A new handset featuring 128 polyphonic ringtone is expected to hit the market as early as in the first quarter of next year. 128 polyphonic would sound just like karaoke accompaniment tracks.

"We are measuring the marketability of handsets featuring 128 polyphonic ring tone. We might be able to debut the model in early next year as a leading product, using chips from Yamaha of Japan", an official of Samsung Electronics said. 

However, mobile carriers remain skeptical. SK Telecom said,"It will be good to have higher polyphonic ring tone, however, it doesn't seem to look that much attractive at a time when we already provide live ring tone service." The handset, however, would be welcomed by those users enjoying games on their handsets as the phone will provide more lively sound effects. 

In June 2003, Samsung and other domestic handset makers first launched handsets with 64 polyphony chips and put them on most of their current products.

telecomskorea