VibeTonz Shakes Up Samsung SCH-a390 Phone

The new Samsung SCH-a290 phone from Verizon sports Immersion's Vibetonz, enabling unique vibrations for games and phone functions.

If you’ve ever gotten the urge to shake your cameraphone like a Polaroid, Samsung and Verizon may be able to make your wish come true with the new SCH-a390 slamshell handset, available via Verizon Wireless. Along with now-standard handset features like a 1.3 megapixel camera, broadband capability (n this case, via EVDO and Verizon’s V CAST service), Bluetooth, TransFlash memory slot, and a stereo speakerphone, the SCH-a390 features VibeTonz technology from Immersion Corporation, which can be used to add unique vibrations to normal phone functions, and can be built into ringtones, games, and other content to create a more “realistic” and fun experience.

VibeTonz can be used to keep users informed about incoming calls and other phone functions in noisy environments, and unique vibration s can be assigned to various types of messages. The SCH-a390 can also play VibeTonz-enhanced applications and ringtones from Verizon’s Get It Now service.

Immersion has signed developer agreements with game developers Punch Entertainment, SkyZone Entertainment, and Sonic Branding Solutions, while developers Indiagames and Pulse Interactive are offering downloadable games with VibeTonz touch effects.

“We added VibeTonz effects to an upcoming mobile-game version of a very popular, well-known cartoon feature,” said Tobin Lent, CEO of Punch Entertainment. “VibeTonz effects can be artfully used to add impact, attention, fun, and communicate subtleties that you otherwise would not be able to on the small screen.”

“Adding VibeTonz effects to this new Duke Nukem title enhances our commitment to making great games,” said Neil Haldar, vice president, Production and Business Development, SkyZone Entertainment. “The VibeTonz System adds to the excitement and realism we strive to bring to the gamer on the go. This technology is a powerful asset to mobile gaming.”

No word on what VibeTonz might do to your phone’s battery life, especially when playing games