Samsung’s Galaxy S is now DivX Certified for HD, making it the first Android mobile phone to support the feature. The Samsung Wave was also Divx HD Certified, but the Galaxy S’s use of the Android OS marks a precedent for both Samsung and Google.
The Galaxy S, which is now available in the U.S., Europe and Asia, is one of the most successful Android devices to be released this year. It’s 4-inch display, 1GHz processor and other high-end features make it a true contender to the iPhone. This phone is built for entertainment, and gives Android users another way to have a rich-media experience on their mobile phones.
Benefits for Google
As one of the partners for the impending Google TV, Samsung has been quick to manufacture products and services that integrate with the Android platform. The Galaxy S’s support of DivX furthers this initiative, allowing both companies to become central to mobile entertainment in the coming year.
Beefing up the entertainment offerings of Android is an important move for Google, as it seeks to monetize the platform through ads, and battle in an arena Apple has ruled since the iPod first came on the scene.
Future forward for Samsung and others
Ensuring Samsung’s place amongst the gods of mobile manufacturers, its upcoming Epic 4G (full review here) is expected to be a media mega-hit. The second WiMax-capable device to run on Sprint’s network, the Epic 4G will also feature the Samsung Media Hub. It is Samsung’s own platform for renting TV shows and movies. An extension of Samsung’s app market, the Hub, acts as another portal for entertainment and advertisements.
Motorola is on a similar track. The competing mobile device manufacturer acquired 280 North, a programming company specializing in web apps. The buy will boost Motorola’s Android devices, insinuating a forward-looking focus on the mobile browsing experience.
But don’t think the original king of Android phones is getting pushed aside. HTC is hedging bets with devices for Windows Mobile. As rumors of a sleek, new HTC Windows 7 phone begin to leak, the market of media-rich smart phones gets a little more crowded.
