LG Optimus 2X, the world’s first smartphone with a dual-core processor. Along with more powerful multimedia features, the LG Optimus 2X’s high-performance Tegra 2 processor makes for faster, smoother web browsing and applications and lets users multitask with virtually no screen lag.

“Dual-core technology is the next leap forward in mobile technology so this is no small achievement to be the first to offer a smartphone utilizing this technology,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO and President of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With unique features such as HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) mirroring and exceptional graphics performance, the LG Optimus 2X is proof of LG’s commitment to high-end smartphones in 2011.”

Developed by graphics processor powerhouse NVIDIA, the dual-core Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip found in the LG Optimus 2X runs at a clock speed of 1GHz and boasts low power consumption and high performance for playing video and audio. Users will experience faster web browsing and smoother gameplay compared with single-core processors running at the same speed as well as instantaneous touch response and seamless multitasking between applications.

The LG Optimus 2X offers 1080p HD video playback and recording with HDMI mirroring that expands content on external displays to full HD quality. The LG Optimus 2X can connect wirelessly to any DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible digital device such as HD TVs for a console-like gaming experience taking full advantage of the phone’s HDMI mirroring, accelerometer and gyro sensor. The smartphone also includes both rear- and front-facing cameras, microSD memory expandability, Micro-USB port and a hefty 1500mAh battery.

The LG Optimus 2X will be available in Korea in Jan 2011 with countries in Europe and Asia to follow. The phone will initially be released with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and will be upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The upgrade schedule for LG Optimus 2X will be announced in local markets in due course.

LG Optimus 2X Specifications:

• 1Ghz Dual-core Processor (NVIDIA Tegra 2)
• 4-inch WVGA screen
• 8GB memory (up to 32GB via microSD)
• 1,500 mAh battery
• 8 megapixel rear camera and 1.3 megapixel front camera
• HDMI mirroring
• 1080p MPEG-4/H.264 playback and recording

U.S. Cellular is rounding out its 2010 lineup of Android-powered phones with the Dec 13 launch of the LG Optimus U, the ideal handset for first-time smartphone users ready to experience the power of Android 2.2 technology. Backed by the carrier’s high-speed network, LG Optimus U will be available in U.S. Cellular stores and at uscellular.com for free after an $80 mail-in rebate. LG Optimus U is also supported by all the benefits of The Belief Project, which include industry-first innovations like “no contract after the first.”

“The LG Optimus U is a good fit for first-time smartphone customers who are looking to explore a wide range of games, multimedia entertainment and time-saving Android applications,” said Edward Perez, vice president of marketing and sales operations for U.S. Cellular. “Customers with one of our Belief Plans who are eligible for a phone upgrade can pick up an LG Optimus U at our promotional price without signing a new contract.”

New customers who sign up for a Belief Plan and fulfill an initial two-year commitment will never have to sign another one with U.S. Cellular’s “no contract after the first.” Customers automatically get valuable rewards that can be used for faster phone upgrades in as little as 10 months, additional lines, phones, accessories and ringtones.

LG Optimus U from U.S. Cellular sports a sleek 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen and virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology that allows users to input text quickly by sliding a finger over the keyboard in one continuous motion. The five home screens provide easy access to customers’ favorite applications and create a truly customizable user experience.

In addition to the popular Google applications like Google Maps, Google Talk and Gmail, that are pre-loaded on the LG Optimus U, U.S. Cellular customers can also tap into Your Navigator Deluxe for voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation, get ringtones from Tone Room Deluxe and store all their contacts on a secure Web site with My Contacts Backup.

The LG Optimus U is equipped with a 2GB microSD card and offers a up to 32GB of memory via an external memory card for customers who want to watch videos or listen to music while on-the-go. Featuring a 3.2 megapixel camcorder with autofocus and zoom, LG Optimus U also provides a 3.5mm headphone jack and Wi-Fi support for up to five devices through built-in portable hotspot capabilities.

Samsung Electronics and Google today announced Nexus S, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android™ platform. Powered by Android 2.3, Samsung and Google have packed Nexus S with powerful technology and the latest in hardware features. Though not officially positioned as such, the Nexus S is an update to the now-retired Google Nexus One.

JK Shin, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “Samsung and Google have worked together closely to deliver the best Android smart phone experience for consumers. It has been our ambition in working with Google to continue to push the Android platform forward and create a smart phone that has both superior functionality and a stunning user-experience. It is extremely satisfying to see this partnership again bear tremendous fruit.”

