Showing posts with label LG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LG. Show all posts

Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Device To Be Introduced By LG and Intel At CES 2012

LG’s mobile department hasn’t exactly had the best year but rather than give up — they’re trying new things… or rather, revisiting old ideas. According to the Korea Times, LG is getting ready to debut an all new smartphone at CES 2012 powered by none other than Intel’s new Medfield mobile processor. We heard rumors a few weeks back that Samsung would be partnering with Intel for an upcoming smartphone to be debuted at CES in January but maybe it was the other Korean manufacturer this whole time.
The only question that remains if whether or not the device will ever hit market given LG and Intel’s past. At CES 2011 they they actually showed off a smartphone that of course, went belly up due apparently due to “lack of marketability.” The Times went on to source an exec who claims LG will be banking big with this device and could launch as early as March. Once again, the same was said about the two company’s first attempt at a device earlier this year.
Still, LG has a lot to lose but even more to gain this time around and the same could be said with Intel who has made zero impact in the mobile market where SoC’s from Qualcomm have dominated. I think Android 4.0′s compatibility with Intel processors is the moment they both have been waiting for and high-end device could do well for them. Just as long they avoid the quality control issues that plagued the G2X and drop that pseudo TouchWiz UI.
[Via TechCrunch]

Friday, December 30, 2011

Samsung Epic 4G, LG Optimus 3D and More Gain CM7 Support

Some new devices have finally been added to CyanogenMod’s list of supported devices. We’ve got the Samsung EPIC 4G and LG Optimus 3D as notable additions. We’re also seeing support for the LG Optimus Black, Optimus Hub and Optimus Pro. These devices are on the list for CM7, of course, though we don’t expect all of these to be absent from CM9′s party sometime down the line. (The first two we mentioned are definitely high up on that “probability” list.) Head over to CyanogenMod’s site for the downloads. [Thanks to all the excited Epic 4G owners who sent this in!]

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime vs LG Optimus Pad


The tablet market is awash with quality devices, all vying to end up in your shopping bag this sales season, but which tablet will give you the most for your money?

Do you choose power before portability? Should you opt for a device with expandable memory? Or should you just cast all research aside and just choose the biggest, fastest, most expensive device on the market?

Well, we're here to help you wade through the myriad statistics on offer, as we take the latest, greatest tablet from Asus, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime, and weigh it up against one of last year's surprise packages, the LG Optimus Pad.

Display

Asus' Eee Pad Transformer Prime is kitted out with a stunning 10.1-inch Super IPS+ LCD display that is super responsive and glorious to behold.

The screen operates at 1280 x 800 and features a pixel density of 149PPI, which is more than enough to provide some of the crispest visuals around.

The LG Optimus Pad offers up an 8.9-inch LCD touchscreen that holds its own against the mighty Transformer Prime, with a resolution of 768 x 1280 and a thoroughly impressive pixel density of 168PPI.

The extra clarity is certainly not to be sniffed at, but we aren't sure it's enough to make us turn our backs on an inch more screen space and the deeper colours of the Asus.

Winner - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Power

LG's Optimus Pad is powered by nVidia's Tegra 2 chipset, with the dual-core CPU clocked at 1GHz. The perennially reliable ULP GeForce GPU takes care of the visuals, and makes gaming an enjoyable experience on the device.

The Optimus Pad also boasts 1GB RAM and 32GB of on-board storage, but offers no support for removable memory.

Asus' Eee Pad Transformer Prime has yet to be bested in this round though, and it's easy to see why when you take a look at its spec sheet: 1.3GHz quad-core CPU, ULP GeForce GPU, 1GB RAM, 32 or 64GB of storage and support for Micro SD cards up to 32GB capacity.

There really isn't a tablet to touch the Transformer Prime when it comes to horsepower and we expect it will remain that way for a while yet. So if power's what you're looking for you've found the device for you.

Winner - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Software


Both of these tablets are powered by Google's Android OS, specifically version 3.0+, otherwise known as Honeycomb, which was tailored for tablet use.

