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Samsung F488 relaunched with new TouchWiz cut, 'i' suffix
We would've expected the F480 to fade away quietly into the night, considering that it was the very first device Samsung launched to run TouchWiz back in the day -- but instead, they're taking a different approach by reloading it with the latest and greatest build and launching it anew. The F488i is a variant of the F488i for the Asian market that's been tweaked for an Asian market -- Hong Kong, in this case -- and that "i" on the end means that it's been hooked up with a so-called "3X TouchWiz user interface" (in other words, three pages of widgets on the home screen, not unlike Android), new social networking features, and photo contacts. The F480's still a pretty smart-looking phone even by 2009 standards, so we've got no problem with Sammy's tactic here -- not to say it much matters in the States. [Via Unwired View]
Samsung's Ultra Touch S8300 handled ahead of MWC
Oh, brother. Really, Samsung? Are we seriously going to have to juggle completely unrelated names based on geographic location yet again? Unless our deductive reasoning skills are just utterly shot, Sammy's Ultra Touch S8300 -- which got official earlier this week -- will be known as the Tocco Ultra Edition in some corners of the globe. Nomenclature aside, what we're really here to discuss is just how striking this piece is, and if you're in disbelief, we'd invite you to give the read link a visit. Pocket-lint was able to score a pre-production sample over in the UK ahead of its "debut" at Mobile World Congress, and you know you don't want to miss that.
Samsung milks F480 a little longer with Rockstar and La Fleur models
Seriously Samsung -- you should know what happens when a company settles for churning out modified versions of the same thing for too long. If not, just ping whomever is left at Motorola's mobile division. Bad slams aside, the longstanding F480 is seeing yet another makeover (two, in fact), with the P!nk-inspired Rockstar version destined for Germany and the flora-inspired (and currently unpriced) La Fleur slated for a Russian release. As expected, nothing too great is changing except for the externals, though the Rockstar model does come loaded with P!nk tracks and a 1GB memory card. Oh, and considering the quoted €499 ($640) asking price for the Rockstar, we'd say P!nk better be seeing some serious royalties.
Pamela Anderson celebrates pinnacle of career with Samsung Jackie Pack
Celebrating a storied Hollywood career as illustrious and celebrated as Barb Wire's Pamela Anderson's takes more than a lavish party stocked to the nines with fashionable people. Much more, actually -- in fact, it takes the release of a special bundle of Samsung's F480 to properly commemorate the occasion, which is why Pam's been busy in the Netherlands lately helping Sammy launch the F480 "Jackie Pack" at the annual Millionaire Fair for the filthy rich. The package, named after a magazine that's also for the filthy rich, includes the aforementioned TouchWiz slate in an all-new color plus some gaudy jewelry you'll never wear (but Pam might). Pricing isn't available yet, but the original Baywatch babe already has hers -- so if you're really into it, make her an offer she can't refuse.
Hugo Boss infiltrates Samsung F480 in Europe
Prada, Armani, Hugo Boss -- who's next? Coco Chanel? As the trendsetters paradoxically begin to follow the trends, we've got yet another fashion icon placing his name on a touchscreen-based phone. Except in this case, there's really nothing special about it at all. In essence, the Hugo Boss edition F480 is simply a Samsung F480 with a Hugo Boss logo, Hugo Boss themes and a set of Hugo Boss-inspired ringtones (saywha?). Oh, and there's the Hugo Boss Bluetooth headset for those who actually enjoy transforming into a full-fledged walking advertisement. Feel free to point and laugh when you see it in European stores next month for €479 ($620).
Telstra lands Samsung's touchscreen-heavy F480T
Samsung's touchscreen-centric F480 isn't the freshest of the fresh right now, but it's still hot news for folks in Australia. Telstra has just added the F480T to its Next G lineup, and with it comes a 2.8-inch LCD, 5-megapixel camera, support for the outfit's 7.2Mbps data network, 200MB of onboard memory, an SD expansion slot, Bluetooth 2.0, haptic feedback and access to Mobile FOXTEL. Put it in your pocket right now for as low as free on a $60 plan for two years.
