Sprint today introduced a new $50 phone from Samsung with a customizable home screen, a new interface designed to bring higher-end features to lower-cost phones.
Sprint opened CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment by introducing new technology and a new interface it calls "One Click." The interface allows users of inexpensive phones to do some of the customization previously available only on high-dollar smartphones.
The Rant from Samsung is one of three new phones introduced by Sprint today featuring the interface. Closely resembling the text messaging-centric LG Rumor, the Rant "has a certain something that gives it a bit more style," says Kent German of CNET.
Other new phones with One Click include the Samsung Highnote ($100) and LG Lotus ($150).
The Highnote is a dual slider -- slide it up for the keypad, slide it down to expose twin speakers. It also got good marks from German at CNET.
The Lotus is a square phone with a QWERTY keyboard also designed for messaging. "Its square and chubby shape first gave us pause, but once I saw it in person, I was surprised by how chic it looked," says Nicole Lee of CNET.
All three phones are expected to be available in October.
One Click itself is getting good reviews as well.
The interface allows users of the three phones -- Sprint said more will be added later -- to customize the home screen to display their favorite applications.
An eight-tile display allows users to choose from 14 applications for the home screen. The apps range from text messaging to Google.
"I like it quite a bit," says Lee.
The technology, of course, has led to some smartguy comments from Chris Ziegler of Engadget Mobile. Ziegler labeled the phones Sprint's fall dumbphone lineup."
Sad because I lost this phone. Now i feel secured because of my Security Systems. I hate thieves!