ASIA : Pantech Group - South Korea’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer - has announced the launch of its IM-U110 handset, which is designed to be the “ultimate mobile jukebox” experience for phone users. The new IM-U110 model has a built-in flash memory chip, allowing for 1 gigabyte of storage space, the largest flash memory capacity of any handset in the world.

Customized for the playing of music with its advanced MP3 player functionality, the IM-U110’s extensive memory facility means that users can save over 200 MP3 songs, or 1,024 high resolution pictures using the handset’s 2 mega-pixel camera. The storage capacity is also useful for gamers as it provides sufficient space for over 1,800 games.

M. S. Yoon, Executive Vice President, Domestic Marketing, Pantech Co., Ltd., said: “We have found that increasing numbers of customers - in Korea and elsewhere - want significant storage capacity for their favorite songs on their handsets. We have designed the IM-U110 to be the ultimate mobile jukebox in response to this trend in customer demand, while also including other essential functions for personal entertainment, like the 2 mega-pixel camera phone”.

The IM-U110 flash memory handset is distinguished by its compact size and durability towards exterior impact, while generating less heat and vibration. The handset utilizes NAND type flash memory, which provides better storage performance than the other type of memory technology, NOR.

The new handset is equipped with a touch sensor pad on the top of the upper folder. Using the touch sensor pad, users can select, stop or pause songs at the touch of a finger tip. The IM-U110 also features MP3 full multitasking technology so that users can enjoy games, send text messages, and connect to the Internet, while listening to music.

In addition, the IM-U110’s flexible folder adjustment function adds a convenience element, letting the users bend the folder to the angle at which they want to enjoy the visuals on the handset screen. The embedded high definition music game, ‘DJ Max’, gives consumers a further reason to enjoy using the handset.

Elsewhere, the high quality speaker and visual sound features provide far more lifelike audio effects. The IM-U110’s 2 mega-pixel camera includes auto focus and PictBridge functionality, so that pictures can be printed without being connected into a computer.

The new model also carries the new user interface of Pantech, which significantly enhances the graphic and design elements of the handset. The IM-U110 will be marketed in Korea under Pantech’s SKY brand this week.

IM-U110 Features:

l MP3 Player with 1GB Flash Memory Chip

l MSM6500 chipset

l CDMA 1x EV-DO

l 2.0 inch QVGA LCD

l 64 polyphonic melody & Touch Sensor Pad

l Flexible Folder Adjustment Feature

l MP3 Full Multitasking Functionality

l 2 mega-pixel Camera with Auto Focus & PictBridge Functionality

l AAC / AAC+ / MP3 / MPEG4 / H.264

l Loud Stereo Speaker

l MOD(Music-On-Demand) / VOD(Video-On-Demand)

l Nano silver coating

Pricing & availability:

The IM-U110 handset will retail at approximately USD650 and will be launched in Korea.