Samsung i900 Omnia smartphone launches

Bringing touchscreen to business users

9 June 2008 4:00 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Samsung has launched a new touchscreen device that promises to be "everything to everyone" on the same day Apple are rumoured to be launching a 3G iPhone.

The new handset called the i900 or Omnia to give it its "funky" name, promises to offer business users full touchscreen functionality with a business rather than consumer focus.

In the rumour mill pipeline for some time, Samsung has finally made it official, giving the i900 a proper UK launch on Monday.

The new handset will sport a 3.2-inch screen, come with HSDPA and Wi-Fi connectivity, a 5-megapixel camera, accelerometer and come with two memory options 8 or 16GB. It will also feature the usual array of extras including radio and Bluetooth, and as standard with Samsung touchscreen devices offer Haptic support for when you touch the screen.

Running Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, Samsung has left the OS unfettered on its new "Flagship" model suggesting this is one for the Windows fans only.

Design-wise the handset, as rumoured, will focus on the touchscreen option with just three buttons at the bottom of the screen. Getting around the need for a stylus with any small on-screen buttons, the d-pad also doubles as a trackpad to control an on-screen mouse pointer.

Software is very Microsoft, although following HTC, Samsung has also decided to include Opera Mobile for a better web experience. Although users will still be able to use Microsoft's Internet Explorer, it won't be the default.

The handset is due for launch in August, and Samsung tell us that it will be available from all network operators as well as being SIM free for those keen to use it as a data device.