“Samsung was thrilled to work with Google to create the first device featuring the much anticipated Android 2.3 OS. Nexus S is powerful proof of Samsung and Google’s commitment to bringing technology firsts to market and launching products that utilize the open and innovative Android operating system,” said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer of Samsung Telecommunications America. “Nexus S integrates Samsung’s best-in-class hardware and technology with the exciting new features and upgrades of Android 2.3 Gingerbread to give consumers a breakthrough smartphone experience.”

“Google is excited to co-develop Nexus S with Samsung, ensuring solid integration of hardware and software to deliver the lead device for the latest version of Android, Gingerbread,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.

Nexus S is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more ergonomic style and feel when held to the user’s face.  Nexus S also features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which allows you to read information off of everyday objects like stickers and posters that are embedded with NFC chips. Powered by a 1 GHz Samsung application processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content.

Nexus S is equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. Nexus S also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.

Android 2.3, Gingerbread, is the fastest version of Android yet. It features support for Near Field Communication (NFC), a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support), and a clean new user interface. Nexus S also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking, access to Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Voice Actions, Google Voice™ and YouTube™, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market™.

Nexus S can be purchased (unlocked) online and in-store from Best Buy retailers in the U.S. starting after December 16 and at Carphone Warehouse retailers in the U.K. after December 20.

Google Nexus S Specs:

All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

¹ Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics, Q3 2010 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.

Google, Nexus S, Android, Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Voice, YouTube, and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.

LG Optimus M Review

LG Optimus M is the first Android smartphone from MetroPCS. Available in MetroPCS stores and online starting November 24, LG Optimus M is a sleek Android device with a vibrant 3.2 inch touchscreen that allows consumers to do more with quick access to today’s expanding number of applications.

LG Optimus M MetroPCS

With the LG Optimus M, MetroPCS introduces consumers to the growing Android Market(TM) by helping them stay connected and entertained while on-the-go. With multi-app screens and the Android 2.2 operating system (“Froyo”), LG Optimus M provides instant access to more than 100,000 of the latest applications to fit anyone’s lifestyle. The $50 per month no annual contract plan allows consumers to take advantage of Metro USA(SM) nationwide unlimited talk, text and web services.

“This holiday season, we’re giving customers what they’ve wished for — an affordable Android smartphone with a full spectrum of applications and unlimited services to do more like never before,” said Roger Linquist, chairman, president and CEO of MetroPCS. “LG Optimus M opens a path to the growing Android market and takes us one step closer to providing a full-service, postpaid experience while maintaining the affordability, flexibility and predictability of our Wireless for All(SM) services.”

“LG and MetroPCS have come together to offer consumers the first no annual contract Android smartphone at an exceptional value,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of consumer and trade marketing for LG Mobile Phones. “LG Optimus M is an easy-to-use handset with the capabilities of the latest Android technology and features to enhance the consumers’ experience.”

LG Optimus M Specs

LG Optimus M will be available from MetroPCS for $229 with a $50 monthly service plan. Key features include:

• Games, ringtones and wallpapers, easily accessible through the @metro App Store(TM)
• 100,000+ applications in the Android Market(TM) to do, enjoy and share, and nearly 60 percent of Android Market apps are free
• The latest Android 2.2 operating system to access Google mobile
• Text, e-mail, IM, blogs and streaming video to express yourself whenever, wherever
• A first-class device with superior, high-end champagne finish
• Brilliant 3.2″ tempered touchscreen with virtual QWERTY keyboard, Swype embedded
• 3.2 MP camera for sharing pics on social media networks
• Easy Wi-Fi(R) connectivity – for incredibly simple and swift connections to Wi-Fi networks
• Multi-app screens to organize your content and access your stuff quickly and easily

Nokia X2-01 Review

Nokia has announced a couple of new additions to its budget range: the Nokia C2-01 and the Nokia X2-01, both running Symbian S40. The Nokia X2-01 is a device for social networking and fast communications. Nokia X2-01 comes with a full QWERTY keypad and is aimed at those who can’t get enough of text messaging and status updates. This is bolstered by the new Communities app which integrates Facebook into the device. You can see friends’ updates directly from the homescreen and easily post your own updates and photos. With one click, you can dive into the application for a deeper view.

