Hours before last weeks Windows Phone 7 press event, the Samsung Omnia 7 broke cover. Now, in a similar trail-blazing fashion, the Omnia 7 has become the first Windows Phone 7 handset available for pre-order in the UK. T-Mobile UK has prominently displayed the the Omnia 7 on its landing page, allowing UK subscribers to pre-order the 4-inch feature-packed smartphone. Cheaper contracts will require you to fork out up to £300 for the WP7 device. If, however, you opt for a 2-year contract at a reasonable £35 a month, you get 900 minutes, 500 texts, and unlimited internet (1GB fair usage policy)… you get the phone for an irresistible £0. The Samsung Omnia 7 boasts an impressive spec sheet and early adopters can expect delivery within the next 10 days. Let us know if you take the plunge, capiche?

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Microsoft is set to officially debut Windows Phone 7 today at 9:30AM ET in New York City, but that hasen’t stopped Samsung Russia from publishing info about the company’s Omnia 7 WP7 handset a few hours early. The device has a 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display, 800 x 480 resolution, 1 GHz Qualcomm QSD8250 processor, Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth, aGPS, 5 megapixel camera capable of 720p video at 25fps, tri-band HSDPA/HSUPA radio, quad-band GSM radio, 8GB internal memory, and a built-in FM radio. Pretty snazzy looking spec sheet. The device will weigh a very reasonable 138 grams (10 grams heavier than the Captivate) and should be released fairly soon. We’ve got a screen grab of the specs after the break in case our friends in Eastern Europe realize that the phone’s operating system hasn’t actually launched yet. Enjoy!

[Via SlashGear]

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Samsung doesn’t have much in the way of sneak peeks at CES, but we did manage to catch a glimpse of two international handsets. First is the Omnia Pro or Samsung B7610. The Omnia Pro doesn’t look too much like its cousin, the Omnia II, and it features a slide out QWERTY keyboard. It’s also a Windows 6.5 device that has a front-facing camera for video chat. Unfortunately, the only carrier in the U.S. that supports video chat of any kind is AT&T and it’s only one-way video chatting. We’re also looking at a 5 megapixel camera, 800MHz processor, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, push email support and a 3.5″ AMOLED WVGA display. Click on through for the Jet and for the rest of the flicks in our gallery.

Click on over to our Samsung Omnia Pro and Jet gallery!

The other touch screen phone from Samsung is the Samsung Jet. It’s smaller than the Omnia Pro and it bears a striking resemblance to the Omnia 2, yet the OS is different. Featuring a blazing fast 800MHz processor, Wi-Fi, one-finger zoom, DivX and XviD support, it’s also packed with a 5 megapixel camera, face and blink detection, MS Exchange ActiveSync, 3.1″ AMOLED display and a 3D user interface. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a pretty swanky phone, but honestly, it doesn’t really get us excited. If you’re looking to swipe one of these international devices, our pick would be the the Omnia Pro.

It took an awfully long time for it to come to market, but today Verizon Wireless has begun selling the Samsung Omnia II in time for the busy Christmas shopping season. Verizon’s second Windows Mobile 6.5 device after the HTC Imagio, the Omnia II sports a 5 megapixel camera, 8GB of internal memory expandable via microSD plus standard smartphone features like Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth and EV-DO Rev. A. connectivity. Of course the Omnia II lacks the Imagio’s global roaming functionality, but honestly, after taking a look at that 3.7″ WVGA AMOLED display, it’s pretty hard to think about anything else. That is unless you can’t afford the $199.99 2-year contract price.

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All of you Verizon Windows Mobile fanatics who are suffering from Android envy can cheer up. Verizon Wireless has just announced that it will be releasing the Samsung Omnia II, on December 2nd for $200 on contract (after $100 mail-in-rebate). Let’s review some of the specs, shall we? The Omnia Deuce II has a snazzy 3.7″ WVGA AMOLED touch-screen and will be running Windows 6.5; add to that Wi-Fi, EV-DO Rev. A, a 5.0 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, Xvid and Divx video support, microSD card slot, and Samsung’s TouchWiz UI — a pretty nice package. How about it? Is this the handset you’ll be hoping to get for Chrismakwanzakah?

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We don’t think we need to go over what an insanely huge day today is for Canada, but in case anyone is feeling particularly thick, we’re going to spell it out plan and simple — Rogers is no longer the only HSPA game in Canada. Bell’s 21Mbps HSPA network has at long last gone live. As with any network launch, a few awesome handsets, data cards and a few Canadian-style rip-off plans have come along for the ride. So hit the jump and check out what’s new.

