Samsung targets 25 per cent of Middle East's mobile phone market by end 2005

A recent projection, based on the company's quarterly performances, puts Samsung on track to achieve 25 per cent of the region's mobile phone market by the end of 2005. As part of its ambitious growth plans, Samsung today unveiled its new multimedia mobile phone: the SGH-D600.

Designed to deliver the ultimate in rich media experience to consumers, the high-end, multi-purpose D600 mobile phone, offers an array of first-of-a-kind functions, including TV output support, 2-megapixel camera, dual speaker for 3D sound, MP3 player and Picsel Viewer, all packaged in a compact and slider design form, which Samsung is well known for.

Elaborating on Samsung's vision, Mr. J. H. Park, President, Samsung Gulf Electronics (SGE) said, "

"Middle East is one of the chief growth markets for Samsung. In terms of mobile phone sales, Samsung enjoys number one position in Iran and number two position across GCC countries, including UAE and Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. We are committed to trailblazing the high-end mobile phone segment with innovative multimedia devices that enhances today's mobile lifestyle with greater efficiency and convenience. As part of our regional business strategy, we will add 20 new feature rich mobile phones by the end of the first quarter of 2006."

Embedded with Picsel Viewer software, the D600 supports a variety of file types - MS Word, PowerPoint, Text, PDF, Excel and HTML, giving users access to business-critical information in a seamless and graphically rich environment. Furthermore, with a TV output support, the D600 can even display Picsel Viewer files on to a screen via a beam projector or playback MPEG4 videos directly on television sets.

Mr. Steve Han, Senior Manager, Telecommunications, SGE said: "As a visionary technology company, Samsung leads the industry by evolving mobile phones into multifunctional devices that deliver multi-services and entertainment. By incorporating diverse technologies in the D600 phone - from advanced functions for the upwardly mobile consumers to business-productivity features for the professional users - Samsung has transformed the D600 mobile phone into an intelligent handset, providing consumers a richer communications experience."

Measuring in at 96 x 47 x 22 mm, the D600 features a QVGA display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and 262K colours. The phone is equipped with an audio player supporting MP3, AAC and AAC+ formats, as well as dual stereo speakers with virtual surround sound technology. It also offers the option of external memory expansion via TransFlash memory cards, and includes additional features such as voice recognition, along with an e-mail client, support for MMS, Java and WAP 2.0, as well as Bluetooth and PictBridge printing solution.

"In the Middle East region, Samsung has continued to exceed consumer expectations, delivering phones that offer an unmatched communications experience. By leading design innovation and integrating advanced technology, the D600 aspires to make multi-tasking part of a user's mobile communications," Mr. Sandeep Saihgal, Sales and Marketing Manager, SGE concluded.