As befits an Xseries device, there’s also a healthy emphasis on music. There’s one click access to music, the media player, FM radio and the Ovi Music service, for unlimited access to a vast library of tunes, will be available in selected markets. There’s also Ovi Store, of course, for fresh apps. Ovi Life Tools will also be available in some territories.

Nokia X2-01 Specs

Nokia X2-01 comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA screen and a VGA camera on the back. The Nokia X2-01 measures 119.4 x 59.8 x 14.3mm and weighs 107.5g. It supports memory cards up to 8GB. There’s no WiFi and only GPRS/EDGE data, but that’s compensated for by the low price.

Nokia X2-01 Features

Messaging
• Full QWERTY keymat
• 1-click accessto emailand chat via Nokia Messaging
• EasyOvi Mailand Ovi Chat account creation
• Conversational SMS for chat type messaging
• Favorite contacts on homescreen

Social networking
• 1-click accessto social networking directly from home screen
• Viewing alerts and news on the homescreen
• Easy posting and changing of status and uploading photos
• Quick navigation through your friends latest posts

Music
• 1-click accessto music
• Ovi Music (in select countries)
• Media player
• FM stereo radio + RDS

Additional features
• VGA camera
• 3.5 AV connector
• Built-inhandsfreespeaker
• Ovi Life Tools(in select markets)

The Nokia X2-01 is going to be available from this Quarter and the price is expected be around €80, before local taxes and operator subsidies are applied.

Nokia C2-01 Review

The most important thing to know about the Nokia C2-01 is that this is our most inexpensive new 3G phone, so it promises to bring fast data services to millions of people who’ve never had them before. It’s a classic feature phone with the Series 40 operating system, traditional keypad, a 3.2-megapixel camera and a two-inch screen. There’s also a music player, FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity and it can handle memory cards up to 16GB. Note that, unlike the original Nokia C2-00, this is a single SIM device.

Nokia C2-01 comes with Nokia Messaging for email and instant messaging. SMS and chat messages are now displayed in a conversational (threaded) view. You get the Ovi Store for new apps and Ovi Music for tunes. In selected markets, the Nokia C2-01 will come with the Ovi Life Tools service.

Nokia C2-01 Features

• 3G for fast web search and browsing
• 3.2 Mpixcamera with video recording
• Large and bright 2” QVGA screen
• Nokia Messaging with email and IM
• Conversational messaging
• Access and share on Facebookand Flickr
• Great selection of apps and gamesfrom OviStore
• OviMusic –available from OviStore
• OviLife Tools (selected countries)
• FM radio with RDS and music player
• Nokia Xpress Audio messaging
• 3.5mm AV connector
• Large phone book up to 2000 contacts

Nokia C2-01 Specs

Physically, Nokia C2-01 is 109.8 x 46.9 x 15.3mm and weighs 89g. Nokia C2-01 will be available from the first Quarter of 2011. The Nokia C2-01 price is expected to be around €70, before local taxes and operator subsidies.

LG Apex Review

LG Apex is U.S. Cellular’s latest high-performance, Android-powered device. The LG Apex, with its vibrant 3.2″ touchscreen and sleek, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, joins a string of cutting-edge products recently launched by the carrier, including the HTC Desire, Samsung Acclaim, Samsung Mesmerize (a Galaxy S smartphone) and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab, slated to arrive in stores this month. The LG Optimus U will debut in December rounding out U.S. Cellular’s Android-powered offerings for 2010.

LG Apex Specs

LG Apex is a cool productivity tool that runs on Android 2.1 and features a 3.2-inch durable tempered glass touchscreen that responds to a feather touch with vibration feedback. The screen also boasts luminous sensors that adjust brightness depending on light conditions and shows off the dynamic, animated live wallpaper. Five customizable home screens allow customers to create shortcuts to their favorite apps and widgets. Its stylish and functional design offers a QWERTY keyboard that slides out to make typing and texting easy.

Backed by U.S. Cellular’s high-speed nationwide network, customers can browse and download thousands of applications in Android Market that allow users to customize their phone to fit their lifestyle. Customers can also access popular Google applications, including Google Maps™ with its turn-by-turn directions and Google Voice Search™ that helps them locate anything without a single key tap. The LG Apex’s 3 megapixel autofocus, flash-ready camera/camcorder comes with a panorama mode that lets customers take up to six side-by-side shots to build a sweeping view.

