Details on Matrix Phone Emerge

A little more information on Samsung Electronics' as-yet unannounced "Matrix phone" has come out after the device received U.S. regulatory approval at the end of last week.

The phone, which is a tie-in product to the upcoming "The Matrix Reloaded" movie, is called the SPH-N270, according to documents submitted to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission by Samsung. All devices that emit radio signals require FCC approval before they can be sold in the U.S.

It is a dual-band tri-mode phone supporting the AMPS analog system and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) systems. A photo of the phone submitted to the FCC shows the Sprint PCS logo.

Few special features, beyond the design, were detailed in the documents and the handset appears to be an entry-level phone.

A Sprint representative declined to comment on the specifications of the phone or possible launch dates.

Spreading the Word

First details of the handset surfaced in February when Samsung opened a teaser Web site, at TheMatrixPhone.com, which provided no details of the telephone but did offer a chance to register for e-mail news on the device.

Samsung has yet to provide any official details of the product although a company spokesperson has confirmed the company had reached a "certain agreement" with AOL Time Warner unit Warner Bros Pictures, which is making the film.

At the CeBIT electronics fair in Hanover, Germany, last week the company was promoting its association with the movie through advertising and also some tie-in merchandise.

Tom Krazit of the IDG News Service contributed to this report.