Over the past several weeks many details about the Samsung Galaxy S have come to light via FCC filings, Bluetooth SIG, and Wi-Fi certifications. All told, most intel to date has pointed to AT&T and T-Mobile variants of the device. However, at least one analyst believes that the Samsung Galaxy S will rear its head at all four major US carriers by the end of this year.
According to Forbes, "Broadpoint.AmTech analyst Mark McKechnie said he expects the Galaxy S to be sold at AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint before the end of June and to be picked up at Verizon 'sometime later in the year.'" He claims the prediction is based on conversations with internal carrier employees, among other standard "industry checks."
McKechnie attributes Samsung's decision to release the device to all four major carriers to two distinct possibilities. The first being that Samsung's less than impressive device adoption has barred them from obtaining an exclusive deal with any one carrier. Another possibility is that the Galaxy S could have received a great deal of interest, thereby motivating Samsung to share the wealth with a greater number of consumers.
What we've seen on paper (the specs) and via this year's CTIA announcement suggest the Galaxy S will be a major contender in this summer's projected phone line-up. But we all know it doesn't matter how great the hardware on a phone is if the software doesn't back it up. The Galaxy S will more than likely be running Android 2.1 (or maybe 2.2 if Froyo is out by then) overlaid with Samsung's custom TouchWiz UI. TouchWiz has not had the success Samsung would have hoped, but it looks like they're cooking up something new with the Galaxy S (and let's hope so, because in reality the UI can make or break the success and adoption of a phone).
If McKechnie is right, it's exciting times for Android fans. Who's dreaming of living the S life? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