LG's Optimus Pad ships with version 3.0 of the software, while the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime leaves the factory fitted with version 3.2, which offers support for visually improving apps on larger devices and the odd bugfix thrown in for good measure.

Honeycomb itself is a fast, fun affair, with plenty of apps available, a new, richly designed UI and some neat notification tweaks, as well as updated core applications. It's eminently customisable, offers full flash browsing and largely does anything your netbook can do equally as well (with the help of the right app, naturally).

There a few idiosyncrasies that prevent Honeycomb from keeping up with Apple's iOS though. For example, the lack of Android 3+ applications is hugely detrimental, and you'll also have to contend with the odd crash, which is something we didn't enjoy, but overall it's a decent platform that will continue to improve.

Winner - Draw


Form & Build

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime - 263 x 180.8 x 8.3mm, 586g
LG Optimus Pad - 243.8 x 150 x 12.7 mm, 621g

There's no denying that both of our contenders here are well built. They feel solid, balanced in the hand and reassuringly heavy, without being overly cumbersome.

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is arguably the better looking of the two, and at nearly 4mm thinner than the Optimus Pad it's definitely the more comfortable to use, and also the more portable, but the LG's effort is by no means big or unpleasant to look at.

One aspect that we like about both tablets is that they feel, and largely are, durable. There's nothing worse than holding a shiny, expensive device and worrying about it hitting the floor with a smash, but both of these devices give off the 'we can take it' vibe that will make you want to pick them up and play with them (NOTE - We aren't saying that they'll take being bounced on your floor, so don't try!).

Winner - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Camera


The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime features the very best camera that we've seen on a tablet to date.

The 8-megapixel primary shooter, which offers geo-tagging, autofocus, LED flash and 1080P video capture, is a great performer which is fully capable of capturing print-worthy images in good light and captured video is of a generally high standard too.

The device's secondary 1.2-megapixel camera is perfect for video chatting and rounds off some very nice photographic capabilities.

The LG Optimus Pad features dual 5-megapixel primary cameras capable of capturing stereoscopic (3D) images and also offers an LED flash, geo-tagging, autofocus and 1080 2D video capture, and 720P in 3D.

LG's contender also has a nice 2-megapixel secondary camera which is great for video calling.

While it's a great performer, the general standard of still images is significantly lower than that of the Transformer Prime, and all the bells and whistles can't make up for a good, standard snapshot, which is largely all a tablet is going to be used for.

Winner - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

As we've come to expect, Asus' Eee Pad Transformer Prime has blown another contender out of the water!

We're fast running out of superlatives to describe this little box of tricks. It's as powerful as a netbook, as portable as a notepad and has all the top-tier features of a high-end smartphone; there really isn't anything on the market to touch it, save for Apple's iPad 2.

LG's Optimus Pad is a nice enough device, but it doesn't excel in any single area, while the Transformer Prime excels at nearly everything.

Put simply, if you're in the market for a tablet you should either buy the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime or the Apple iPad 2; and that only holds its own against Asus' device thanks to its killer OS!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

