Phones Go Social: Sprint Launches Samsung Exclaim And HTC Snap; AT&T Adds Moto Karma

Samsung Exclaim

The success of the “Facebook phone,” built by INQ, has not been lost on either carriers or handset-makers, which are starting to introduce copycats into the market.

The beauty of the INQ phone is that it commoly drives three to four times more traffic than smartphones that cost three to four times more money. The only phone that comes close is the iPhone. This week both AT&T (NYSE: T) and Sprint (NYSE: S) have announced new phones from HTC, Samsung and Motorola (NYSE: MOT) that tightly integrate social networks. However, it seems carriers have failed to learn that it is not just about the phone, but also the data plan. The INQ, which is offered by 3 UK, provides a lower cost data plan for unlimited access to Facebook, but not all data services, bringing the overall cost of the device down. Neither AT&T or Sprint are offering a price cut. In fact, AT&T is requiring at least a $60 a month plan for the Motorola Karma, which prohibitively high for a feature phone.

Sprint’s HTC Snap: The HTC Snap is technically a smartphone and comes loaded with Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system. The social part is a feature called the “Inner Circle,” which allows people to prioritize emails from the most important people. Not matter what email account the person contacts you from, the messages will be viewable in the same place. The phone will cost $150 with a two-year contract. Release.

Sprint’s Samsung Exclaim: The feature phone comes packed with “tiles” for MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, which allow you to launch the applications with one click. The phone also has a full Qwerty keyboard that slides out from the side, in addition to the typical numeric keypad that slides out when the phone is vertical. The phone will cost $80 with a two-year contract. Release.

AT&T’s Motorola Karma: The phone is short and squat, and comes with a slide out full Qwerty keyboard. It emphasizes text messaging, instant messaging and provides access Facebook and MySpace from the homescreen. The phone will cost $80 with a two-year contract, and a minimum voice plan of $40 and $20 a month data or messaging plan. That plan at the minimum will cost $60 a month, which seems a bit high for a feature phone. Release.

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