We know that Samsung’s next flagship Android phone is going to be awesome, with dual-core processor and Super-AMOLED Plus, but there’s another new feature that didn’t actually caught the attention of many people. The Galaxy S II is the first smartphone to feature an MHL port. Now, what’s that? Well, it’s something like the USB/eSATA combo port, but functions differently that it can also send audio/video data over HDMI.

Well, the MHL was first announced in 2008 as the Mobile High-Definition video Link “standard” for mobile devices promoted by a consortium that includes Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, and Silicon Image. Essentially, the micro-USB shaped MHL jack at the base of the Galaxy S II features internal circuitry that recognizes USB or MHL impedance and then automatically switches the phone into USB data / charging or MHL audio / video / charging modes. A special 5-wire micro-USB to HDMI cable lets you send video and audio to existing HDMI-equipped displays.

Of course, the thing isn’t really perfect. The TV won’t charge the Galaxy S II during playback unless you insert a phone charger adapter between the GSII and TV or wait for MHL-enabled TVs to begin shipping later this year. Once connected, you can then use your TV’s HDMI-CEC compatible remote to navigate and control the Galaxy S II’s media interface. Sounds like a cool new feature.

SOURCE via Samsung