Submitted by: kirkland on Monday November 13th, 2006 at 03:16 PM EST

Cingular Wireless, Samsung, and Microsoft on Monday unveiled their BlackJack smartphone, continuing the trend of affordable, ultra-thin mobile devices that appeal to both businesses and consumers.

The BlackJack is packed with the latest features. It's powered by Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, which comes with "direct push" technology for receiving wireless e-mail (similar to the BlackBerry). The smartphone's built-in Microsoft Explorer Mobile lets users browse the Internet similar to how they would on a desktop. The Internet can be accessed at relatively fast speeds, since the BlackJack works with Cingular's third-generation and EDGE cellular data networks.

In addition to having the ability to access business applications, the BlackJack has a consumer appeal, said Kent Mathy, president of Cingular's Business Markets Group, during a Web conference on Monday. It comes with a MobiTV service that offers programming from popular television channels and content providers, including CNN, ESPN, Fox Sports, MSNBC, and others. The smartphone also comes with location and mapping services, XM radio, and Cingular's video and music programs.

» Full story @ Information Week