LG Prada Phone 3.0 Now Available In Korea – Hitting Europe In January

No, the image you see above is not in black in white — it’s actually in full color. That’s LG’s newest smartphone, the “Prada Phone by LG.” First thing I’m sure you’ve noticed the device is its minimalist “Prada themed” black and white UI, a clear departure from the manufacturer’s pseudo TouchWiz found on devices like the Nitro HD. Because, you know… nothing says “class” like black and white.
The device has just launched in its homeland of South Korea and besides its sexy good looks, the LG Prada Phone 3.0 features a 4.3-inch 800×480 IPS display, 1GHz dual-core processor, 8MP rear/1.3MP front facing cameras, 8GB of internal memory and runs on Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread. LG did mention that the device would see an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade sometime during Q2 of next year.
While only available in Korea, the device is expected to hit other regions like Europe sometime in January. The LG Prada Phone 3.0 retails for 899,800 KRW which translates roughly to about $776 — but that’s the price you pay for luxury. I’d be willing to bet this will be the only phone Bond uses in his next action blockbuster. Full press release can be found below.
PRADA PHONE BY LG 3.0 BEGINS WORLDWIDE ROLLOUT
Much Awaited Designer Smartphone Arrives in South Korea Today, Europe and Asia in January
Seoul, 28 December 2011: LG Electronics (LG) made its highly anticipated PRADA phone by LG 3.0 available to the public today in South Korea. The phone is now available to Korean customers and scheduled for the release in most European countries and other parts of Asia in January.
The phone, its existence announced only last month in Seoul during the joint signing ceremony, was unveiled for the first time at a showcase event in London two weeks ago. The stylish new device has been attracting significant attention for being the only smartphone with premium branding on the market currently.
The PRADA phone by LG 3.0 is the third handset from the PRADA and LG collaboration following the highly successful PRADA phone by LG 1.0 and 2.0 phones. The latest offering continues in the same tradition combining PRADA’s trademark chic simplicity with LG’s leading technology, including one of the brightest 800-nit NOVA display and a PRADA themed UI for truly unique mobile experience.
Following PRADA’s renowned design philosophy, the handset features a full glossy touchscreen on the front and PRADA’s signature Saffiano pattern on the back. Impressively thin at only 8.5mm, minimal hardkeys and a classic black finish complete the phone’s sleek look.
With 1.0GHz Dual-Core/Dual Channel architecture, the PRADA phone by LG 3.0 is as effective as it is stylish. The phone runs on Android Gingerbread OS with an update to Android Ice Cream Sandwich scheduled for the second quarter of 2012.
For more details on this unique collaboration, please visit the official site of PRADA Phone by LG 3.0 at www.pradaphonebylg3.com.
Key Specs:
- Operating System: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- Memory: User 8GB maximum (varies depending on carrier requirements)
- Display Size: 4.3 inches
- Resolution: WVGA (800 x 480)
- Display Brightness: 800 nit
- Camera: 8MP
- Processor: 1.0GHz Dual-Core / Dual Channel
- Battery: 1540mAh
[Press Release | UnwiredView via Engadget]

Monday, December 26, 2011

LG Announces Ice Cream Sandwich Updates to Begin Q2 2012

LG has provided an update on their Android 4.0 upgrade timeline via their Facebook page. For a selection of their 2011 smartphone lineup, an Ice Cream Sandwich treat will arrive starting in Q2 of next year. The first phones to receive the new version of Android will be the LG Optimus LTE, LG Prada 3.0, LG Optimus 2X, LG Optimus Sol, LG myTouch Q, and the LG Eclipse. In Q3, updates will start rolling out to the LG Optimus 3D, LG Optimus Black, LG Optimus Big, LG Optimus Q2, and LG Optimus EX. As can be discerned from the selection of handsets, the rollout will be global, though exact dates will vary by region and carrier. It also isn’t clear if re-branded variants such as the T-Mobile G2X (Optimus 2X), LG Thrill (Optimus 3D) and LG Nitro HD (Optimus LTE) are in line for the same upgrade schedule.
LG is “taking all possible measure to offer a smooth OS upgrade in a timely manner” and will be providing further updates, such as specific release dates, as they become available.
[via Facebook]

Friday, December 23, 2011

HTC Fireball, LG Spectrum could be Verizon’s first LTE world phones

Americans get a lot of cool stuff before the rest of the world, but phones that play nice with international networks is not one of them. Verizon customers in particular have a lot of frustration to deal with, since the CDMA network is totally useless almost everywhere else in the world. There are a smattering of globally operable phones on Verizon, including the DROID 2 Global, DROID 3 and the Incredible 2. But so far there haven’t been any global-ready smartphones that take advantage of Verizon’s LTE network. According to some leaked internal documentation from Droid Life, that may soon change with phones from HTC and LG.

