Samsung unveils new Galaxy smartphone

A man uses Samsung Electronics' new Samsung Galaxy SIII smartphone during its launch at The Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London May 3, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - Samsung Electronics, the world's largest mobile phone maker, said Friday that it unveiled its third generation smartphone in the Galaxy series featuring the options of recognizing voice, face and motion.

The Galaxy S3, running Google's latest Android operating system Ice Cream Sandwich, was launched at an event in London, according to an e-mailed statement by Samsung.

The new smartphone features 'S Voice', a voice command option to listen and respond to users' words. The option can be used to go off users' phone alarm, turn volume up, send text messages, organize schedules, and automatically launch the camera and capture a photo.

The 'Smart stay' is an eye sensor system that prevents the phone from dimming. It recognizes how users are using their phone by having the front camera identify your eyes.

In addition, the Galaxy S3 can understand users' motions. If users are messaging someone but decide to call them instead, users can simply lift their phone to their ear and 'Direct call' option will dial their number.

The Galaxy S3 is a successor to the Galaxy S2, whose global sales topped 20 million units in February 10 months after its debut.

According to market researcher Strategy Analytics, Samsung overtook Nokia as the world's largest handset maker for the first time in the first quarter this year. Shipment of Samsung mobile phones was estimated to reach 93.5 million units in the three months ending March 30, larger than Nokia's 82.7 million units.