T-Mobile ships Katalyst slider with Wi-Fi calling
updated 08:40 am EST, Mon December 10, 2007
Samsung Katalyst at T-Mo
T-Mobile today expanded the audience for its HotSpot@Home Wi-Fi calling service through the release of Samsung's Katalyst. Also called the t739, the Korean slider builds in Wi-Fi to make calls on an owner's home connection or some public access points (including T-Mobile's) without consuming valuable calling plan minutes. With Unlicensed Mobile Access, the Katalyst can bridge a call between the cell network and Wi-Fi if the user wanders out of the range of either connection. The phone's browsing and instant messaging are also helped by the transition, says T-Mobile.
Serving as a relatively low-cost option, the device brings a 1.3-megapixel camera, microSD storage for music, and Bluetooth with stereo wireless audio support for headphones. It comes with the option of access to T-Mobile's EDGE cellular Internet access and the carrier's MyFaves service, and should be available both online and in stores today for $80 with a two-year service plan.
