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Keepin' it real fake: phoney Armani handset borrows some of that Samsung glamor
When we reviewed the Samsung Omnia II, we forgot to mention one major drawback: the lack of Giorgio Armani branding. Luckily the KIRFmeisters of Shenzhen have picked up where the original manufacturer dropped the ball. And they threw in a QWERTY keyboard to boot! No word on price or availability of the KIRF Samsung Omnia Pro Giorgio, but that's probably for the best. And yes, it has dual SIM cards. [Thanks, Hiroshi] Update: Egads! We totally forgot about the actual Samsung Omnia Pro Giorgio! But let's be honest here -- it is highly forgettable.
Verizon Samsung Omnia II impressions
When the Omnia II first appeared on our radar, two things caught our attention: TouchWiz 2.0 and Windows Mobile 6.5. To be honest, neither of these items really piqued our interest: we knew what to expect from WinMo and had serious reservations about Samsung's latest and greatest UI. That said, we were more than willing to suspend judgement until we saw her in action. With bullet points that include a 3.7-inch AMOLED display, 800MHz processor, and 8GB storage (before you even get to your microSD card), one could honestly hold out hope for a pretty decent product. Did the handset make for a satisfying, well-rounded smartphone? Or did it just find new ways of repeating the same old errors? You'll have to read on to find out. %Gallery-80791%
Samsung's Omnia II gets the video tear down you've all been longing for
Samsung's WinMo 6.5-packin' Omnia II has been available to Verizon Wireless customers (or at least those unaffected by the Droid) for a few weeks now, but strangely, we've yet to see a proper dissection of this here smartphone until today. That said, we're sure the patience you've put into this will pay off after heading past the break, where all of the itty-bitty internals are shown in stunning detail for your entertainment / education. As a good gal we once knew would say: "Ain't that the berries!" [Thanks, Costas]
Samsung Omnia II unboxing and hands-on
It's here at last, and we're frankly thrilled to be holding Samsung's very first TouchWiz 2.0 device, the Verizon Wireless-bound Samsung Omnia II. The 2.0 software brings with it a Widget Store, and as a general UI manages to skin over a majority of Windows Mobile 6.5, which is puttering along underneath. The handset is a tad on the bulky side, but makes up for it with a wonderful 3.7-inch AMOLED WVGA screen and a very nice 5 megapixel camera. We'll have a review for you before long, but for now you can check out a quick video rundown (including some playtime with the Samsung-exclusive "Swype" keyboard) after the break. And if that video is enough to convince you, the phone is available now on Verizon Wireless for $200 after rebate.
Verizon announces Samsung Omnia II: December 2 for $200
As expected, Verizon has chosen December 2 as the Samsung Omnia II's date with destiny, bringing an interesting full-touch WinMo alternative to the HTC Imagio that launched back in October alongside Windows Mobile 6.5. Speaking of 6.5, there were some early concerns that Verizon's version of the Omnia II would launch on stale 6.1 code, but fear not -- it's now confirmed that you'll be looking at Microsoft's latest and greatest stuff when you gaze upon that 3.7-inch AMOLED WVGA display. It's also got a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and flash, WiFi, and 8GB of internal storage along with microSD expansion -- good news for anyone who plans on making much use of that cam, especially in video mode. Verizon's site and retail locations both take delivery of the device on the same 12/2 date, pushing it for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. Considering the pricing, we've gotta ask: Droid or Omnia II?
