AT&T woos US customers with new smartphones

DALLAS, USA: AT&T, the second largest provider of mobile phone services in the US, today announced a new lineup of smartphones and quick messaging phones aimed at making the text messaging easier.

AT&T announced the phones ahead of the official start of CTIA, the annual U.S. wireless technology showcase that takes place in Las Vegas from April 1-3.

The new six-strong handset range will include Nokia E71x, three phones from Samsung Electronics - Samsung Propel Pro, Samsung Impression, and Samsung Magnet - and two from LG Electronics - LG Xenon and Neon, it said in a press release.

"Smartphones and quick messaging phones are no longer for early-adopters and text-happy teens," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.

"The ability to text often, or check your email from a phone is easy and more customers demand these features. These phones are a great addition to our best-in-class lineup and we can't wait to get them in our customers' hands in the coming weeks," he added.

Nokia E71x, which is just 10 millimeters thick and priced at $99.99, will be the thinnest smartphone on the market, said AT&T.

The Nokia smartphone is based on S60 on Symbian OS and offers the Wi-Fi and the flexibility of many Symbian-based applications, in addition to AT&T's popular services, including AT&T Navigator, the release said.

The Samsung Propel Pro, which runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1, has a Wi-Fi connection as well as a miniature computer keyboard.

The Samsung Impression, priced at $199.99, has a 3.0 megapixel camcorder-capable camera and an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode screen.

AT&T said the Samsung Magnet will appeal to teens who need a low-cost, quick messaging phone. The LG Xenon, a $99.99 device, includes a 2 megapixel camera, a music player and comes in a choice of black, blue and red. On the other hand, the LG Neon, which also has a 2 megapixel camera and a touch sensitive screen,would be a low-cost device.

All six devices can be paired with messaging bundles offering 200, 1500, and unlimited messages that cost $5, $15 and $20, respectively, the release said.