SAMSUNG Launches the World’s First ‘Optical Joystick’ Phone

Samsung’s SCH-V960 features optical sensor button for user convenience

SEOUL , KOREA , December 19 th , 2006 – Samsung Electronics , a leading provider and innovator of mobile phones, launches the world’s first mobile phone featuring a n optical joystick for a whole new mobile experience.

Samsung ’s latest ‘Optical Joystick’ Phone (Model: SCH-V960 ) is suited with the latest technology that may revolutionize the way users interact with the menu and user interface of mobile handsets. Users utilize the optical joystick key by placing their finger and moving a cursor to navigate through the menu, similar to a cursor of a mouse on a PC .

Optical sensors will read and react to users’ finger movement, thus breaking down the traditional four-way menu navigation and providing 360 degrees of freedom. The familiarity and free movement of the V960’s Optica l Joystick will result in quick and hassle-free menu navigation.

Users can point the cursor and click directly on icons on MyScreen, similar interface to that on a PC environment, and gain direct access to frequently used menus such as photo album, messaging, and music menu. Users can also use the Optical Joystick to easily scroll through the play list while listening to their music.

Through an illumination sensor, the Samsung V960 also includes a ’Smart Lighting’ feature that automatically controls the brightness of the LCD screen and keypad. By using the ’Smart Lighting’ feature, users are protected from eye strain and will minimize power consumption for increased efficiency. In addition, the V960 also supports a 2 megapixel camera, GPS and Bluetooth ® function.

Kitae Lee, P resident of Samsung’s Telecommunication and Network Business said, “As the importance of user-friendly interface increases, Samsung is researching and developing methods that enhances intuitive use of mobile phones. Samsung will continue to combine innovative idea and the latest technology that will benefit our end users"”
The V960 will be launched in the Korean market at the end of December.


SCH-V960 Phone Specification

Standard: CDMA 2000 1X EVDO
Camera: 2 Megapixel Camera
Display: 2.12” 240x320 262K Color TFT
Features: Optical Joystick, MP3 / VOD / MOD, Illumination sensor, Bluetooth® / USB, Document Viewer
Memory: microSD external memory
Size: 97 x 47.5 x 18.6 mm
Weight: 102g
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. 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.

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