Omio News Blog

LG Ego Wi-Fi Revealed On Vodafone: PAYG Feature Phone Boasts Connectivity, Keys

Eagle eyed penny-savers perusing the wares on Vodafone’s website may well have noticed a new phone has been added to their Pay As You Go selection today.

The LG Ego Wi-Fi is a budget handset that comes with all the features you’d expect from a mobile that gives enough change from £100 to buy the long awaited Duke Nukem Forever including Bluetooth, a 2MP camera, video recording capabilities, an FM radio and a selection of games.

At a cost of just £65, the LG Ego is well placed to steal a march on pricey smartphones in the market, whilst still keeping strong thanks to some decent feature phone specs.

LG also obviously felt that the phone’s main feature was so important that they had to include it in the handsets name (and emblazoned on the Ego’s rear), and for a phone at this price point it is pretty impressive that it has Wi-Fi connectivity.

As the spiel on the Vodafone website states “the EGO’s Wi-Fi capability lets you get online affordably and easily at Wi-Fi hotspots across the country” whilst as with most phones these days, it has built-in social networking apps to let you keep everyone updated with what you had for breakfast…

Vodafone’s website also states that the phone has a QWERTY keypad “like the one on your computer” – an amazing feat in a phone that is a mere 12mm thick and weighs a paltry 86g – so it is likely the 2.6-inch TFT touchscreen will be the main input method.

Despite the fact that every time we see the name, all we can think of are the tiny plastic bricks that we used to use to create armies of pirate ships with, for those looking for a simple handset to stay online but without having to incur expensive data charges, the LG EGO Wi-Fi could well be the phone to watch.

LG Optimus 3D Now Available To Pre-Order, Free From £25 Per Month

At Mobile World Congress we were told that we would be able to get our hands on the Korean manufacturer’s glasses-free masterpiece, the LG Optimus 3D in late April.

Since then we have been sitting waiting patiently for our chance to own the world’s first 3D phone (sort of, well Japan always gets cool tech first) and our wait could be over as BuyMobilePhones are now listing the Optimus 3D as available to pre-order on T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone.

The deal that catches our attention is a 24-month offer on T-Mobile and includes a free handset, 600 minutes, 500 texts and 500MB of data for just £25.54/month.

With popular Taiwanese phone maker HTC also coming out with their own glasses-free 3D mobile, the Evo 3D, it seems that this could be the summer when portable depth-faking technology really takes off.

If an ‘eye-popping’ 3D phone doesn’t take your fancy, then there are literally millions of other mobile phone deals available to compare on Omio.

MWC 2011: LG Booth Tour – Life’s Good For The Future Of 3D

The buzz was all over the LG stand this year, throngs of people came to see what could well be the next big thing in mobile – the 3D display on the new LG Optimus handset.

Frequent demos, 3D TVs, a massive rotating Optimus 3D showcasing the functionality, it was clear that the Korean manufacturer had learned much from past dalliances with Android and were going at it full pelt with an impressive line-up of distinct devices.

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MWC 2011 – Orange to release the Optimus 3D and Optimus Black in Q2 2011

From MWC 2011:

In a press release today, Orange have revealed that they will be be ranging two of LG’s newest handsets at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the Optimus 3D and the Optimus Black.  Both handsets are due for release in the second quarter, so expect a release between April and June.  As soon as Omio hears anything more specific, we will report it of course.

The dual core Optimus 3D combines a dual 5MP 3D camera, with a 4.3″ glasses-less 3D screen, meaning that users can capture 3D videos and pictures on their handset.  Whilst some are still on the fence over whether 3D is still just a gimmick, the announcement of LG’s partnership with Youtube to provide a 3D content portal means that user uploaded video’s and other multimedia content will have an outlet.  Users will also be able to play 3D games on the handset, and with an online games portal beating even the Nintendo 3DS to the market, it will be interesting to see how much of an impact, if indeed any, this will have on the Big N’s plans.

The Optimus Black is marketed as the ‘world’s slimmest mobile device’ ranging from 6mm to 9.2mm thick.  The Optimus Black has a revoltionary low-power/high-brightness screen.  The Nova display displays at up to 700 nits meaning it will be bright even in direct sunlight.  On top of this power consumption is also reduced.  LG claim that during normal use, the display will only use 50% of the power of conventional displays.  It also weighs in at something of a featherweight 109g, so don’t expect it to wear a hole in your pocket.

We will be keeing our ears to the ground regarding availability and pricing as we get closer to the date, so rest assured, check back at our deals page for more info on both handsets.  We will also be posting hands on impressions and videos throughout MWC 2011, so stay with us for more info.

