An in-depth look at the upcoming Samsung i8700

01 October 2010 - 10:56:00

Andrew Hutchinson

An in-depth look at the upcoming Samsung i8700, which will run the brand new Windows Phone 7 platform, has been provided in a revealing video posted online

Various leaks surrounding the first glut of smartphones based on Microsoft's mobile operating system have been made in the past week, with the likes of the HTC Mozart and LG E900 joining the Samsung i8700 out in the open. Either this is a coincidence or it is a choreographed marketing ploy to drum up consumer interest in what could be a make or break moment for Microsoft in the mobile market.

Some are suggesting that the Samsung i8700 will arrive as the Omnia 7, reviving this brand from relative obscurity, although until official announcements are made, there is only rumour, speculation and now this video from MobilityDigest, on which to base news.

The video shows that the i8700 will indeed be a handsome beast with a large touchscreen display and a sharp, rectangular design that does away with the soft corners of recent Samsung smartphones like the Android-based Galaxy S

Windows Phone 7 seems to have a fairly minimalist look, with widgets and a homescreen system divided into regimented square grids and kinetic-scrolling menus, that can easily be manipulated with a single finger or thumb.

The interface seems to fly along, presumably thanks to a powerful processor housed within it. Samsung has really found its feet with a range of recent mobile releases after initially failing to keep up with relative newcomers Apple and HTC and the i8700 Omnia 7 looks to be yet another reason to consider this South Korean manufacturer when looking for a new mobile.

The only thing standing between the i8700 and world domination is the success and uptake of Windows Phone 7 itself, which means it is oddly linked to the performance of smartphones from rival manufacturers. It will definitely be one to watch.