When Samsung launches the I7500 smartphone in June, it will be the first major cell phone maker besides HTC to use Google's Android operating system.
The smartphone features a 3.2-inch touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, 8 GB of internal memory and support for HSPA and Wi-Fi. All the usual perks of the Android operating system apply, such as a Web browser, Gmail, YouTube access, a calendar and the Android Market.
So far, Samsung has only announced the I7500 for European markets, but hasn't specified a price or list of countries. We've at least heard that O2 will support the phone in Germany. CNet also suggests that support in America could come from T-Mobile, but that's unconfirmed at this point.
In the North American market, Samsung is also pushing the Impression, a smartphone with an AMOLED display and QWERTY keyboard running on a proprietary operating system. The company's Tocco Ultra, marketed in Europe as a capable movie player, also uses a first-party OS.
If I had to guess wildly, I'd say Samsung wants to move towards established third-party operating systems so it doesn't miss out on the app craze. The recent sale of Apple's billionth App Store program proves how valued a service an app store can be for smartphone owners. The Android Market is the next best thing outside of prioprietary storefronts from Apple and RIM's Blackberry. I wouldn't be surprised if Samsung markets Apps as a selling point when the I7500 becomes available.
