On Sunday, T-Mobile continued its commitment to the Open Handset Alliance and introduced its fourth Google Android device, the Samsung Behold II.

The Behold II is scheduled to launch later this year, though a specific release date and pricing were not announced at this time. It’s the first Android smartphone by Samsung to be released in the United States and joins the carrier’s other Google devices, which include T-Mobile G1, the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, and the upcoming Motorola Cliq.

Just like HTC and Motorola, Samsung has put its own spin on the Android operating system by using its next-generation TouchWiz interface, which allows you customized three different home screens with various widgets and shortcuts. In addition, the Behold II features a “cube menu” that provides access to six multimedia features: music, photos, videos, the Web, YouTube, and Amazon MP3. You can interact with all of these features through the smartphone’s 3.2-inch AMOLED touch screen.

Other highlights of the Samsung Behold II include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, a 5-megapixel camera, and up 16GB expandable memory via the microSD slot. Samsung stated that the smartphone follows on the success of its Samsung Behold and takes it to the next level with the addition of Android, bringing support for Google services and Exchange ActiveSync.

While a specific availability date wasn’t released, T-Mobile said the Behold II will arrive in time for the holidays. The carrier’s other upcoming Android smartphone, the Motorola Cliq, will be in stores starting November 2 for $199.99 with a two-year contract.

by Bonnie Cha

[via cnet]

Startup phone manufacturer GeeksPhone has announced new specifications for its Android-powered ONE smartphone, AndroidGuys reports. The ONE smartphone will feature a glossy finish, sliding full-QWERTY keyboard, 3G data connectivity, and more.

The device has support for GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) frequencies along with support for 2100MHz HSPA high-speed connectivity and WiFi for local connections. A Qualcomm MSM7225 528MHz processor is backed with 256MB mDDR RAM and 256MB NAND ROM to keep the device running smoothly.

The ONE boasts a 3.2-inch WQVGA resistive touchscreen display which should vividly display photos taken with its 3.1 megapixel autofocus camera. The handset also features a front-facing 0.3 megapixel fixed focus camera for video conference calls. GPS is built-in for navigation features, a microSD card slot offers expanded storage, and a 3.5mm audio jack will let users listen to their music and media with standard headphones.

GeeksPhone estimates that the ONE will be available in Western Europe by the end of the year and that it will cost 260 EUR (US$375). The photos of the device above are of a previous prototype of the ONE smartphone, since new pictures were not yet available.

by Brian James Kirk

[via mobile burn]

HTC has been making big waves in the mobile phone world with the announcement and launch of some high profile Android phones over the last few weeks. HTC isn’t alone in rushing Android devices out to the masses; HTC and Motorola are as well.

Samsung has announced that its Android-powered i7500 smartphone has been official launched in the Taiwan market. HTC is reportedly sending press invites for an event in Taiwan where it will launch its next Android smartphone for Taiwan, the Hero.

The Hero is already on the market here in America. HTC will reportedly be offering the Hero in Taiwan through Chunghwa Telecom. The i7500, in case you missed it before, has a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 5MP camera, and 8GB of storage.

[via Computer World]