Camera Phones Plaza

>LG gave further indications as to when we can expect the new coloured versions of the popular Chocolate phone, as well as previewing two new editions when I met them this week.

<-234x60 Half Banner - left->I saw the two new 'premium' versions - gold and platinum. These look the same as the classic version, but with a thin gold or silver strip running through the middle, with Gold/Platinum inscribed on it. Looks wise, they reminded me slightly of a packet of cigarettes, but the kind that might tempt a non-smoker to take it up. Besides this, the main enhancement is the inclusion of a 2 megapixel camera with light, where the previous model only had 1.3 megapixels. These are expected to arrive with us mid-November, making them prime Christmas list fodder. They'll come at a similar price to the classic version, which was free on many networks with a £35ish contract.

Further to that, I got a proper look at the pink and white versions, both coming soon. The white version is designed to feel like an iPod Nano, with the same sheen to the paint and silver edging. n fact, it's one of the more successful imitations, as the size and build quality of the phone lends itself well to it. Weirdly, when you first pick it up it feels thicker than the 'classic' Chocolate. This provokes several minutes of looking at the two side by side from every possible angle, only to discover that in fact, they're exactly the same size. It just goes to prove that black is most definitely slimming. This is going to be available in the next 10 days, and in all likelihood, by next Friday (11th). Carphone Warehouse have a two week exclusivity deal, after which it's expected to be everywhere.

The pink version is the hot pink we're all used to from the Motorola RAZR, with the same red glowing buttons we expect from the classic Chocolate. Despite pink and red clashing no doubt it'll be a huge seller. LG expect this to be THE pre-pay handset at Christmas time, when it's expected to retail at about £150. The official launch will be in October, available on both pre-pay and contract.

Via TechDigest.

Alltel Wireless and LG Electronics announced two new handsets equipped with Alltel's innovative Touch2Talk walkie-talkie service. The LG AX390 and AX355 handsets are exclusively available from Alltel Wireless beginning this week.

"The LG AX390 and AX355 significantly expand and enhance Alltel's lineup of Touch2Talk wireless phones," said Wade McGill, senior vice president of product management for Alltel. "These LG handsets provide Touch2Talk users with even greater flexibility as well as the nation's largest walkie-talkie coverage, allowing customers to improve communications and boost productivity."

The AX390 features enhanced Touch2Talk capabilities, including the ability to upgrade walkie-talkie calls to regular wireless calls when circumstances require
an extended conversation; the ability to send a text message to all members of a Touch2Talk group, and the ability to receive ''buddy alerts'' when friends or co-workers become available for Touch2Talk calls.

The AX390 also features a one-touch speakerphone, voice recognition (no matter who's talking) and large, forward-firing speakers, all of which allow users to multitask while communicating. In addition, the AX390 is Axcess Web capable and works on Alltel's Axcess MobileLink network, which delivers speeds of 40 to 70 kbps with bursts up to 144 kbps.

Alltel customers can purchase one LG AX390 for $59.99 and get a second for free. This discounted price is available to new customers on two-year service agreements as well as to existing eligible customers on qualifying rate plans.

The AX355, in addition to delivering Touch2Talk service, features a 1.3 megapixel camera, Axcess picture and video messaging, built-in speakerphone and voice-activated dialing. It also features hands-free Bluetooth wireless technology and BREW 2.1. It is Axcess Web capable and works on Alltel's Axcess MobileLink network.

Via softpedia.

With successful launches in many European and Asian regions around the world, LG and Verizon Wireless have brought the 'Chocolate' line of handsets to the US. The LG VX8500 Chocolate shares most of the look and specifications of its brothers from abroad, but has certain tweaks for the US market.

The black slider style handset looks incredible, and backs up its fashion tendencies with a great feature set. The LG VX8500 sports a large, 262k color TFT display, which disappears when not active, along with touch sensitive navigation controls that work off the heat in your fingertip. A 1.3 megapixel camera sits on the back of the VX8500 Chocolate, and a microSD memory card slot is included, which can be used to store music downloaded from the Verizon V CAST music store - the VX8500 supports the playback of both WMA and MP3 format music.

Measuring up at 96.5mm x 47.7mm x 17.5mm (3.8" x 1.88" x 0.69") and weighting just 100g (3.53oz), the LG VX8500 Chocolate also features Bluetooth (with stereo headset support), speaker independent voice recognition, and is compatible with most of Verizon's carrier services like VZ Navigator.

The LG VX8500 Chocolate is available now from the Verizon Wireless website for US$149.99 after a US$50.00 online discount and two-year service agreement.

Via mobileburn.

LG announced the launch of a new tri-band GSM handset, the LG KG920, with a uniquely designed 5 megapixel camera. With a sleek candy bar style, the new KG920 is also LG's first 5 megapixel camera to be introduced in the UK. The KG920 is designed to bring lightness to camera and photo enthusiast's pockets, but still have the ability to shoot quality photos while on the go.

The KG920's unique twist design for the 5 megapixel camera allows users to rotate the camera 180 degrees for those hard to shoot photos. Because of the special hinge design, the KG920's camera always allows its user to view the display, whether the subject is a friend or themselves. In addition to looking good, the KG920's camera supports both landscape and sport modes, and has a 4x digital zoom.

Users can then view photos on the handset's large 2" 262k color TFT display or send to them friends via email or MMS. Photos can be stored in the 8MB of internal storage, on a memory card (a 256MB card is included), or on a PC using synchronization software. The memory card can also be used for storing music since the KG920 has a MP3/AAC/AAC+ capable music player.

Via mobileburn.