LG: 50% of New Release Will Run Android
LG recently stated that it plans to run the Android operating system on more than half of the 20 smartphones it plans to release in 2010.
The statement comes as a bit of a surprise for the manufacturer, which typically chooses Microsoft’s Windows mobile operating system to power its smartphone portfolio. LG’s president and CEO, Scott Ahn, told Reuters that “Windows Mobile still has its legacy issues that makes it challenging to compete in mobiles: we know it and Microsoft knows it.” But LG says that it will still continue to use Windows Mobile and that it will also begin to offer LiMo’s Linux operating system on some devices.
LG plans to increase its phone sales by 20 percent, which means they’re targeting to sell 140 million handsets in 2010.
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Categories: LG Tags: Android, Google, LG, LiMo, Linux, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Scott Ahn, Windows Mobile
Rumor: Sprint to Get LG Prada 3 Running Android
Another day, and another rumor. This time the rumor mill is circuiting around Sprint and the possibility of them offering the LG Prada 3 sometime in 2010. And this rumor is most likely due, at least in part to CES.
Unfortunately, much of this is just speculation. But what we can tell you, or more accurately pass on to you, is that the LG Prada 3 smartphone “might adopt” Android.
Then assuming that happens, it may also be heading to Sprint. Yup, like I said the details are pretty poor, but still could be interesting — mainly because this would mark the first Prada smartphone to be available by way of a US carrier.
But as of now there is little else to do except sit back wait and for those that are interested — hope. As for the wait, that looks to be good until CES, at which time Sprint is planning to host an exclusive event on January 6, and yours truly will be on hand to check it out. And of course, report any and all details back to you.
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Categories: LG, Sprint Tags: Android Operating System, LG Prada, Sprint
Sprint & LG to Announce WiMax WinMo Device
Sprint and LG’s phone division have invited journalists to an event at the CES tradeshow next month, where the two will apparently announce a smartphone running Microsoft’s Windows Mobile OS that can connect to WiMAX networks.
This isn’t directly spelled out in the invitation, but it does say the event will be “showcasing Sprint’s 4G leadership.” Unlike all of its competitors, this carrier is using WiMAX as its 4G standard.
In addition, Steve Ballmer, the CEO of Microsoft, will be speaking at this event.
All these facts, in combination, point strongly to the announcement of an LG phone running Windows Mobile with support for Sprint’s WiMAX network.
As Promised
This device, if real, won’t be coming out of left field. Early this fall, Sprint promised to launch its first phone with WiMAX in 2010.
This carrier went on to say that this will be a tri-mode device: CDMA, EV-DO, and WiMAX. With all three of these networking technologies, it will be able to make phone calls over Sprint’s voice network and use this carrier’s 3G service, as well as the WiMAX service offered by Clearwire, which will soon become a Sprint subsidiary.
Stay Tuned
At this point, no additional details are available on LG’s upcoming model.
The official unveiling of this device is scheduled for January 6.
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LG Reveals Its First Android Phone
LG has announced its first smartphone that runs Google’s Android operating system, with a target market of first time smartphone users and social networking fans.
The LG-GW620 features a 3-inch full LCD touchscreen and slide out QWERTY keypad, and has been designed to be easy to use, and also includes features to provide better connectivity with social networks.
The GW620 comes with Social Network Site (SNS) Manager application, which integrates all of the user’s social networking sites and functions in one place, and the handset includes connectivity with instant messenger, threaded SMS and real-time push email functions.
The handset also has Auto Face-Tagging and Face To Action features, which allow the user to tag a face in a photograph, and then execute a range of functions by touching the selected face. A 5 megapixel AF camera and high- resolution video recorder capture add to the multimedia functions.
HS Paik, president of LG Electronics Gulf FZE commented: “The LG-GW620 will appeal to first time smartphone customers by offering a new and different kind of user experience. Our objective is to provide a wide selection of smartphones to satisfy the diverse preferences of today’s consumers. This Android phone is just one of many smartphone models we plan to introduce worldwide in the years ahead.”
The LG GW620 will be available soon in the UAE, according to LG.
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LG Snapdragon Android Phone Due in Q2 of 2010
If you found LG GW620 Eve a little bit too tame for your taste, then we’ve got good new for you. Word is that LG is prepping a follow-up to their maiden Android release with one that packs a Snapdragon chip as its processor. Yup, that’s the same speedy Qualcomm chip that can be found in the likes of the HTC HD2, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10, and the Acer Liquid. Details about its other specs are pretty scarce though, but LG is assuring us that it’ll be “more mature” than their current Android offering, the LG GW620 Eve. It’s expected to hit the Korean market in Q2 of 2010, and we also hear that their considering its release outside Korea as well. Keep your fingers crossed guys as it would be a mighty shame if this baby wasn’t made available in the international market.
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LG’s Android GW620 Launch Gets Closer
LG’s Android based “Etna” GW620 has been in the news for quite sometime now. However, with the recent spotlight on the Cliq and Droid from Motorola, the attention on LG’s Android had diminished.
However, looks like LG is now readying the Etna for launch. A microsite describing the phone complete with fresh new images and promo videos has been seen making its presence felt. The phone, from what we can observe, will take the likes of the Cliq head on. This also means this would be a mid-range Android based phone directed at someone who would want an inexpensive, but feature packed device minus the frills. The device, like the Cliq, is likely to be projected as social networking friendly.
Here’s a video of what to expect from the Etna once it is launched:
The official microsite has been offline since the news broke.
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