By Claire Reilly
Samsung launched the Galaxy Nexus smartphone today, the first device in the world that uses the new Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, and one that also offers consumers a raft of tech-spec features.
Launched in association with Google, the Galaxy Nexus has a 1.2 GHz dual core processor under the hood, which offers more speed for the user, as well as the unique selling points of Face Unlock and Android Beam (Android’s name for its Near Field Communications connectivity).
Spruiking the new device was Samsung Electronics Australia vice president of telecommunications, Tyler McGee.
“We are pleased to have collaborated closely with Google to deliver Australia’s first smartphone to run on the highly anticipated Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich,” said McGee. “The Galaxy Nexus provides consumers with a host of new, world class features while adding a new look and feel to Australia’s number one smartphone operating system.”
Google is similarly pleased with the partnership with Samsung, with Google’s senior vice president of mobile, Andy Rubin, saying that “Galaxy Nexus showcases the power behind Ice Cream Sandwich.
“Ice Cream Sandwich demonstrates the Android platform’s continued innovation with one release that works on phones and tablets and everything in between,” said Rubin. “Features like Android Beam and Face Unlock show the innovative work our team is doing.”
Click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter
Follow Current.com.au on Twitter
The appropriately named Nexus smartphone joins Samsung’s advanced hardware with the Google’s best OS to date. Compared to previous operating systems, ICS has “a redesigned user interface with improved multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC support and a full web browsing experience,” according to Samsung.
The 4.65-inch display features an HD resolution Super AMOLED screen, and the display can be unlocked without a pin, thanks to the face-recognition software of Face Unlock. Other new features include the Android Beam NFC capability which allows users to tap phones together to share contacts, web pages, apps and YouTube videos, as well as a People App that allows you to browse contacts to see their photo and social networking updates.
The 5-megapixel camera shoots with “zero shutter lag” according to McGee, and offers HD video shooting and panorama photography.
The device is available today from Telstra stores (the flagship Telstra store on Sydney’s George Street was heavily promoting the device, offering free ice creams to passersby), while Optus and Vodafone have begun pre-orders, with those retailers set to begin selling this week, according to McGee.
The device is also available for $799 outright.
Samsung's Galaxy Nexus smartphone.
The Telstra store on Sydney's George Street was in full Galaxy Nexus mode today.