Samsung has announced the Galaxy Beam smartphone, which features a built-in projector to share content with friends, at the 2012 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The Samsung Galaxy Beam is capable of projecting a high definition image up to 50 inches wide onto any surface, and features a 4-inch display, 1GHz dual-core processor, and runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Samsung Galaxy Beam
The Galaxy Beam features an HD projector (Samsung)

"Galaxy Beam provides mobile freedom, enabling a unique shared experience around digital content for everyone - anywhere and instantly - from a smartphone as slim and portable as any on the market," said J.K. Shin, president of the IT & mobile communications division at Samsung.

Around the back, the Samsung Galaxy Beam has a 5-megapixel camera capable of shooting 720p HD video and the smartphone measures just 12.5mm in thickness, despite housing that 15 lumens projector and camera - there is also 8GB of internal storage and a microSD slot to expand storage by up to 32GB.

Samsung Galaxy Beam
Despite the built-in projector, the Beam is just 12.5mm thick (Samsung)

In a statement released to the press Saturday, Samsung said of the Galaxy Beam: "Video clips, maps, business information, games - a whole range of multimedia content can be beamed instantly by GALAXY Beam on a crisp, high-definition projection up to 50-inches wide.

"The device features a projector-dedicated application which makes it easy to select content and activate projection in a few simple steps."

Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is the largest mobile technology event in the world, with manufacturers showcasing the latest smartphones, tablets, accessories and applications.

The International Business Times UK will be reporting from the show floor and the major keynotes, with hands-on reviews of all of the biggest new products throughout the week.

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