SAMSUNG IS getting in on the new enthusiasm for the Irish language with its new Tocco phone, the first handset to have the option of Irish language predictive text.

Budding and committed Irish fans can use the phone to send messages as Gaeilge to their friends and family.

Aimed at the "modern, confident" Ireland, the Tocco is Samsung's latest launch, a touch-screen mobile phone with a five-megapixel camera that includes automatic face detection technology and an image stabiliser.

Samsung has also built in a full web browser and music player - practically a must for mobile users - with high-speed HSDPA internet access, all housed in a brushed metal case. The move is the latest by Samsung to prove it is committed to the Irish market, and possibly increase its share of the mobile sector in this country.

The mobile maker worked with an Irish translation firm to build the 44,000 Irish language dictionary, and software was created specifically for the use of the new T9 dictionary.

While the Irish T9 dictionary will not be included in every handset Samsung produces from now on, country manager for Samsung Mobile Ireland, Gary Twohig, said it will be a feature on selected launches.

"This is something that has never been done before, and is a direct reflection of the increased popularity in Irish," said Mr Twohig.

"The decision to offer an Irish language option handset is something that we have been looking at for some time - and definitely won't be a one-off."