Verizon's Samsung Omnia II launching December 2 for $200
It may no longer be the first to launch in North America (that distinct honor now belongs to Bell), but we can finally say with some confidence that Verizon's version of the Samsung Omnia II isn't that far off. No, seriously: we've managed to get a peek at the carrier's launch pack for the phone, and the big details here are that it'll be launching in all channels (meaning telesales, online, and in-store) on December 2 for $199.99 on contract after a $100 mail-in rebate. That pricing puts it solidly in the upper echelon of Verizon's offerings these days, yes -- but when you consider that it's got a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display, 8GB of internal storage plus microSD expansion, 5 megapixel cam, and WinMo 6.5 Professional (allaying earlier concerns that 6.1 would be on shipping units), we think they can justify the outlay. Especially if you can resist the pull of a Droid Eris for a Benjamin cheaper once you set foot in the store, of course. [Thanks, WC]
Samsung Omnia II coming to Bell this month
Bell and Telus are both making quick work of forgetting their legacy CDMA networks and bringing gobs of sexy, high-profile devices to their new HSPA digs -- presumably in an effort to get folks switched over as quickly as possible and steal Rogers customers posthaste -- and the latest is Samsung's Omnia II, which will be coming to Bell in GSM form (despite the fact that Verizon is bringing a CDMA version to market). Featuring a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display, 5 megapixel cam, WinMo 6.5, and 16GB of storage on board, the phone definitely rests at or near the top of the current WinMo crop -- but the real news here is the fact that the phone has just been selected as the Official Mobile Device of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which we suppose means you can use it with pride while bobsledding, lugeing, curling, slaloming, or whatever other arctic sports you enjoy. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the phone will be available this month; let's just hope that Olympic endorsement doesn't drive up the MSRP, eh?
Samsung Omnia II gets broken down, screenshot by screenshot
The overwhelming mediocrity of Windows Mobile 6.5 gives us pause before saying something sensational like "it's a great time to be a WinMo fan," but we've got to admit, manufacturers are really stepping up their game to deliver these days -- one need look no further than the mighty HD2 to see that. The Omnia II's looking pretty solid, too, especially if you like your phones served up keyboard-free, and ai.rs blog has compiled a comprehensive screenshot gallery showing just how deep the TouchWiz integration really goes. Build quality is said to be top-notch, and it's pretty hard to argue with a 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED display -- so as we go into 2010, it looks like we might be gearing up for an epic TouchFLO / TouchWiz showdown in the WinMo octagon. Who doesn't like a good fight? [Thanks, msav]
Samsung Omnia II for Verizon in the flesh, Windows Mobile 6.1 on board
We finally got a good, hard look at the Verizon-customized version of Samsung's Omnia II, and we've got good news and bad news: the good news is that the phone's a darker, more reasonable shade in person than it was in that press shot we'd seen before, but the bad news is that we've confirmed it's running 6.1. Anyone daring to release a 6.1 phone at this point is at serious risk of getting laughed out of the room unless they offer an upgrade path mere minutes afterwards, so we're hoping that by the time this is on shelves, it'll either be running 6.5 out of the box or there'll be an update program announced in conjunction with the release. Otherwise, the display's absolutely phenomenal (indoors, anyhow) and TouchWiz seems to work as well as it did on the original model, though scrolling through menus got a bit laggy at times -- isn't it kinda weird that a years-old platform can practically max out a circa-2009 device? Check out a quick gallery below. %Gallery-74971%
Samsung Omnia II handled again, huge display delights as usual
Samsung's Omnia II is coming to Spain's Movistar in November, but in the meantime, our esteemed colleagues over at Engadget Spanish have had a chance to spend some quality time with the high-end WinMo 6.5 set. Unlike us, they've found that the TouchWiz 2.0-based interface is smooth as silk, which gives us hope that the firmware has improved significantly since way back in June -- and otherwise, there's not a lot to complain about when you're staring at a dazzling 3.7-inch AMOLED display. They've come away with the conclusion that it's plenty light and comfortable despite clocking in a bit taller and wider than the iPhone, and "light and comfortable" is a pretty good start if 6.5 wants to have a successful (if not brief) run ahead of its flashier successor. Follow the read link for the full gallery!
Verizon launching Omnia II later this month -- with WinMo 6.1?