Read the full press release below:

Read more…

MWC 2011: LG Optimus 3D Announced, Welcome To The Mobile 3D Era

Korean manufacturer LG have officially kickstarted the ‘era of the 3D mobile’ today, launching the LG Optimus 3D in Barcelona.

Powered by a dual-core, dual channel Texas Instruments processor and packing dual memory (three D’s, geddit?), the Optimus 3D promises to revolutionise the market, offering the first glasses-free 3D display in addition to a legion of high-end smartphone specs.

The 4.3-inch WVGA display enables high-definition playback of video (at a maximum of 720p in 3D), and has a crisp screen to show off the Optimus 3D’s enhanced user interface.

A dedicated portal dubbed the ’3D Zone’ enables easy access to all of the Optimus 3D’s depth-filled content, accessible via a physical hotkey on the device. In addition to quick access to image galleries and games, this portal is also home to YouTube 3D, a new channel offering the cream of triple-D user-generated content.

You thought a panda sneezing was adorable in 2 dimensions? Just wait until enterprising folks start uploading their 3D masterpieces!

The Optimus has two 5-megapixel cameras placed adjacently on the rear of the device, enabling snaps and video to be taken in high-resolution, plus with the benefit of out-of-the-screen-osity.

Three games from prolific publisher Gameloft are pre-loaded onto the device, all customised for the Optimus 3D and making full benefit of the groundbreaking gadget’s multi-core prowess and visual flair.

Our only issue is that some peoples’ holiday snaps are dull enough in two dimensions…here’s hoping that a third can make Auntie’s soul-searching trip to Mexico that bit more riveting…

Popular shooter N.O.V.A., Asphalt Racing and Let’s Golf have all had a makeover, and certainly play at least on a par with today’s top-flight smartphones, with the 3D making it all the more immersive.

With the Optimus 3D able to view, create and share 3D content via both HDMI and DLNA, they hope that this will galvanise the shift into consumers enjoying three-dimensional entertainment more fully.

Marked for a global 2nd quarter launch, the Optimus 3D will launch on Android version 2.2, but should be upgradable to the all-singing 2.3 in good time – also a testament to the degree of customisation LG have given to Google’s OS…

Pricing details are scant at the moment, but there will surely be a raft of networks willing to ride the wave of 3D tech…stay tuned for more details!

LG Optimus 3D, Optimus Pad Officially Unveiled Ahead Of MWC

It seems like LG aren’t playing when it comes to their renewed efforts at gaining ground on the smartphone market…

Beating the pre-MWC reveals of the likes of Samsung and Sony Ericsson, LG have revealed the Optimus 3D and Optimus Pad alongside their sleek Optimus Black as their assault on the handset market for 2011.

The LG Optimus 3D boasts a 1Ghz dual-core processor, a 4.3-inch display and all the video encoders you could drem of, but the real pull is obviously the glasses-free 3D WVGA screen.

Combined with a dual-lens camera enabling users to create as well as consume 3D content, the LG Optimus 3D can certainly go in the drawer marked ‘first’, although it remains to be seen whether the Android-powered device will be running on the latest version of Google’s mobile platform.

Not content with letting their mobile have all the 3D fun, the LG Optimus Pad is the Korean manufacturer’s tablet effort, rocking an 8.9-inch display in a widescreen 15:9 aspect ratio. Whilst you can watch 3D content on this dinky device, it does require the use of 3D glasses…how 2010!

Ready for all manner of multimedia, the Optimus Pad does sport the new ‘Honeycomb’ version of Android, said to be developed with the tablet experience in mind. The device also garners a rosette for being the first tablet to had a built-in 3D camera, enabling both photos and video to be recorded on the Optimus Pad and then either viewed on a compatible TV via HDMI or uploaded to the web.

The duo of the LG Optimus 2X and forthcoming LG Optimus Black round out LG’s Mobile World Congress line-up, and it is admittedly a strong comeback, especially considering the mixed success of their tentative initial forays into Android last year.

Losing ground to Samsung has seen LG return with renewed vigour, and we’ll be sure to let you know whether their plans have worked when we get hands-on with these gadgets on the show floor!

LG Optimus 2X Now Available On Pre-Order: Dual-Core Handset Gets Release Date, SIM-Free Pricing

As CES 2011 announcements have begun to usher in a raft of technically superior smartphones, LG’s dual-core monster – the Optimus 2X – has been given a 21st February release date as well as a SIM-free pricetag on Expansys.com.

