By Kim Yoo-chul
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will bulk up their lineup for smartphones with new devices powered by Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system.
The South Korean technology giants are already promoting a variety of devices powered by the Google-backed Android mobile operating system, and are hoping that the Windows-based phones will give them further ammunition to challenge Apple's supremacy in consumer smartphones.
Samsung, which has enjoyed strong sells of its Android handset Galaxy S, looks to extend the momentum by releasing the latest versions of its Omnia Windows Mobile smartpones to leading carriers in Europe on Oct. 21.
Omnia 7, powered by Microsoft’s latest Windows 7 mobile operating system, will be available to wireless users in France, Britain, Spain, Germany, Singapore and Australia before reaching consumers in Korea and North America, according to Samsung spokesman Shin Young-june.
``We are not ready to comment on our detailed plans for Windows 7 phones beyond the Omnia 7,’’ said Shin, adding that the company plans to add a wealth of customized applications for Omnia 7 users.
The latest Samsung handsets features a 4-inch active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a five megapixel built-in camera, a 1,500 milliampere-hour battery and various mobile Internet functions that are designed to optimize social networking services.
LG, which has been rendered among the also-rans in the smartphone competitions, is desperate for the success of Optimus 7, its latest smartphone that will also be powered by Windows 7.
LG will release Optimus 7 and Optimus 7Q, a version of the phone that has a QWERTY keyboard, in major European and Asian markets on Oct. 21 and the United States on Nov. 21.
``The phones will be released in 30 countries,’’ said LG spokesman Yoo Won-il.
In the U.S., telecommunications giant AT&T, which also provides Apple’s iPhones there, will be releasing Optimus 7Q, while Telus will be selling the phones in Canada.
LG also inked a partnership to provide the device in Mexico through America Movil. Yoon said the company, which is desperate to differentiate from its better-performing rivals, could possibly decide to increase the portion of Microsoft-based phones in its smartphone lineup starting next year.
The Optimus 7 is powered by Qualcomm’s 1-gigahertz Snapdragon processor and features a 3.7-inch liquid crystal display (LCD), a five megapixel built-in camera and WVGA-level picture quality.
Analysts believe the performance of the new Samsung and LG phones will also be critical in Microsoft’s attempt to regain relevance in the competition for mobile operating systems that are currently dominated by Apple and Google.
``I doubt that Samsung and LG’s Windows 7 phones will provide a major boost for Samsung, as I don’t see the phones becoming something more than niche products,’’ said an industry insider, who refused to be named.
``We have a beautiful line up in this first wave of Windows Phone 7 handsets,’’ said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft, in a statement.
``Microsoft and its partners are delivering a different kind of mobile phone and experience _ one that makes everyday tasks faster by doing more in fewer steps and providing timely information in a `glance and go’ format.’’