Samsung Stratosphere: First 4G LTE Smartphone with QWERTY Keyboard for Verizon

Just like the headline up there say, Verizon is getting its first 4G phone with a QWERTY keyboard. Not sure why it’s so amazingly important but it appears they’re excited about it anyway. I for one used to be a person who only used phones with keyboards, but since screens have gotten bigger it doesn’t matter much to me anymore. The Stratosphere from Samsung will hit Verizon on the 13th of October for $149.99 after $50 mail in rebate and of course new 2yr agreement.

Key features:

• 4G LTE– customers can expect fast download speeds of  5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G Mobile Broadband coverage area

· 5-row QWERTY keyboard

· Samsung Super AMOLED Screen Technology – Brilliant screen makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life, even in bright light and outdoor environments

• Android 2.3, Gingerbread– support for Google Mobile Services including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Search, Google Maps and access to more than 250,000 apps available to download from Android Market

· Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor

• Front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video chat and 5 megapixel rear-facing camera with auto focus and flash (720p HD playback/480p DVD-quality recording; playback on Stratosphere screen in HD-like quality)
• Mobile Hotspot Capability – share 4G connection with up to 8 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to 5 devices
• AllShare – Enables wireless connectivity through Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA),so customers can send multimedia content to other DLNA Certified-enabled devices such as TVs and laptops

· Samsung Media Hub – Samsung’s own content service, offering a vast lineup of critically acclaimed films and TV programs for rent or purchase

· Bluetooth 3.0 Technology – Support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, and object push for vCard and vCalendar

· Multiple video file formats supported, including DivX and XviD support

· Wi-Fi Connectivity (802.11 a/b/g/n)

Business features:

Samsung’s enterprise mobility solutions will provide flexibility and connectivity for mobile workforces, ensuring that users are able to operate more efficiently on–the-move.

· Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) – Communicate directly with your Microsoft Exchange Server enabling push email, calendar, and contacts

· Support for Cisco AnyConnect 2.1 SSL VPN – Supports access to private corporate networks using industry-standard VPN protocols with enhanced security of 4G LTE networks helps users tap into VPN networks with no waiting

· Encryption Services – Users and IT administrators can initiate a remote wipe command to erase private information

· Support for Sybase Afaria – Mobile device management (MDM) capabilities that allows an integrated experience for the end user in the event it is required by their IT department or corporate policy

Pricing and data packages:

• The Samsung Stratosphere will be available on Oct. 13 in Verizon Wireless Communication Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com