Cell Phone Edits Video

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is adding video editing and production functions to a new cell phone so users can shoot, edit and upload videos to Internet video sites without using a PC.

The phone is the second device in two weeks to take advantage of the popularity of user-generated content sites. Last week, Japan's Casio Computer Co. Ltd. launched a digital still camera with a dedicated mode for shooting YouTube videos and companion software that can upload the clips with just one mouse click.

The new Samsung phone, the SCH-B750, shoots CIF-resolution images (352 pixels by 288 pixels) and includes software to edit the images and do limited production work, such as adding a caption or background music. Once done the videos can be immediately uploaded to online sites like Pandora TV, South Korea's leading user-generated video site.

The camera is a 3-megapixel model with auto focus and other features include reception of satellite mobile digital TV broadcasting.

The phone, which will be available in South Korea only, will be sold through SK Telecom Corp. and will cost around 600,000 won (US$655).