Their own LG Optimus 2X page has the handset pegged for £499.99, a fair price to pay for one of the most powerful Android phones yet seen, packing two 1Ghz processors (meaning faster…everything, hopefully) and some impressive multimedia credentials with DLNA streaming as well as 1080p video recording and playback as standard.

With the need for mobiles to differentiate themselves from the competition more than ever in a crowded market, the turbo-charged LG Optimus 2X looks to be an early front-runner for popularity amongst tech-heads in 2011.

Microsoft Confirms Windows Phone 7 Launch Day Dream Team: Dell, Asus, LG, HTC, Samsung

Pocket-Lint has been briefed by Microsoft top brass, coming back with the full line-up of manufacturers to be launching Windows Phone 7 handsets in Q4.

HTC, LG and Samsung are joined by mobile newbies Dell and Asus on day one for Microsoft, but details on particular handsets or form factors remain elusive.

Greg Sullivan, senior product manager for Microsoft, also clarified the lack of network exclusivity for mobiles running the new mobile operating system, citing that they ‘want as many people as possible to be able to get it’.

“We will offer the best aspects of Android and the best of the iPhone, giving users the flexibility of different form factors, but with the rigidity of apps that are guaranteed to work on every device that is out there”.

Sounds like a good strategy to us, as the impressive Palm Pre could well have been doomed from the start by launching as an exclusive on the only network that also offered the iPhone…

Whilst some app developers have recently taken receipt (and showed off) their Samsung-based Windows Phone 7 devices, we know little more about the handsets from other manufacturers due for release this Winter.

The HTC Gold was leaked on a roadmap as the Taiwanese manufacturer’s debut handset, whilst LG’s ‘Panther’ phone was apparently alluded to by Sullivan, now branded the ‘Pacific’.

April’s leaky line-up of Dell phones did reveal the Lightning as an WinMo monster, sporting a 4.1-inch OLED display, 8GB of storage and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. We’re sure Asus won’t be far behind with their effort…

Strong initial handsets will be key to the success of Windows Phone 7, and we eagerly anticipate Microsoft’s return to a now very crowded smartphone arena.

Massive 2010 Manufacturer UK Roadmap Revealed: HTC Gold, Nokia E7, Samsung Cetus Due Q4?

We’ve just been tipped off to a huge UK mobile phone release schedule for the rest of the year, with plenty of third quarter cuties and the hottest winter warmers present and correct!

All the major manufacturers are here, with some of their biggest phones to come out in a long time. Join us as we run through some highlights and give you an exclusive glimpse at what’s in store for 2010!

Obviously these dates may be subject to change, but judging by some of the models on here – as well as the source – we have little reason to doubt the veracity…

July

The summer kicks into high gear as a host of phones are revealed from a gaggle of manufacturers, from smartphones to touch-happy fashion devices.

Nokia E5 - Nokia’s latest messaging device is due this month, taking the best of classics like the E71 and E72 and giving it a current-gen sheen.

Sony Ericsson W20 / Zylo - The W20 marks the return of the Sony’s treasured Walkman brand into the mobile arena in July, as this tiny handset merges connectivity and music…in a pink hue no less! Bound to sell shed loads.

Samsung i5500 – The Corby/Genio enters smartphone territory for the first time, with this Android-toting handset due to make a July debut. Sporting the latest build of Google’s OS, Wi-Fi, A-GPS and a 2-megapixel camera, business devices on a budget become reality.

August

As the leaves change, so do the offerings from BlackBerry, LG and HTC, all revamping their ranges with some tasty new devices.

Nokia X6 8GB – The music-savvy mobile takes another memory cut to reach an affordable price tag at the beginning of August, with an 8GB model of this next-gen XpressMusic device set to launch.

BlackBerry Curve 9300 - Despite the Curve 8520 and Bold 9700 cleaning up in the budget and high end of the mobile market respectively, the Curve 9300 (codenamed ‘Kepler’) is apparently earmarked for a UK release in early August, slotting nicely between the two.

With a 3.2 megapixel keyboard and a full QWERTY keyboard, it’s certainly a BlackBerry alright…

September

Everyone’s going colours crazy in September with a pink Vivaz variant and a white model of the Samsung i5500 on the way, but there will also be some new handsets to back it up!

Nokia X2 – This latest addition to the Xseries lineup sees a slender candybar handset in the X2, complete with dedicated music player buttons emblazoned down the sides.

Due to arrive in UK stores this September 1st with 16GB of storage support and a 5-megapixel camera, this could be the shot in the arm that the Finnish manufacturer needs in the mass market.