With the Imagio having just launched and the Omnia II coming down the pike, it's easy to be lulled into the false sense of security that Verizon subscribers will soon have their pick of several high-end smartphones running Windows Mobile 6.5 this month. Sure, the Touch Pro2 runs 6.1 for the time being, but the Omnia II must be hitting with 6.5 at launch -- right? Not so fast; WMExperts alleges that when Samsung's latest US-bound smartphone hits later this month, it'll have 6.1 loaded, and although a 6.5 update is eventually planned, it won't come "for a while." That's a huge disappointment if true, and it'll be a tough situation to explain if they've got the Imagio launching on the 6th with 6.5 and the Omnia II comes, say, two weeks later with an operating system nearly two years older (not to say we expect the jump from 6.1 to 6.5 feel like two years' worth of improvement, but still). Heck, we can't believe we're saying this, but we think it might even be worth their while to delay the phone by a few weeks if it meant they'd be able to be on shelves with 6.5 from day one -- but maybe that's why we're writers and not Verizon marketing strategists. [Via pocketnow.com]
Verizon's Samsung Omnia II pictured, drops cubic center button
We know that Verizon's version of the Windows Mobile-based Omnia II superphone is incoming, and by all accounts, we would've figured on it looking more or less like its global counterpart -- but those tinkerers over at Big Red apparently can't leave well enough alone, because the phone that's appeared on Samsung USA's site actually looks a bit different. The most notable change is the move away from the original model's distinctive cubic center button, though the replacement -- a shield design in the same vein as the B900 for South Korea -- really doesn't look any more user-friendly. Otherwise, there's not much to see here, but there's a brief mention of a relatively generous 1500mAh battery which should come in handy for spending hours on end using those YouTube, WeatherBug, and Facebook TouchWiz widgets you've got installed, eh? [Thanks, Austin] Update: As many folks have pointed out, it's merely a button, not a true d-pad. Thanks, everyone!
Samsung doesn't know when to stop, spits out Millionaire Pack II
We don't have a good sense for how many cultured old-money socialites have Omnia IIs in their Fendi handbags -- and we're not sure Samsung does either, but they're trying to move that number up a couple notches with a sequel to its original Omnia-themed Millionaire Pack of last year. Like the last one, the Millionaire Pack II is clearly designed to appeal either to wealthy tightwads or common folk who want to pretend like they've got some serious cash to throw around -- but either way, the €649 ($957) retail price is just a bit more than an unlocked Omnia II would run you straight up. For that price of entry, you get the phone, a leather case, a copy of some magazine for rich people, and that's about it -- so if you pop open the package expecting a solid gold phone covered in jewels, you're in for a nasty surprise.
Samsung's Application Store scrambles to life for some Omnia i900 owners
If you have an Omnia i900 and you live in the UK, Italy, or France then listen up, Samsung's Application Store just went live. A quick .CAB file download installs the new Application Store client onto your WinMo handset. From there you have access to about 300 paid (payable by credit card, phone billing "coming soon") and free apps via WiFi or Cellular data connections. Samsung plans to have over "over 2,000" apps in the store by the end of 2009 with support added for the Omnia II I8000 and OmniaLITE B7300 from more than 30 countries planned on an indeterminate timeline. A quick glance through the top paid apps reveals the £3.50 Guitar Hero World Tour and free apps like Evernote and the Skyfire browser -- otherwise, the so-called "Hot" game-heavy, apps look pretty lackluster for the moment. It's also interesting (read: odd) that Skyfire is tagged with an "OS Cetified" (Samsung's misspelling) badge for Windows Mobile while the heavily promoted Guitar Hero remains badge-less. Ah well, it is launch day and we expect these things will get ironed-out soon enough. Pics and highly conceptualized App Store experience demonstration after the break. Read -- Press release Read -- Download
Samsung Omnia 2 pre-order page now live, tempting you with debt
Here's the good news: the unlocked version of Samsung's I8000 Omnia 2 is now available for pre-order on Amazon, sporting quad-band GSM and HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100. Soaked that in? Great, let's move on to the bad news: it's currently listed for $999.99. Ouch. At least it'll be subsidized when bought through a carrier (hear us, Verizon?). If this is on your must-have list regardless of costs, go ahead and reserve your copy -- no release date listed, so be prepared to endure. [Via Slashgear]
Possible Palm Pre, Eos, Storm 2, and more revealed in Verizon database
Well would you look at those. Six snaps from Verizon's internal inventory database showing the BlackBerry Storm 2, Touch Pro 2, Omnia II, the Samsung Convoy and a pair of previously unseen Palm devices tagged with "P101" and "P121" monikers. It's just a guess, but we, like PhoneArena, think there's a very good chance that these are the Pre (already shipping on Sprint as model P100 according to the FCC) and its little Eos cousin, respectively. Now, anyone still doubting a Q1 2010 release on Big Red?