Samsung's F480 crushes a lot, becomes "Player Style" for France
Samsung's making this way more confusing than they need to, but hey, it's their phone and they have every right to do so -- they just better not come crying to us when their customers in the UK need service on their F480s while on holiday in France and no one in the shops knows what the heck a Tocco is. Turns out that the very same model that just became the Tocco for the UK market is being called the "Player Style" for France, which we will plainly admit is a pretty awesome name. Why can't it be Player Style everywhere? And actually, shouldn't it be Tocco in Italy, Player Style in the UK, and maybe something like Joueur de Style or just plain F480 in France? Our head's starting to spin; pardon us while we lie down for a couple minutes.[Via Unwired View]
Samsung F480 christened "Tocco" -- better than "Taco," we suppose
Samsung's Armani-like F480 won't be known simply as the F480 when it floods the market; that'd be far too ordinary, apparently, so it's been assigned "Tocco," which it turns out is Italian for "Touch." That's an eminently appropriate name for a phone that relies this heavily on finger action thanks to the introduction of Samsung's all-new TouchWiz UI concept, and with 7.2Mbps HSDPA on board, there'll be plenty of touch-controlled browser use, we imagine. Pricing apparently has yet to be set, but we're pretty sure Italian names command some sort of premium over garden-variety letters and numbers.[Via IntoMobile]
Samsung's Soul train makes stop in USA, no plans to get sold here
If you thought Samsung's Soul would be content with sitting in Barcelona, you've never had the pleasure of vacationing in Las Vegas. Sure enough, the Soul is following the HTC Touch Dual in making its US debut at CTIA 2008, and it's quite alright if your palms are already beginning to get sweaty. After all, what else would you expect from looking forward to a quad-band / HSDPA 7.2Mbps slider with a 2.2-inch QVGA display, 5-megapixel camera (with QVGA movie mode), Bluetooth 2.0, microSD expansion slot and Magical Touch navigation? Beyond that, the long-awaited miCoach is also making its US debut in the desert, along with a number of other global handsets (F480, F400 and G810). The sad part here is that none of the mobiles are actually slated to go on sale here in America -- yeah, it's a bit depressing to know they're sitting within our borders as we speak and won't be available for purchase, but there's always next year (right?).
Samsung's new TouchWiz UI gets previewed on video
If you've seen our shots of Samsung's Armani redo, the F480, you might have noticed it's running a new OS. The UI -- called TouchWiz -- is based off of the company's Croix interface (which apparently was rushed out to compete with the iPhone), and will be used on all of the upcoming finger-touch phones from the manufacturer. The cats over at Phone Scoop had a chance to go one-on-one with TouchWiz at Mobile World Congress, and they've put together a pretty informative video that shows off the UI doing its thing. The inclusion of a new widget system, expanded menu options, and overall speed bump make this OS a notable step up from Samsung's previous offering. Take a look at the video after the break to see the system getting all funky-fresh.[Thanks, Martijn]
Samsung F480 hands-on at Engadget Mobile
The Samsung F480 is a pretty slick device, featuring the new TouchWiz UI, a 5 megapixel shooter, widgets that can be added and dragged about on the home screen, and input feedback via vibration. Check out the gallery of glorious pics of the phone in action over at Engadget Mobile right this second!
Samsung F480 hands-on
The Samsung F480 is a pretty slick device, featuring the new TouchWiz UI -- which to be honest, is a little weak looking -- a 5 megapixel shooter, widgets that can be added and dragged about on the home screen, and input feedback via vibration. It is without a doubt a well put together piece of hardware, has outstanding connectivity -- ahem! North American HSDPA, Samsung? -- and will undoubtedly be a hit once it lands in April or May this year. %Gallery-16057%
Samsung's F480 Armani (without the Armani), Dual Touch Chic G400 flip and F400 B&O slider
If mobile-review is right, then Samsung is about to unleash more than a dozen new phones at Mobile World Congress. Rather than overwhelm you with the lot, we've whittled down the selection to a few of our faves. First up, the F480 (pictured left) which casts aside its Armani rags for full-on Samsung branding. The 11.5-mm slim handset with 2.8-inch, 240 x 320 touchscreen features Samsung's latest Croix OS with tactile feedback. It's now sporting 3G connectivity, FM-radio, and the ever so popular 5 megapixel camera (with LED flash). Release is expected in April or May for between €350 and €400. Next up is Sammy's "Dual Touch Chic" G400 flip. Both the internal (2.2-inches, QVGA) and external displays are touch-sensitive surrounded by an all-metal shell. Expect a 5 megapixel camera, FM-radio, and 100MB with microSD expansion when it launches in by May for about €300. Last up is the latest B&O hookup, albeit in a more consumer acceptable slider format. Like the i450 before it, the F400 is a dual-slider: slide the front face up to reveal a keypad, down to slip the phone into music mode with exposed B&O speakers. Otherwise, it's a 3G phone with 2.2-inch QVGA display, RDS-enabled FM radio, and microSD card when it pops in late March with a €370-€390 price tag.