Sony Ericsson Hazel – The eco-friendly mobile must have been taking its own advice and walking to market, as it has taken absolutely ages to arrive since its December ’09 unveiling… Nevertheless, the Hazel still looks great and keeps us interested with a sleek slider design and unique noise cancelling technology.

October

An explosion of eagerly anticipated handsets drop at the start of Q4, with Nokia, Sony Ericsson and HTC firing on all cylinders. Strap in, it’s gonna be a bumpy mobile ride!

HTC Vision, HTC Ace – Whilst the HTC Vision is the much papped Desire-plus-QWERTY offering that has been doing the rounds, the Ace we know nothing about.

Both due for an October release, any chance that the latter could be one of those physical keyboard rocking handsets leaked earlier in the year? Fingers crossed!

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 (Shakira) – A September release for another ‘sandwich’ handset, nestling between the Android-powered XPERIA X10 and the mini / mini pro variants by inheriting the style of the former and the user interface of the latter.

With a 3-megapixel camera lens and 3.5mm audio jack, the X8 integrates social networking with TimeScape and inherits the creamy goodness of Android.

Nokia N8 - You know about this one…

Nokia’s flagship phone for this year, the Symbian-toting handset might have divided critical opinion in terms of platform choice, but all were agreed in finding the N8 one of the best to come from the Finnish phone maker when it came to build quality.

Eschewing plastic and corner-cutting for an assured metal frame, the N8 looks the part but will Symbian^3 be enough in a post-Android smartphone world? We’ll find out this October.

Sony Ericsson Yendo – Full-touch Walkman fanciness from Sony Ericsson, as the Yendo brings the four-corner quick access from the XPERIA X10 mini but leaving Google’s platform behind on the way.

November

It may be the far flung future but there are still hot phones to excite this winter with HTC’s Windows Phone 7 debut and Sony’s XPERIA-aping Walkman wonder making an appearance…

HTC ‘Gold‘ – Rumoured to be the Taiwanese manufacturer’s first bite at the Windows Phone 7 cherry (Ace permitting…), we all want to see what they can do with Microsoft’s shiny new phone platform.

They made Android sing (to the tune of a 58% increase in Q2 revenue, no less), they made Windows Mobile bearable…this one should be big.

Nokia E7 – A serious bid for messaging supremacy from Nokia here, as the E7 is rumoured to take an aluminium leaf out of the N8′s book when it comes to form factor whilst being powered by the new Symbian^3 operating system and packing an AMOLED display!

Rumoured to have a full-QWERTY keyboard and tilting touchscreen, could this be the ill-fated Nokia N97, done right? Let’s hope so.

Samsung i8700 Cetus - Question marks go here…we know nothing of this phone on the wires, but it is sure to be a huge one, judging by the choice of such a busy release window…

‘Cetus’ was the name of a sea monster in Greek mythology, although it is often called ‘the whale’ today, but is also a constellation of stars in the region of the sky known as the Water (cheers, Wikipedia!).

With ‘bada’ meaning ‘ocean’, does all this aquatic imagery point to a Samsung OS powered behemoth on the horizon? Let’s hope so.

Whilst we thought that the iPhone 4 had sucked the oxygen out of the mobile market, there still looks to be plenty of heat from rival phone makers in the coming months!

We’ll be sure to keep you informed of all mobile developments as they happen…be sure to keep it Omio!

LG Viewty Snap Unveiled: Get Closer With New Optic-all Zoom Lens

LG’s latest entry to their Viewty range may not have a market-leading 12-megapixel lens or all manner of post processing bells and whistles, but the Viewty Snap GM360 still promises to bring something special to the photoshoot…

The LG Viewty Snap sports a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and is equipped with the touch-friendly S-Class user interface, a perfect fit for the 3-inch TFT display.

So far so vanilla, but the Viewty Snap innovates with what they call an ‘optic-all zoom’, claiming to offer the same close up clarity that a traditional optical zoom can offer, without compromising on the shot’s quality, nor resulting in a bulky device.

That much is true, the GM360 Viewty Snap is slender at only 12mm thick – previous optical zoom efforts on a mobile have created some monsters, but this handset is both lithe and light at 95 grams.

Further details are thin on the ground, but we think that going for quality over quantity in the megapixel stakes might make the LG Viewty Snap a surprise entrant in the crowded cameraphone sector.

We’re hoping for a release date and pricing details for the Viewty Snap to come into focus soon…

Source: LG Blog via Techradar