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4th August 2003

US : Sprint and Samsung announced the availability of the PCS Phone by Samsung SPH-A600, a camera phone transforming the industry with its patented rotating screen. The A600 also marks an industry milestone as the 20 millionth CDMA handset shipment between Samsung and Sprint.

A revolutionary new camera phone, the A600 brings simplicity and innovation to consumers through its one-of-a-kind form factor. The phone’s upper screen swivels 180 degrees at the phone’s midsection, giving consumers the option of turning the 65,000 color TFT main screen to face outward to serve as an external color display. With the screen in this position, users have the convenience of instantly identifying callers via picture caller ID or easily sharing VGA-quality pictures with friends. The A600’s screen also can be rotated back to its original position and flipped closed to protect the vivid screen when the phone is placed in a pocket or purse.

The A600 is available for $349.99 in Sprint Stores nationwide.

In tandem with the commercial availability of the A600, Samsung and Sprint celebrate the 20 millionth CDMA handset shipment between the two companies, a milestone that illustrates Samsung and Sprint’s unique partnership and commitment to pioneering wireless technologies that appeal to consumers.

“Sprint and Samsung continue to lead the industry with the most innovative devices, such as the A600,” said John Garcia, senior vice president of marketing, sales and distribution for the PCS Division of Sprint. “The success of the Sprint and Samsung devices is clearly reflected through consumers, who, after 20 million phones, continue to choose Samsung’s innovative designs and Sprint’s nationwide PCS network. The A600 embodies both of these elements with a revolutionary form that can be used for pictures nationwide.”

Over the coming months, the companies expect to leverage their expertise in screen technology and imaging to bring to market additional products that extend the evolution of wireless from color and pictures to video and advanced games via distinctive next-generation devices on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.

“Twenty million CDMA phones in six years to one carrier is an enormous accomplishment and proves the success of Samsung and Sprint’s dedication to developing superior, highly-intelligent devices,” said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president of Samsung’s wireless terminals division. “As the centerpiece of this accomplishment, the A600 emphasizes both companies’ commitment to giving consumers wireless products and services that are meaningful to the way they live their lives.”

Since 1997, the two companies jointly have been responsible for introducing industry firsts including the first handset with voice-activated dialing (SPH-2000 in 1997); the first handset for the PCSWireless Web (SCH-3500 in 1999); the first GPS-enabled wireless phone (SPH-N300 in 2001); and the first fully-integrated Palm-Powered™ phone with a color screen (SPH-I300 in 2001).

With the A600’s 4X zoom, built-in flash, self timer and adjustable resolution settings, users have control of their imaging experience. Prior to taking an image, users can choose between three resolution settings ranging from low resolution up to VGA-quality images. This gives users greater control over the A600’s available memory and its ability to store up to 128 low-resolution images, versus VGA quality images that require more memory. The A600 also gives users creative control with its adjustable color tone feature and preloaded fun frames. Users can capture their favorite nature scene in full color, black and white or even sepia tones. Images can be framed with unique designs to send to family and friends.

Combined with Picture Mail through PCS VisionSM from Sprint, the A600 is a complete imaging system and a wireless communication device in one.