Samsung launches TouchWiz SDK for cross-platform bliss
Now that Samsung's standardized on the TouchWiz interface across its entire touchscreen line -- dumbphone and smartphone alike -- they've created a fertile playground that offers developers the opportunity to reach a good chunk of the world's second largest phone manufacturer's devices. A dedicated software development kit for TouchWiz is now available direct from Samsung, and since your average code monkey doesn't necessarily have access to fifteen different phones running multiple versions of every platform Sammy supports, they're also offering up their Virtual Device Lab that'll let devs test their wares on everything the company has on tap. For distribution, Samsung will have a number of channels available: its Application Store, a new Widget Gallery that'll premiere on Verizon's Omnia II launching later this year, and -- perhaps most tantalizingly for developers -- the possibility of inclusion right in the frickin' ROM if Samsung really loves what you've done. Considering that you're targeting S60, WinMo, and a wealth of proprietary OS devices in one fell swoop, this could end up being a huge distribution channel.
LG Chocolate Touch and Samsung Omnia 2 slated for August 23rd, according to supposed Best Buy leak
If this screen capture to be believed, August 23rd is gearing up to be one helluva day for phone lovers. According to this snapshot from Best Buy's computers, that's when LG's desirable BL40 Chocolate Touch will be making its way into the consumer world, alongside a red Xenon and a bevy of Samsung phones including Omnia 2, Rogue, and Solstice. No clue on what the Tour is doing up there dated for the 23rd, since it's already out on both Verizon and Sprint, but perhaps a major shipment is in the works. As for that M330 for September 8th? Yeah, we're not sure. Surrounding that tantalizing list from the top and bottom, respectively, are Samsung's eco-conscious Reclaim -- presumably listed for August 16th, although the date is obscured -- and a red and black "G2" from august 5th, which would undoubtedly be referring to T-Mobile's sophomore Android device, the myTouch 3G. Two weeks seem awfully close, but if this pans out, we certainly won't be arguing.
Samsung's retail Omnia II smartphone gets hands-on treatment
Oh sure, we've seen Samsung's WinMo-powered Omnia II a time or two before, but this looks to be the first instance of it waltzing in front of a camera after leaving its retail packaging. Not much seems to have changed from those pre-release versions we peeked, and we have to say, that 3.7-inch AMOLED display looks awfully inviting. Of course, you'll have a hard time procuring one of these critters here in North America without a solid importer over in Singapore, but if you can somehow steal some patience from underneath that couch cushion, you'll be just fine. Give the read link some love for a few more high-res shots.
Samsung Omnia II gets banded for US 3G, but it's not for the US
Remember how Verizon is getting the Omnia II? Yeah, well, don't get too excited, because this isn't it. A version of Samsung's latest full-touch WinMo superphone just garnered FCC approval, and more excitingly, it packs WCDMA bands II and V -- exactly the bands we use in North America -- but you might notice that there's a surprising dearth of English on the product's certification label. Well, see, it turns out that South America uses those bands, too -- and the "L" in this version's model number of i8000L probably stands for Latin America, if we had to guess. That's not to say savvy North Americans couldn't import this and get some juicy 3G on AT&T or Rogers, but at least in AT&T's case, we still don't have any particular reason to believe that this'll land over there. Certainly wouldn't hurt their case, though, would it? [Via Cell Phone Signal]
