Mysterious LIMO-powered Samsung handset poses for BGR ahead of Vodafone announcement
Vodafone subscribers, Samsung fans and mobile enthusiasts in general — we hope you’re sitting down. Behold: Exclusive live shots of a previously unheard of Samsung handset supposedly due to be announced soon by Vodafone. Details for the time being are a bit limited — we don’t even have a name for you yet (UPDATE: as a commenter points out below, this may be the Samsung Riedel l8305 that recently received Wi-Fi certification) — but our ninja managed to score some extremely solid images and a handful of specs that are definitely noteworthy. First things first: We’re apparently looking at a Samsung-built Vodafone exclusive here that is powered by Voda’s own LIMO-based OS (Linux mobile). Beyond the brushed steel case sits a nice big OLED touchscreen display complete with haptic feedback. We’re also told the handset will sport an 8 megapixel camera and it will launch alongside the upcoming “Vodafone People” service. Details in that department are scarce as well but rumor has it the service involves Voda’s acquisition of Zyb last year; active contacts, location information, status updates, various integration with other social networks like Twitter and Facebook, etc. You can get a pretty good idea of what’s in store from the images below but basically, it’s what Google should have done on Android with Jaiku. Last but not least, we’re not sure exactly when Vodafone plans to make this guy official, though we’re hearing rumors of a special event that may be held in London on September 24th. Hit the jump for more shots and if you live in Vodafone land, get ready for what really could be a game-changing handset/service combo.
Looks awesome! First! Always wanted to type that =)
This is the Samsung Riedel that leaked on the WiFi website a few weeks ago.
*For
If it was posing for BGR, why’d you have to black (or white) out all the source’s photo watermarks??
Man…that looks friggin awesome!
I’ll ditch my x1 immediately for this.
I hope LIMO works well
On the first pic, at first it looked like there was a stylus…
Wasn’t Verizon also involved in LiMo?
Meh, just a Phone running under Linux, and Vodafone branded to boot. Why, Samsung, why?
Looks great but what can Limo do that other OSs can’t?
I’ve just tried ubuntu and its great as long as I have internet connection to download packages and a 3d video card to enable desktop effects.
The watermark seems to be on phone, not source photo… see all photos- the mark moves with the phone, its not in same place each time…
@Eps the cooperation between Vodafone and Verizon is an interesting part in that…
WOW! this looks awesome…All my contacts and me in the center..that`s actually exactly how it needs to be. Does that mean my contacts are floating in a 3D space? Love the visuals…that’s so nice and simple…finally.
Interesting to see what must be a flagship handset is based on one of the lesser operating systems. Given the freedom of Android Im surprised that Vodafone have gone this way. Looks a tasty handset though
I am sorry … what exactly looks awesome? this board looks like a bunch of planst ….
Nokia decides to take on Maemo and Samsung chooses LiMo…
Um, the app links don’t fit on the screen
how much is this device for?
Looks like a i8320.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the Azingo http://www.azingo.com/index.shtml LiMo implementation.
They announced a deal with Vodafone in Feb http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSL374814320090205
If so the Azingo website gives a lot more info about the UI for the new device which sounds quite impressive!
whats that!!!
cant imagine anything like that coming…..I think its a revolution!
All operators sucks…Vodafone go for the goal!!!
It looks like its official now
http://www.limofoundation.org/en/Press-Releases/latest-limo-platform-release-heralded-by-iconic-handset-from-samsung-and-vodafone.html
The spec seems pretty comprehensive now the wait for some independant hands on opinions.