Smartphones

• Apple iPhone 3G – $99.95 / 599.95 (3-year contract / no strings attached)
• Apple iPhone 3GS (16GB) – $199.95 / $699.95
• Apple iPhone 3GS (32GB) – $299.95 / $799.95
• BlackBerry Bold 9700 – $229.95 / $599.95
• BlackBerry Bold 9000 – $249.95 / $599.95
• Samsung Omnia II – $199.95 / $549.95

Non-Smartphones

• LG Xenon – $89.95 / $289.95
• Nokia 2730 – $27.95 / $119.95
• Nokia 6350 – $49.95 / $249.95
• Samsung Impact – $79.95 / $279.95

Data Sticks

• Novatel Wireless U950 – $24.95 / $174.95
• Novatel Wireless U998 – $74.95 / $174.95
• Novatel Wireless X950 – $24.95 / $174.95

SIM Cards

• $0 / $5

As for price plans, not all that much has changed (the $6.95 SAF is staying for now), but Bell did introduce some iPhone specific plans which are as follows:

Combo 45 for iPhone

• 100 anytime local minutes plus 50 bonus local minutes
• Local Fab Five: Unlimited calling & text to and from five local numbers of your choice
• 500 MB of data for personal email, Internet browsing
• Unlimited local nights & weekends (9 p.m. – 7 a.m.)

Combo 55 for iPhone

• 300 anytime local minutes
• Local Fab Five
• 1 GB of data for personal email, Internet browsing
• Unlimited local nights & weekends (9 p.m. – 7 a.m.)

Combo 75 for iPhone

• 400 anytime local minutes
• Nationwide Fab Five: Unlimited calling & text to and from five local numbers of your choice nationwide
• 2 GB of data for personal email, Internet browsing
• Unlimited local nights & weekends (9 p.m. – 7 a.m.)

Combo 95 for iPhone

• 500 anytime local minutes
• Nationwide Fab Five
• 2 GB of data for personal email, Internet browsing
• Unlimited local nights & weekends (9 p.m. – 7 a.m.)

Now to sit and wait for TELUS’ day in the sun to see what, if any, surprises it has in store beyond what we already know.

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As Bell and TELUS put the finishing touches on their Canada-wide 21Mbps HSPA network that is set to launch next week, press releases announcing their HSPA handsets are coming across the wire at a feverish pace. The latest to be announced is the Windows Mobile 6.5-powered Omnia II which is to be exclusive to Bell. Featuring a 3.7″ AMOLED WVGA display, 5 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and 7.2Mbps UMTS/HSPA connectivity, the Omnia II is definitely a nice device that will make many a Canadian happy. And so it should, as Canadian’s patriotism will be tested when they see it in shops as it has been designated the “Official Mobile Device of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.” Why? Because Bell sure earned that right after it spent an insane $200mm for the right to be the official communications sponsor of the games. Pricing and a specific release date have not yet been announced, but the Omnia II will be available starting next month. Oh, and just for the record, no, we did not edit in the photo of the curling rock. Bell actually seems to be under the delusion that people in Canada enjoy curling. Tsk, tsk.Read

We just got a heads up from one of our Northern connects that has to do with Bell, and let’s just say we think Bell subscribers are going to be thrilled with what we have to report. How does Bell’s entire lineup of devices for their HSPA network launch sound? We also grabbed pricing for y’all, too! The following prices are prices with 36 month contracts following by full retail pricing.

Thanks, J!

LG Xenon: $89.95, $289.95

Samsung Impact: $79.95, $279.95

Samsung Omnia 2: $349.95, $549.95

Apple iPhone 3G 8GB $399.95, $599.95 — probably $149 after in store rebates

Apple iPhone 3GS 16GB: $499.95, $699.95 — probably $199 after in store rebates

Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB: $599.95, $799.95 — probably $299 after in store rebates

BlackBerry Bold 9000: $399.95, $599.95 — probably $149-$199 after in store rebates

BlackBerry 9700: $399.95, $599.95 — probably $249 after in store rebates

Nokia 2730: $29.95, $119.95

Nokia 6350: $49.95, $249.95

There’s also 3 Novatel HSPA data cards launching, two will be HSPA+ 21Mbps compatible and one will be HSPA 7.2Mbps compatible.

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to get excited for the arrival of Bell’s HSPA network and the amazing handsets that it will bring with it, one of our Bell connects stepped up to the mound and delivered us this slider of a tip. It seems that Bell is really serious about having its customers love them, because it is going to issue unlock codes for its branded devices. Of course caveats apply, but they’re not all that out of the ordinary: your account must be active for at least one month, only phones purchased from Bell need apply, you won’t be able to ditch your contract, and you will be charged a fee. We’re not exactly clear on what the feel will be, but we’ve heard it might be as high as $250 dollars per handset. Obviously the cost of the official unlock doesn’t even begin to compete with third-party unlockers, but at least it will keep your warranty in tact. And no, we’re awfully sorry, but we’re not 100% sure Bell will unlock your iPhone. Hit the jump for a larger pic.

P.S. Yes, we did notice that it looks like Bell will be carrying an HSPA-flavored Omnia II.

Is looks as though Samsung is brimming with excitement where the upcoming Omnia II and its preliminary carrier of choice, Verizon Wireless, are concerned. Way back in August, the Korean manufacturer popped up a preview page on its Samsung Mobile USA site and now we have a new, slightly less secretive preview of the handset that was just dug up by one of our eagle-eyed readers. The only listed specs for the time being are a hefty 1500mAh battery, an included stylus and a mic adapter of some kind, but we also get our first official marketing render of the sleek handset complete with its bizarre d-pad. The sleek handset is allegedly already listed in Verizon’s inventory system however, so all this info popping up on Samsung’s site might lead some to believe an official announcement from Sammy and Verizon is imminent. Fingers crossed, WinMo fans.

