Samsung Continuum Android Smartphone Offers Ticker Display, Real-Time News
by Nicholas Kolakowski
Samsung Continuum
Verizon’s version of the Samsung Galaxy S, the Continuum, runs Google Android 2.1 (which the company promises will be upgraded) and boasts two separate-but-integrated displays: a 3.4-inch touch-screen “main display” and a 1.8-inch “ticker display.”
Processor and Camera
The Samsung Continuum also features a 1GHz Hummingbird processor as well as a 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with auto-focus and LED flash. Camcorder playback is 720p.
Super AMOLED
Both the main display and ticker display (seen here) utilize Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, with a 50,000:1 contrast ratio and notable brightness even in sunlight.
Squeeze Me Gently
Squeezing the smartphone’s sides, near the bottom, wakes up the ticker display. By swiping a finger across the display, users can access real-time weather, news, entertainment and messaging updates.
Greater Detail
Tapping the right-hand side of the ticker display opens a larger screen, so the user can see a news item or message in greater detail.
Notifications
The “messaging” part of the ticker display (seen at the bottom of the screen) gives users a heads up on missed calls, waiting e-mails, etc.
News
The ticker display is customizable, allowing users to choose what sort of real-time information they receive. The Continuum comes with 10 preloaded RSS feeds.
Two Views
You can receive news and other updates on the ticker display while the main screen shows something entirely different.
Battery Life
During a Nov. 8 unveiling in New York City, Samsung executives suggested that the ticker display’s effect on the smartphone’s overall battery life would depend on individual use.
Hardware
The Continuum offers a preinstalled 8GB microSD card, expandable to 32GB, and the standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. The device also features a six-axis sensor that leverages the accelerometer, in turn providing more accurate “tilting” for games and apps.
Weather
The ticker display’s “Standby Mode” offers weather, date and time. Tapping the right-hand side of the display will offer a more in-depth view of the local conditions.
Capabilities
The Continuum comes preloaded with Bing Maps and Bing Search, supports Google Mobile Services such as Gmail and Android Market, and includes full HTML Web browsing.
Entertainment Feed
Samsung executives pushed the ticker display’s real-time entertainment news as a key selling point for consumers. But what does the display offer more business-minded users?
Pricing and Availability
Verizon Wireless plans to make the Continuum available for order starting Nov. 11, at a price point of $199.99 after mail-in debate. In-store availability begins Nov. 18.