We’ve heard rumors of both these phones before: the HTC Fireball was spotted in Verizon’s apparently leaky computer system, and shots of the LG Spectrum (AKA the LG Revolution 2) make it look like a revised version of AT&T’s Nitro HD. Both of the phones were marked as “global” in the above Verizon listings. That’s great news for global travelers who use Verizon in the United States, as none of the recent high-profile smartphone releases on the network have featured global connectivity, with the exception of the iPhone 4S. And who wants to embarrass themselves while traveling?
There’s no news on when these phones will become available, but if they’re in the system it’s probably a matter of less than three months. Expect more information at CES in about three weeks, with hands-on photos and videos from Android Community if we’re lucky. Keep in mind that “global” doesn’t mean “unlocked”: Verizon’ world phones still incur significant roaming charges, and many international travelers simply opt to buy a cheap phone and a prepaid SIM card for the duration of their travels.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

LG Marquee and Samsung Replenish Leaked For Boost Mobile

Looks like Boost Mobile is about to get a few new very adequate Android devices in the coming months. The LG Marquee (Optimus Black) and Samsung Replenish will be joining their Android lineup of which the LG device is the most interesting. Both devices have been made available for months now on Sprint and were leaked for Boost Mobile in the promo images you see above. Still no word on pricing or availability just yet but as soon as we learn more we’ll let you know.
[Via Pocketnow]

Friday, December 16, 2011

LG Spectrum leaks again, press image and full specs included

The LG Spectrum might be better known as the Revolution 2 or the device that will replace the original Revolution. We’ve seen it a few times in the past and earlier this week actual images of the device were leaked online. Obviously being the bigger brother to the Revolution we have Verizon 4G LTE and more on board but this latest leak confirms all the specs.


Those hoping for Ice Cream Sandwich will have to wait a few months as this device will be launching with Android 2.3 Gingerbread — although I’m sure an update will come shortly. LG hasn’t been the fastest in the past with updates so that is a thing to consider. Looking very similar to the Optimus LTE, also known as the LG Nitro HD the Spectrum is exactly what we’d hoped for. A huge 4.5″ 720p HD display and a powerful dual-core processor. Here are the official specs:
- Dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor
- Android Gingerbread 2.3
- Verizon 4G LTE
- 10.6 millimeters thick
- 4.5-inch, 1280×720 IPS LCD
- 1GB RAM, 4GB storage plus 16GB microSD
- 8 megapixel, 1080p rear camera; 1.3 megapixel front-facing
- 1830mAh battery
They look strikingly similar and both have 4G LTE only this bad boy will be powered by Verizon’s ever expanding network instead of AT&T’s. The widget from this official press image shows February 14th next to the weather (day after my Birthday). This could be a hint for a Mobile World Congress appearance but just like our source, we think it’ll be here sooner than that and possibly launch right after CES.
[via Pocket Now]

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

LG Prada Phone K2 leaks again, launch event today

The coming LG Prada Phone isn’t exactly a closely held secret at this point. We have spotted the smartphone in the wild when it surfaced back in October. Some other photos leaked in late October, and then we saw the device cross the FCC in November to get the approvals it needs. Today more pics of the smartphone have leaked coming from BestBoyz.


That new pic comes a tiny bit ahead of the official unveil of the phone by LG later today at an event we will be attending to bring you the details as they happen. The phone is expected to be available for users to purchase starting in early 2012. Naturally the phone will be running the Android OS under the hood. We already know virtually all there is to know about the device other than how it feels in the hands and how well all those specs work together to make a decent smartphone.
The device rocks a 4.3-inch WVGA NOVA display that is really bright at 800cd/m2. The smartphone will use a TI OMAP 4430 1GHz dual core processor and work on the HSPA+ networks floating around. Other features include WiFi, Bluetooth, and an 8MP rear camera. That camera can shoot 1080p video and the phone has 8GB of internal storage.
[via SlashGear]

Monday, December 12, 2011

LG Spectrum/Revolution 2 pics surface

Some photos of a new smartphone from LG called the LG Spectrum have surfaced. The phone will head to Verizon and be called the Revolution 2 on the Verizon network. The photos surfaced after the rumor that the handset was coming reports PocketNow. The Spectrum has now been confirmed as the Revolution 2, which surfaced in the Verizon system last month as model number VS920.