LG Apex is a Wi-Fi enabled phone also comes with an MP3 player, and customers can easily organize their music library, repeat and shuffle their favorite songs. They can even multi-task, playing music in the background while simultaneously e-mailing, texting or downloading videos. A video player is included for WMV, MP4, 3GP and 3G2 formats.

LG Apex Price

The LG Apex will retail for $80 after an $80 mail-in rebate and will be available Nov 19 at US Cellular locations.

LG Vortex Review

LG Vortex will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com on November 18. Just like Motorola Citrus “affordable” Android device, the LG Vortex empowers first-time smartphone users to join and explore the growing Android world with 3G connectivity over Verizon Wireless. With its sleek design, LG Vortex gives consumers easy-to-use access to a variety of applications that make life simple and keep customers at the center of their social universe. If the LG Vortex looks familiar to you, that’s because it’s essentially Verizon’s version of the LG Optimus T from T-Mobile and the LG Optimus S from Sprint.

LG Vortex Colors: Black and Violet

LG Vortex Specs

• Powered by Android 2.2 – Offers customers support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk, Google Voice and access to Android Market™
• Preloaded with Bing Search and Bing Maps
• 3.2” touchscreen with tactile feedback for fast and accurate touch vibration response
• Wi-Fi Connectivity
• 3G Mobile HotSpot capable
• Virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology installed
• Bluetooth® 2.1 capabilities with support for Bluetooth Profiles Supported: Headset, Hands-Free, Dial-Up Networking, Object Push, Advanced Audio Distribution (stereo), Audio/Video Remote Control, Phone Book Access, and File Transfer
• microSD™ card slot with expandable memory up to 32 GB

Additional features:

• Customizable home screens with shortcuts to text messages, e-mail, apps, favorite social networking sites and widgets
• Customizable to 5 or 7 home screens
• Proximity sensor instantly locks touchscreen while talking on the phone
• Pre-installed LG Apps, including My Status with Twitter™ for LG and Facebook® for LG
• Visual Voice Mail capable
• Skype mobile™ capable
• Android Market – Choose from thousands of downloadable apps
• Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported
• VZ Navigator® capabilities – Access for customers to receive audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and share the directions with others
• 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera and camcorder with flash that includes:
  • Five different camera resolutions and three different video resolutions
  • Macro Mode for detailed, up close pictures
  • Image editor with zoom, rotate, resize, crop, added frames and stamps
  • Customize brightness, white balance, shutter sounds, color effects and use self-timer
  • Optimize video quality with normal, fine or super camcorder settings
  • Video recording time up to 16 GB

LG Vortex Price

The LG Vortex will be $80 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.

LG Cosmos Touch Review

Just as LG brought the touch screen to the LG Rumor line of phones with the LG Rumor Touch, it has introduced the touch screen to the LG Cosmos series with the LG Cosmos Touch. LG Cosmos Touch will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Nov. 18. The second generation of the LG Cosmos, LG Cosmos Touch offers customers a stylish device with a touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

LG Cosmos Touch Specs

• 2.8″ WQVGA touchscreen
• 4-line QWERTY keyboard
• Bluetooth(R) 2.1 capabilities with support for the following profiles: headset, hands-free, object push for vCard and vCalendar, stereo, file transfer, phonebook access, message access
• microSD(TM) Memory Slot for up to 16 GB of memory

LG Cosmos Touch additional features:

• 3 home screens with 7 customizable shortcuts or widgets
• Flash user interface for clear images and fun animations
• Voice commands
• VZ Navigator(R) capable – Receive audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and share the directions with others
• Media Center – Access downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
• Full suite of messaging options, including text, picture, video and voice messaging; Mobile IM; Social Beat; and Mobile Web Email
• 1.3-megapixel camera that includes:
  • Three different camera resolutions
  • Zoom up to 2 times
  • Set pictures as wallpaper and picture ID
  • Night mode
  • Self timer – 3, 5 or 10 seconds
  • Image editor: zoom, rotate, crop, stamps, borders, and draw on photos
  • Upload images directly to Facebook(R), MySpace(TM) or other social networks
  • Customizable shutter sound, brightness, white balance, color effects

LG Cosmos Touch Price

The LG Cosmos Touch will be available starting November 23rd for $80 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement with Verizon Wireless.

