Samsung have unveiled a new Android smartphone that has the bizarre addition of a built-in projector that will be able to shoot images and movies on to any flat surface.

Samsung have most likely designed the unique Beam handset with the thought of presenting presentations, movies and images to several people at the same time, not just on those who can see the screen. Many businessmen will be thankful to not have to schlep their laptop to do a presentation, but instead just carry their phone to the meeting.

But though the projector is the standout feature of the phone, it also has a super-size 3.7 inch AMOLED touchscreen that produces brighter, sharper images but uses less power than other phones on their portfolio. The Beam will also be their first device to run on Android 2.1 and will come with a 8 megapixel autofocus camera as well as the capability to record 720p video. Not only, does it impress in its visual, but the phone has a music player, FM radio, in-built speakers and a 3.5mm jack for headphones.

The Samsung Beam (also known as the Halo) is unknown in cost but will be out in Autumn this year.

by Richard Armitage