AT&T and Samsung have announced a new phone that they’re promoting to fans of the Olympics (the regular Olympics, not the Delicious Pudding Olympics), the SGH-e316, a sort-of egg-shaped clamshell (or clam-shaped, one might say) with a VGA-quality camera and external color screen. I think it’s fairly safe to presume that since they are promoting the phone as being mMode-capable, there’s really nothing particularly special about this one.
The e316 will be available August 11th for around $200 after rebates, subsidies, and contracts.
Full press release after the jump.
Update: Reader David Brenner notes that on Amazon, the pre-order deal lets you get this phone for zero dollars, after rebates.
SAMSUNG AND AT&T WIRELESS CONNECT CONSUMERS TO ATHENS 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES WITH STYLISH NEW PHONE
e316 Keeps Fans Informed and In Touch During the 2004 Olympic Games
(DALLAS and Redmond, WA, August 9, 2004)
On August 11, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung), a TOP V Worldwide Olympic Partner, and AT&T Wireless, a U.S. Olympic Team Sponsor, introduce consumers to a new, pocket-sized phone that allows them to receive up-to-the-minute news from the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games.
The Samsung SGH-e316
s vibrant color screens, enhanced messaging services and fashionable folder design make it the ideal wireless accessory for remembering the winning moments at sports events or just out on the town with friends. The phone
s easy-to-use camera function allows people to quickly send images and immediately share life
s best experiences with friends and family.
Olympic Games fans on the go can stay up-to-date with the latest news from Athens using direct mMode
access on the e316, which will offer in-depth coverage of the 2004 Olympic Games. With constant connectivity, users will have a full interactive experience this summer with the ability to check game schedules and scores, download the latest Olympic-themed ringtones and instant message friends with updates.
-more-
Samsung and AT&T Wireless Launch e316 Phone
Page Two
As the official wireless communications equipment partner to the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games, Samsung is dedicated to bringing the Olympic Games experience to consumers via our award-winning products,
said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president of Samsung
s wireless terminals division.
Fans across the nation can use the e316 to connect to the spirit of the Games, sharing historical moments with friends and family.
AT&T Wireless is bringing all the action of Athens right into the palm of our customers
hands,
said John Burbank, vice president of marketing for AT&T Wireless.
The Samsung e316 will be available nationwide August 11, 2004 for $199 (after a $70 instant activation credit, $50 mail-in rebate and 2-year contract). The phone will be available at select AT&T Wireless retail outlets, authorized dealers and online at www.attwireless.com.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., researches, markets and develops wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, see STA’s website at www.samsungusa.com/wireless.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in telecommunication technology. Samsung Electronics employs approximately 88,000 people in 89 operations in 46 countries. The company is the world’s largest producer of CDMA mobile phones. Since 1997 Samsung has been the Olympic Partner in the wireless communications equipment category. For more information, please visit the web site, http://www.samsung.com.
About AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) is the second-largest wireless carrier, based on revenues, in the United States. With 21.737 million subscribers as of June 30, 2004, and revenues of more than $16.8 billion over the past four quarters, AT&T Wireless delivers advanced high-quality mobile wireless communications services, voice and data, to businesses and consumers, in the U.S. and internationally.