Samsung Continuum is the world’s first smartphone designed with a dedicated ticker display, which provides users with up-to-the-minute news, sports, finance and social networking updates for maximized multitasking. Samsung Continuum features two separate but integrated displays: a 3.4-inch touch screen Super AMOLED main display and a customizable 1.8-inch Super AMOLED dedicated ticker display that streams customized information in real time. Additionally, the Samsung Continuum is powered by Android 2.1, with support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, YouTube, Android Market and more. Samsung Continuum also includes a 1GHz Hummingbird Application Processor, 5-megapixel camera, and multiple entertainment and social networking features. We were informed that Samsung Continuum is less powerful as compared to Motorola Droid X or the Samsung Fascinate.

Samsung Continuum Specs:

• 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Main Touch Screen Display – Main display provides user-customizable homescreens and widgets in a brilliant screen display
• 1.8-inch Interactive Super AMOLED Ticker Display – Dedicated ticker display enables zero-click access to news, social networking, sports and entertainment feeds; users can select what content they want on the ticker by selecting from menu on display
• Grip Sensor – By touching the bottom sides of the device, the ticker display lights up to give users real-time weather, social networking services (SNS), message, IM and e-mail notification updates
• Super AMOLED Screen Technology – Brilliant screen makes watching movies, viewing videos and playing games come to life like never before, even in bright light and outdoor environments
• Android 2.1 platform – With support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk and Android Market
• Preloaded with Bing Maps and Bing Search
• Full HTML Web browsing capabilities
• 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities – Allows customers to transform their phone into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi-enabled devices
• Advanced touchscreen gestures capabilities, including multi-touch pinch to zoom, double tap to zoom and horizontal swiping, which provides easier and quicker access to many applications, including location-based services, Web browsing and digital photos or videos
• Multiple file formats supported, including DivX and Xvid support
• Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor – Produces amazing graphics, faster upload and download times, and HD-like multimedia content
• Six-axis sensor that works with the smartphone’s accelerometer to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right
• Virtual QWERTY Keyboard Featuring Swype Technology – Input text faster and in a more intuitive way with one continuous finger motion across the screen keyboard
• Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported
• 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder – Auto-focus and LED flash with HD video recording and playback capabilities to capture photos and videos for playback on your HD television; playback (720p) on the screen display
• Wi-Fi Connectivity (802.11 b/g/n)
• Stereo Bluetooth Technology – Support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, and object push for vCard and vCalendar
• Corporate Email – Supports Android Éclair Exchange ActiveSync e-mail to synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from office e-mail accounts
• Music player features lock screen, ticker display and quick side panel controls and 3.5-millimeter headphone jack
• 8 GB microSD card preinstalled expandable up to 32 GB
• Lifestyle features:
• V CAST Music with Rhapsody, V CAST Video on Demand, V CAST Song ID, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Tones, VZ Navigator, Mobile IM, City ID, Bing Search and Maps, and Blockbuster Application
• Dedicated ticker displays up-to-the minute news, weather and SNS updates, as well as music player controls and incoming e-mail, IM, and text messages without interrupting the activity on the main display
• Samsung’s Social Hub – Built around messaging, contacts and calendar sync, which allows users to send and receive information, whether it is e-mail, social network updates or SMS messages
• Integrated Calendar information from portal calendars, on Exchange, Google Calendar and SNS, including Facebook®
• Integrated Contacts syncs with Exchange, Google, Twitter and Facebook – Facebook contacts display in four categories, including Info, History (previous calls and messages), Activities (status updates and notifications on social networking sites), and Media (Facebook profile photos and photo gallery)
• AllShare – Enables inter-device connectivity through Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), so users can send multimedia content wirelessly to other DLNA Certified-enabled devices such as TVs and laptops
• Daily Briefing – Instant access to weather, news, stocks and schedules
• Write and Go – Quickly jot down an idea and later decide on a format, such as SMS/ MMS, e-mail, calendar or memo, to send or post to popular SNS sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace
• Smart Alarm – Natural alarm sound and display automatically illuminates
• Weather Clock – Displays current time and weather of the selected city (ability to add and select other cities)

The Samsung Continuum will be available for order starting Nov. 11 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement and data package. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Samsung Continuum will be available for purchase in stores beginning Nov 18 (in addition the LG Vortex, a mid-level phone will also be released at the same time).