The smart phone market registered today a new contender: the Ace, Samsung Ace. With a large 2.3-inch color screen and based on Windows Mobile 6, the Samsung Ace (also known as SPH-i325) was launched in the US on the Sprint’s network. Its design is similar to Samsung's popular Blackjack.

Small (it measures only 4.65" x 2.32" x 0.46" and weighs just under four ounces), the Samsung Ace is a versatile phone, which can be the perfect companion because it can be used not only for its PDA capabilities, but also as source of entertainment. It has access to Sprint TV with over 50 channels of live television and on-demand video.

It features a full QWERTY keyboard and includes also Bluetooth support and a stereo speaker.

Of course, the Ace is also a perfect smart phone for business users because it allows customers to view files with Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Excel and Microsoft Office PowerPoint.

"A Windows Mobile phone works across a person's entire life whether that is sending business email from Beijing's airport or posting a picture of a child's visit with the grandparents in Texas to a family blog," said Scott Horn, general manager, Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft Corp.

As for connectivity, the ACE is capable to operate on CDMA and GSM/GPRS networks, where Sprint has international roaming agreements. With the Samsung ACE Sprint customers can make or receive calls in approximately 180 countries.

"The Samsung ACE combined with the benefits of SprintSpeed, competitive rates and expansive coverage through multiple technologies makes it one of the strongest Windows Mobile devices on the market today, a clear value for customers in the U.S. and just about anywhere else."

To ease the navigation between application, the Ace offers a slide click Wheel and it can store up to 2 GB of files, thanks to the fact it supports external microSD card. The sleek smart phone includes also a 1.3-megapixel digital camera and camcorder.

Sprint announced the Ace is available now for business users for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and $100 mail-in-rebate. The device will be available in retail stores beginning in March.