Thursday, May 8,2008 @ 8:15am
Verizon takes new shot at iPhone with Glyde
Verizon this morning unveiled its anticipated release of the Samsung Glyde. The carrier's CDMA adaptation of the European, GSM-based F700 scales the camera down to 2 megapixels (with autofocus and flash) but otherwise aims at providing an iPhone-like experience while also mending some perceived gaps from its US rival; like the LG Voyager, the Glyde includes 3G Internet over EVDO, a full HTML browser and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Samsung, however, drops the digital over-the-air TV tuner in favor of built-in GPS navigation.
The US carrier also touts a more customized media playback experience with both Samsung's own dedicated media player software and a customized interface for Verizon's in-house services, including the V CAST Music store. Storage is handled primarily through a microSD card slot.
Unlike recent Verizon launches, the company promises a very quick launch and plans for the Glyde to reach stores by Friday. Pricing is $250 after factoring in a two-year service plan and a mail-in rebate.
