Samsung showcases 8MP INNOV8 smartphone [U]

(Updated with launch info) Samsung on Wednesday night showcased its rumored i8510 smartphone. Offering an extremely high-resolution 8-megapixel camera, the new slim Samsung slider phone -- now called the INNOV8 -- features a 2.8-inch QVGA TFT display and also offers QVGA video resolution at up 120 frames per second (fps) or VGA quality recording at up to 30fps along with advance camera features such as find smile, face, and blink detection, image stabilization, and support for panoramic photos as well as a full editing suite on the device itself (including features for cutting video, dubbing audio, and adding subtitles).

According to Symbian-Guru, the Samsung INNOV8 is the first non-Nokia S60 smartphone to feature quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and dual-band WCDMA (900/2100MHz) that allows it to work in more areas. It also offers Wi-Fi access and a built-in GPS receiver along with an accelerometer to recognize tilt motions.

Samsung's smartphone offers a 1200mAh battery for extended usage in a relatively slim 17.2mm-thick (0.7in) form factor. In addition, the INNOV8 offers 16GB of built-in memory in addition to a microSDHC card slot that can as much as double storage. Other music features include a built-in FM radio, 3D surround sound, and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack as well as built-in Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support for wireless stereo headsets.

The company expects a European launch in August, but will launch the device elsewhere in September; the 850MHz band support makes a North American release likely.