Thanks, Alan!

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In the run up to the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5, manufacturers and carriers are trying to tantalize fan bases with new and exciting products. Unfortunately there really hasn’t been anything we would deem “wow worthy” up to this point (announced officially, that is), though Samsung seems to think its short-term strategy is all that. First off, Sammy finally got around to announcing the OmniaPRO B7330, a low-end full-QWERTY number with a 320×320 display, 3 megapixel camera, FM tuner and 7.2Mbps HSDPA/2Mbps HSUPA connectivity. Second, it announced that the OmniaLITE B7300 will ship with WinMo 6.5 as with all Omnia models shipped after 6.5 goes live. Third and lastly, Samsung announced that later on in the year at a time not specified, Samsung will release WinMo 6.5 upgrades for the Omnia II i800, OmniaPRO B7320, and OmniaPRO B7610 alongside “a set of customized strategies to differentiate and expand sales of each model by appealing to a broad spectrum of user groups.” We haven’t a clue what Samsung has in mind in terms of customization, but we do have this nagging feeling that it won’t exactly knock anyone’s socks off.

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Samsung just recently announced the Omnia Pro B7320 but now it looks as if the luster has completely worn off and it will be usurped by its slightly more dashing cousin, the Omnia Pro B7330. Or maybe the B7330 is just intended for a different region — we don’t know or care to be honest. Improved cosmetics aside, not a whole lot is different between the two; the display has been marginally improved, coming in at 2.63-inches, while the camera and battery have also received marginal enhancements at 3.2 megapixel and 1500 mAh. Perhaps more important than anything else however, is the fact that the B7330 will ship with WinMo 6.5. So yeah, if this is the sort of thing you’re after, feel free to seek it out in mid-October when it parachutes well behind enemy lines in the ongoing full-QWERTY smartphone war.

[Via Unwired View]

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This morning, Samsung announced the list of countries that are slated to get the Omnia II in August. Missing from the list is the United States and other major markets including the UK, France and Germany. Pretty odd, considering we know Best Buy is (or was) slated to score it later this month. We’re guessing: 1) Something was delayed. 2) BBYM will get shipments on the 23rd but the handset won’t be available for sale until early September. 3) Samsung just can’t mention the US yet as there has been no official announcement with AT&T. The lucky 14 that will officially see the Omnia sequel hit the shelves this month are the Philippines, Thailand, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Chile, Colombia and Australia. These countries will join Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, which have already seen the launch of Samsung’s latest Windows Mobile offering. Those folks still limping along with their original Ominas will just have to wait for the next round of launch locations to be released to see if their countries will be among those mentioned.

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While Samsung fans on this side of the world ogle the Omnia 2, our Asian brothers and sisters across the globe are already eying bigger and better things. Ahhh, the Omnia Pro B7610. GSMArena managed to get its mitts on a Pro and the site most definitely took it for a spin. The form is solid, the AMOLED display is nuts and the TouchWiz UI continues to get sexier and sexier — though you’re still left high and dry in areas beyond TouchWiz’s reach. Since it’s all about the extensive six-page ride, we’ll go ahead and spoil the ending for you: The reviewer says the phone rocks but won’t sell as well as the HTC Touch Pro2. Hmm. Ok, specs time:

• General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 900/2100 MHz, HSDPA 3.6Mbps
• Form factor: Full QWERTY side-slider
• Dimensions: 112.6 x 57.8 x 16.2 mm, 159g
• Display: 3.5″ 65K-color resistive AMOLED touchscreen of WVGA resolution
• OS: Windows Mobile 6.1 (upgradable to 6.5), TouchWiz 2.0 UI
• Memory: 1GB built-in storage, 256 MB RAM, hot-swappable microSD (up to 16GB)
• CPU: 800 MHz processor with dedicated graphics accelerator
• Camera: 5 megapixel auto-focus, with dual LED flash and VGA video at 30 fps
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, standard microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS, TV out, 3.5mm standard audio jack
• Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate and turn-to-mute, FM radio with RDS, DivX/XviD video support, work and leisure modes
• Battery: 1500mAh Li-Ion battery

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Have you been feeling left out lately, Samsung Omnia owners? You know deep down that your sexy Windows Mobile-powered touchscreen handset is a gem, but waiting around for Verizon to unlock the GPS is definitely trying your patience. Just when you were about to lose hope however, Verizon is finally ready to push out the update you’ve been waiting for. Yup, GPS lock is about to become a thing of the past. The update is all set to be pushed out within the hour so sit tight. Woo! We’re not sure what other fixes/features are included in this update but the important thing is that the big one is covered. Keep checking for that update and let us know how it goes!

UPDATE: It looks like the update is now live and ready to rock as of just before 4pm. Get moving people…