable to either the windshield or car dashboard. The vehicle dock also contains a micro USB connection to conveniently charge a phone while in-use.

The Samsung Galaxy S accessories lineup offers an affordable charging solution that includes three components such as an extra 1500 mAh battery, a spare battery charger with phone stand and a wall charger for charging your phone and spare battery separately. The backup charger is small enough to fit in a pocket, purse or briefcase to transport and protect a charged backup battery allowing users smart phones to always stay powered-up while on-the-go.

Customers can also personalize Galaxy S smart phones with multiple protective case options, available in a variety of colors, patterns and fabrics to fit the needs of each consumer's personal style. Additional Galaxy S accessories include a three-pack screen protector set with anti-scratch, mirror, and privacy screens as well as the Samsung WMG1602 Wi-Fi HD streaming device. The Samsung WMG160 allows users to stream movies, music, and photos directly from a Galaxy S smart phone to an HDTV.

For more information on retail availability and a complete list of Galaxy S accessories, visit www.samsung.com.

1 Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics, Q1 2010 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.
2 Also compatible with other DLNA compliant devices such as laptops or cameras. Check device compatibility at www.dlna.org/products.





About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

[APV Posted Aug 11th 2010 3:15PM]

I'd like to know when the white one comes out.

[mmaestro Posted Aug 11th 2010 3:30PM]

So you wonder if they're going to fix the GPS before the dash mount comes out, right? Seriously, what's taking them so long? Or is it a hardware problem?

[YanivC Posted Aug 11th 2010 4:25PM]

@mmaestro
Its true the fix should have come from Samsung long ago, but... you can find an easy fix for it online. Already tried and it works perfectly.

STEPS

* Step 1 -- Open menu > settings > Location & Security. Uncheck the box next to "Use Wireless Networks"

* Step 2 -- Open the dialer (the phone button) and enter the following: *#*#1472365#*#* . Then press "send" to open the Vibrant's LbsTestMode menu.

* Step 3 -- In the LBSTestMode menu, press “Application Settings” and change “Operation Mode” to “MS Based.”

* Step 4 -- In the LBSTestMode menu, find “SUPL/CP Settings” and change the SERVER & PORT to supl.google.com and port 7276 (DO NOT use www. in front of supl !)

* Step 5 -- Reboot your phone.

* Step 6 -- Open menu > settings > Location & Security. Check the box next to "Use Wireless Networks"

If you want to reverse these changes, the original specs are:

Operation Mode: Standalone
SERVER: www.spirent-lcs.com
PORT: 7275

[Frogboy Posted Aug 11th 2010 5:04PM]

@mmaestro

I was going to say the same thing. Actually, I was going be a little more rude than what you said but we'll go with that.

@YanivC

Please stop posting these "fixes". I've seen tons of people saying that it isn't a real fix and isn't perminant.

[ReadyKilowatt Posted Aug 11th 2010 10:24PM]

@YanivC I found it works better if you leave the "use wireless networks" unchecked.

But there are major issues with this GPS, especially with power management. Navigation locks up most of the time I use it, the app SportsTrackerPro seems to have a lot of issues mostly related to the GPS not updating.

[deliteguy Posted Aug 12th 2010 10:14AM]

@mmaestro
Was about to say the same thing about them releasing a dock with hardly a god gps system. I now understand why people would like the garminfone. I need a case really badly for my vibrant though, having dropped it humorous times already. All I can say is that the chrome around the phone gets dented and scratched the easiest.

[obobo Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:28PM]

GPS settings for Samsung Captivate and Galaxy S series
TRY THIS
1. use the above instructions to get to the gps setup menu
2. Operation mode MS based
3. instead of using supl.google.com change Config to Auto
4. turn skyhook on. leave it on
5. finally IMPORTANT: turn WiFi off..
for me it locks in seconds (almost always)

[YanivC Posted Aug 11th 2010 4:24PM]

NEEEEEEEEEED TO HAVE! WHERE IS IT?

[sfox8 Posted Aug 11th 2010 4:26PM]

This looks really nice. But between this and the Droid X car/home dock, I can't help but wonder what's going on with the Evo docks? My cup holder is not an acceptable replacement.

[cn31672 Posted Aug 11th 2010 5:05PM]

These accessories have been shown on the Samsung site since the phone was released, most are still listed as out of stock...
Nice timely report, Engadget....
I'm with you all, where is the GPS update... I returned my iphone4 for the Captivate, and have no regrets, but I would like the GPS to be fixed. Seems like a no-brainer...

[Chris Ziegler Posted Aug 11th 2010 7:37PM]

@cn31672 They were just officially announced by Samsung today... so yes, it is timely.

[ebdiesel0412 Posted Aug 11th 2010 5:53PM]

Any body know about specific holster leather cases for the phone? I seen some online but all of them seem to cover the 3.5 headphone jack. I have been looking for 3 weeks! Help anyone.

[rahlquist Posted Aug 11th 2010 8:20PM]

@ebdiesel0412 http://pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=11000365_11000370_11001014&products_id=31134

[mmaestro Posted Aug 12th 2010 12:21AM]

@ebdiesel0412 I got one (Vibrant, but I think it would fit the others except the Epic) from the T-Mobile store. It's not a great case - sits vertical on your belt, doesn't twist, but the phone sits in it with the top open, so you can access the 3.5 jack no problem. It really feels cheap (despite being $25), but it does the job, and seems to be holding up well, at least.

[dank414 Posted Aug 11th 2010 7:33PM]

Where's there home docking cradle??? I've been wanting one since I saw the video of it at the CITA.

[ebdiesel0412 Posted Aug 12th 2010 12:26AM]

I know tmobile has a vertical holster case but I don't want it my rib cage. I want a horizontal one with access to the headphone jack.

[Mindgrinder Posted Aug 12th 2010 3:35PM]

they had desktop on there site previously at international launch with smart alarm in some flash presentation then they took it off ...the dock is also on samsung US website for vibrant but shows out of stock.

[obobo Posted Aug 13th 2010 5:31PM]

Looks nice but I'm not sure this is a whole lot better than the dash vent/windshield mounts you can buy on ebay for $6.95... and if you use LauncherPro you can make your own screen with large widgets if you spend $3 on the paid version

[F22 Posted Aug 14th 2010 1:14PM]

GPS is fixed on Sprint's, the EPIC I have a friend who is his stores EPIC "advocate." We just checked his GPS today, works great.