A photo showing the phone from just about all angles has surfaced and a few specs are tipped as well. The phone will run Android and pack a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. It will have an 8MP camera and will rock LTE connectivity for the Verizon 4G network as shown with the little 4G logo on the back of the smartphone.
The phone appears to be reasonably slim and has the three buttons on the bottom of the screen that are seen on most of the Verizon Android devices recently. Hopefully, we can learn a bit more about the hardware in the coming weeks and see how well the smartphone performance against the other high end Android devices like the Razr and Galaxy Nexus that Verizon has in its line.
[via Pocketnow]

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

T-Mobile G2x Gingerbread OTA Update Resumes

After a not-so-smooth attempt at rolling out Android 2.3 Gingerbread for T-Mobile G2X users, experience-breaking bugs ran rampant throughout users’ phones prompting T-Mobile and LG to suspend updates. It took quite a while for them to get things ironed out, actually, as I almost forgot that the T-Mobile G2x even exists. In any case, the Gingerbread rollout is back on for those who are sick of frozen treats. Alongside Gingerbread, you’re also apparently getting improved battery life for your troubles. Yay! Get to the link ahead for the full instructions from LG. [LG via Droid Dog]

LG and Prada team up for London Event — LG Prada K2 coming soon?

What is better than some fashion in London? A new smartphone maybe? LG and Prada have teamed up again to release another stylish smartphone onto the world with what most likely will be the LG Prada K2 that we’ve seen leak more than a few times already. If you remember the original LG Prada then you’re in for a treat with this latest revision we think will be announced later this month.


We’ve been hearing rumors of a third Prada phone from the South Korean company since way back in 2009 and it appears they are finally ready to deliver. The LG Prada K2′s latest leaks show a pretty impressive phone in terms of both specs and looks. It’s thin and sexy and has some nice curves too. If you ask me it looks very similar to the recently released Nokia Lumia 800 but that is WP7 so we’ll stop right there.

The LG Prada K2 recently cleared the FCC only adding to the pile that makes us think that will be exactly what LG and Prada unveil come next Wednesday, December 14th. Leaks suggest a 4.3 or 4.5″ 1280 x 720p HD display — like the recently reviewed LG Nitro HD. As well as a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and more. We will most likely see more in the next few days not to mention the world will all know after the event next week.
Who’s ready for some Devil Wears Prada?

Monday, December 5, 2011

LG Optimus Net looks to be an affordable dual-SIM Android smartphone

Juggling personal and business mobile phone accounts can be quite tiring and troublesome, especially if you have to carry around with you more than one device. LG’s Optimus Net appears to solve that problem for you in the form of a budget-friendly Android smartphone with dual-SIM card capabilities, allowing you to swap between mobile phone accounts and carriers at whim.
Now don’t expect anything fancy from the LG Optimus Net – in fact one could almost think of it as superseding the LG Optimus One. With an 800MHz processor and 512MB of RAM under the hood, a 3.2” HVGA display, a 3.2MP camera, with 512MB of internal memory (comes bundled with a 2GB memory card) and Android’s Gingerbread 2.3 on board, we don’t expect the LG Optimus Net to be breaking the bank any time soon.
The device will also feature a SIM switch key which will replace the search key on the phone, allowing the user to quickly change between the SIM cards. It is expected to cost around $290 and will be debuting in Russia first. It will also debut in Brazil under the LG Optimus Net Dual moniker but no word if there are plans for it to arrive stateside or anywhere else for that matter.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

LG Nitro HD 4G LTE goes on sale today at AT&T

The LG Nitro HD joins the white Skyrocket SGS 2 as the second LTE-capable phone that releases today on AT&T. The Nitro HD packs quite the punch with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8MP rear HD camera, 4G LTE radios, 20GB of internal storage, 4.5-inch HD 1280 x 720 display and a 1830 mAh battery. If you’re not too impressed with the Samsung Galaxy line, you should definitely consider getting this LG phone. Get ready to shed between $149.99 to $249.99, depending on where you live, with a two year contract.
Let us know if you’re planning to grab a Nitro HD.
via AT&T

Monday, November 28, 2011

LG Optimus series to be first LG devices with Android 4.0

If you are the owner of an LG smartphone that wants to know when your device will get the upgrade to Android 4.0, LG has a bit of information today. An official Facebook post has fingered the devices that will be getting the Android 4.0 update first. All of the initial smartphones to get Ice Cream Sandwich will be in the Optimus family.


