Samsung adds to iPhone-killer race with M4650

Another competitor for the iPhone has been announced in the form of Samsung's M4650, which will likely preempt the arrival of Apple's device in South Korea by at least several months. Critically, like the iPhone, the M4650 has a multitouch interface, enabling more complex interactions than rivals such as the HTC Touch. The main menu for the 4650 is also very similar in aesthetics and layout to the iPhone's Home screen, complete with tiled program icons and a row of quick-launch buttons. In reality, this is a custom overlay for Windows Mobile 6.

The phone also differs in the use of a 2.8-inch touchscreen, smaller than the iPhone's 3.5, but enhanced with vibrational feedback. It is further equipped with dedicated call, option and D-pad buttons, and in supported regions, it can tune in DMB digital TV broadcasts. Bluetooth and a two-megapixel camera round out features. The 4650 will launch in the near future with carrier LG Telecom, for 500,000 won ($551). [via The Korea Times]