Samsung brings Bada 2.0 to world with Wave 3

Google’s Android OS is currently the only dominant smartphone platform that isn’t exclusive to one hardware maker (BlackBerry and iOS are owned and controlled by RIM and Apple). About half of all smarpthones now run Android, and this is making manufacturers like Samsung nervous. In 2011, the company renewed its attention to its Bada OS and has made headway in turning it into a competitive platform in many regions around the world. The Samsung Wave 3, which launches in France today, is the manufacturer’s latest move to become a player in the OS space.

The Wave 3 has a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen, 1.4GHz single-core processor, HSPA+ 14.4Mbps connection speeds, 5MP rear camera, VGA (0.3MP) front camera, and is a world phone. It’s currently available in France, but will launch in Germany, Italy, and Russia by the end of the year.

Samsung has been consistently improving the OS, which, in its 2.0 release now looks quite similar to its Android offerings. It is expected that the goal is to slip Bada into some good looking phones without consumers even noticing.

The Wave 3 was unveiled back in August, along with the Wave M and Wave Y next-generation Bada phones.

Samsung unveils 3 smartphones Wave 3, Wave M & Wave Y

Samsung Electronics unveiled three smartphone models that run on its own operating system, as it seeks to expand market share in the low-end segment and diversify its lineups heavily focused on Google's Android software.

The Wave series models backed by Samsung's proprietary system "bada" reflects the South Korean firm's shift in strategy from being a pure hardware manufacturer to become more software-focused.

It is also aimed at pulling together Samsung's different products of smartphones, televisions, printers and computers under its own software platform and online application store Samsung Apps.

Samsung unveiled Wave 3 with a 4-inch AMOLED screen and a 5 megapixel camera, as well as cheaper Wave M and Wave Y. The Wave M will have Samsung's first instant messaging tool ChatON installed and entry-level Wave Y with 3.2-inch display will go on sale in October.

The three models add to 7 Wave series lineups Samsung introduced since first bada-based product went on sale in May 2010.

Samsung, whose flagship Android-based Galaxy S models helped it become the world's No.2 smartphone maker in the second quarter, is now focusing on emerging markets with cheaper phones costing $200 or below.

Last week Samsung unveiled four new mid-to-low end models running on Android to defend its market share, as Apple, which has long stuck to the higher end of a booming mobile device arena, is set to launch a lower-cost version of the iPhone 4 soon.

The Wave series will allow access to Samsung Apps, which has around 13,000 applications.

The number is dwarfed by more than 100,000 applications available in Android market and over 300,000 apps from Apple's App Store.