The first smartphones will be the Optimus 2X, Optimus Black, Optimus 3D, and the Optimus LTE. LG has not offered the exact date that the update to Android 4.0 will be landing. It has simply said these will be the first devices to get the update. LG does plan to post the upgrade schedule in December according to the post.
LG also notes for users that aren’t on one of these Optimus smartphones there is still hope you will get the ICS update. LG says that it is continuing to evaluate Android 4.0 to see what other smartphones will be able to handle the update.
[via SlashGear, via Pocketnow]

Saturday, November 26, 2011

LG Optimus Pad 2 image leaks

Last year LG launched the Optimus Pad better known as the T-Mobile LG G-Slate in a neat 8.9″ form factor and some 3D effects. While the tablet didn’t sell extremely well it was their first venture into the tablet game. Today we are seeing what is believed to be the successor to the Optimus Pad — possible the Optimus Pad 2.


Looking at the picture we don’t have a lot to go on. Sources are debating the legitimacy of the picture but the original Optimus Pad had the LG branding nicely on the back, not on the front. It appears to either be the same 8.9″ form factor or possibly a smaller sibling. I can’t imagine them putting the LG branding in that location for a larger 10″ slate that would almost always be held and used in landscape mode.
Apparently all we have to go on is the image above, so it doesn’t reveal much and any sort of discussion about specs would be purely speculative. Although most likely this will be an Android 3.2 Honeycomb or 4.0 ICS tab. The way things are going I’d expect the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor inside but we could very well see some sort of dual-core chip at the same time while a larger LG tablet gets the quad-core. Either way we’ll just have to sit and wait for a few more details or pictures to leak so we have a clearer picture of what to expect. Hopefully this go around LG doesn’t make us wear cheap paper sunglasses to view the 3D experience — or just leave that out all together, that is ok too.
LG was one of the first in line with the Tegra 2, chances are we are looking at a similar situation for the Tegra 3.
[via PocketNow]

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

LG sending invites for “exclusive launch event” December 1st, new phone coming soon

It looks like LG is all set to start doing a few of their own exclusive launch event parties for upcoming smartphones because we’ve just got word that LG will be holding an “exclusive launch event” on December 1st (next Thursday). The invite sure doesn’t give us a lot of details and everything is hidden under red drapes as you can see from the invite image but we have a few guesses already.



We have a feeling this will be the Optimus LTE known as the LG Nitro HD 4G LTE phone for AT&T. I know your first thought is wait — the Nitro HD is for AT&T but this invite is covered in red, heavily suggesting Verizon. The invite doesn’t give us any details but sadly it appears the image file was named LG Nitro according to a few other sources. A big oopsies moment indeed. We aren’t sure if this will be a device for AT&T or Verizon for sure, but we’ll know soon.
We’ve already seen plenty of the impressive LG Optimus LTE and it boasts a 4.5″ NOVA display that should be amazingly bright and rocks a 1280 x 720p display, a dual-core 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM and rounded off with the usual front and rear facing cameras. The recent press images of the LG Nitro HD confirmed it was headed for AT&T so that is where we got that idea. Either way we’ll all know for sure come December 1st what LG has planned.
We’ll be sure to bring all the details come next Thursday so if this interests you stay tuned right here at Android Community.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

ICS ROMs start appearing, Galaxy S II and Optimus 3D get it first


We told you that it would only be a few days after the source code dropped that Ice Cream Sandwich ROMs would begin to come out. Lo and behold, some extremely sleepy custom ROM builders have already got Android 4.0 running on retail hardware. The first two devices to see early ports are the Samsung Galaxy S II and the LG Optimus 3D.

