Samsung unveils Galaxy S Android smartphone

The Galaxy S is expected to launch globally soon

Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S smartphone running Google's Android 2.1 operating system.

The handset features a 4in Amoled touch-screen display fitted with the same imaging engine the company uses for its television sets. Samsung claims that the screens provide a brighter, clearer picture.

Other hardware features include a 1GHz processor and 16GB or storage with room for an additional 32GB of removable storage.

The Galaxy S will run in-house components such as a media player, and offers Microsoft Office 2007 support and news and weather applications.

"The Android-powered Galaxy S will set a new standard for smartphones," said J K Shin, president and head of mobile communications at Samsung.

"The Galaxy S is the perfect device for people in all corners of the world who want that extra edge to be more effective, productive, better connected and in tune with their smart life, both personal and professional."

Samsung's announcement comes on the heels of an analyst report pointing to a boom in the smartphone market. Research firm Parks Associates said that more than one billion smartphones will be in use by 2014.