Now, SGSII and Optimus 3D owners, don’t rush to install these just yet. They’re both extremely early builds, and on the Galaxy S II version not even the WiFi is working yet. Moreover, the separate YouTube users haven’t posted links or instructions – not that you’d want to use something so unfinished as a reliable ROM anyway. Rest assured these and other Android modders are hard at work on just about every active and popular device, and even a few that aren’t. You can check out the two phones in action below:

So, when can you get a taste of Ice Cream Sandwich? If you’re in Europe and you’ve got several hundred dollars worth of local currency, you can go and buy a Galaxy Nexus now. Here in the U.S. they’re still thin on the ground, with one very notable exception. Verizon still hasn’t given an official date for the Galaxy Nexus release date, because they hate you and don’t want your money they just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Here’s hoping that it sees the light of day in the next week or two. On the software side, more stable versions for existig phones will be coming out of the mod community soon, with super-ROMs like CyanogenMod likely coming in the spring.
[via Engadget]

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

LG Announces Optimus 3D Enhanced Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update


We just received an email from LG confirming the previously leaked Android 2.3 Gingerbread update will officially be arriving on the glasses-free Optimus 3D during the week of November 21st. Rollout will start in Europe and then followed by the rest of the world up until the end of the year.
This isn’t your normal Android update either. LG is calling it an “enhanced” update, adding more than just a bigger firmware number and/or bugfixes. You can look forward to faster 21Mbps HSDPA+ data speeds, new 3D video editor app, improved 2D video stabilization and video recording, plus an updated user interface. You can read the full press release below.
LG ADDS ADVANCED FEATURES TO OPTIMUS 3D
WITH ENHANCED GINGERBREAD UPGRADE
Latest Upgrade Empowers Users with Powerful 3D and Multimedia Options
SEOUL, Nov. 15, 2011 - The enhanced Android 2.3 Gingerbread upgrade developed for LG Optimus 3D will include new and improved features such as enhanced network speed, better 3D experience and improved multimedia functions.
LG’s customized Gingerbread upgrade for Optimus 3D will not only include improvements from Google such as enhanced power management, advanced copy/paste and user interface (UI) improvements, but also enhancements from LG, such as:
Enhanced HSPA+ Speed via Faster Packet Data Services – Internet browsing and real-time streaming have become smoother and more seamless with up to 21Mbps HSDPA;
Enriched 3D Experience with 3D Video Editor and Full-screen UI Preview – With 3D Video Editor, users will be able to easily create and edit 2D as well as 3D movies on their Optimus 3D. The preview screen has become wider with a transparent UI, enabling users to capture better quality 3D content;
Improved Multimedia with 2D Video Stabilization and Faster Gallery Activation – Optimus 3D owners will now be able to record high quality video in 2D mode with the video stabilization feature, previously only available in 3D mode. Gallery loading time has also been reduced.
"These enhanced features included in our customized Android 2.3 upgrade will allow users to further integrate 3D into their everyday lives, as we make the technology more accessible and enjoyable on smartphones," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "We believe that 3D is here to stay and glasses-free 3D on portable devices is to experience the future."
The upgrade will also include additional features such as improved video recording and longer MP3 playback time. The upgrade will be available starting in Europe from the Open model in the week of November 21, followed by other markets until the end of the year.

Monday, November 14, 2011

LG Nitro HD Pictured In Wild, Twin Brother Optimus LTE Hits Bell November 22


Canadians may not celebrate Thanksgiving, but they’ll have something to be thankful for next week when the LG Optimus LTE lands on Bell November 22nd. The phone has a solid set of specs including a 1280 x 720 HD Screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 8MP camera with 1080p recording, and front-facing camera. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread but will likely be upgradeable some time in early 2012.

Above is the leaked image that gave way to the rumors, along with a $149.95 price point. Not bad for a phone with these specs, although Canadian contracts work a bit differently. Meanwhile in America, the Optimus LTE is rumored to be called the LG Nitro HD, coming soon to AT&T. PhoneArena was able to grab a blurry pic of the phone in the flesh.

The AT&T launch date is unknown but we’ll keep you up to date with whatever rumors and leaks come our way.