LTE TDD's not much of a thing in the US (other than on Clearwire), but it's widely used across Asia and in countries like Saudi Arabia. Still, many handset makers are just getting on board, and LG has launched its first smartphone with those bands -- an Optimus G variant -- on Saudi Telecom's network. LG said it would soon roll out that model along with other, as-yet-unnamed phones, equipped with the band (also known as TD-LTE) in Japan, Austrialia, India and North America. The Korean maker added that China will see the Optimus G this summer on China Mobile, which demoed a TD-LTE prototype of that model not so long ago.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, LG

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Source: LG

LG's flagship Optimus G Pro, due to launch on AT&T on May 10th, might just make its way to Sprint later this year -- and possibly with an upgraded processor. A User Agent Profile on Sprint's website reveals a 1080p, Android 4.2.2 handset called the LS980, which lines up with AT&T's model number (E980) and also corroborates an earlier listing at the Bluetooth SIG. Curiously, the UAP mentions Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 800 ("M8974"), in contrast to the existing G Pro's Snapdragon 600 processor. Then again, there's only so much you can tell about future products from XML files like these. It could be an upgraded Sprint G Pro variant, but the reference to a totally new chip has us (and Android Police) thinking it could also be a full-fledged Optimus G sequel, which has already been rumored and possibly leaked. Either way, it's nice to see evidence of a top-tier phone maker using this cutting edge Snapdragon, especially after the comedy of ZTE's Grand Memo.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint, LG

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Via: Android Police

Source: Sprint, Bluetooth SIG

LG's just shed some much needed light on its May 1st New York event. Turns out the "genius" the company will be celebrating stands for Atlas Genius -- as in the band -- and the star of this fete: the Optimus G Pro. We've already seen and very favorably reviewed the global model of LG's performance flagship (for the G's successor, you'll have to wait until Q3) and now it looks like the US is in store for a potential carrier-branded version of its own. If it arrives internally unmolested, we're looking at a 5.5-inch 1080p True HD IPS+ display, Snapdragon 600 and a 2.1-megapixel / 13-megapixel camera setup capable of dual video recording. We'll be on-site for this stateside debut, so stay tuned for the full monty.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, LG

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LG's been teasing a big reveal for the start of May over in the US and we reckon it'll mark the official launch of the Optimus G Pro. But what about the not-so-humble Optimus G and the rest of the world? Well, we've been told that a (global-bound!) sequel flagship from LG will appear sometime in Q3. Direct from LG's HQ in Seoul, Won Kim, Head of Mobile Marketing says that we can expect "something different and something unique", which all sounds good to us. It'll also be something that won't skirt near the 5.5-inch screen size of the Optimus G Pro, and will instead stick closer to the five-inch mark. Unfortunately, he kept his explanation of new device tantalizingly vague for now, but it looks like LG will wait for the current flagship phone fight to settle a bit before it reveals its new weapon.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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While the biggest question concerning LG's 5.5-inch Optimus G Pro -- when will it ship in the US -- remains officially TBA, the company has posted a video preview (embedded after the break) of the software update it's sending Korean early adopters this month. There's also no launch date for the "Value Pack" upgrade listed, but the video does give a clear demonstration of things like Smart Video that recognizes when the viewer looks away using eye tracking technology, Dual Camera using the front and back cameras at the same time, and Pause & Resume recording that brings Vine-style seamless video cuts. Check out the video to experience it for yourself, we'll see if LG's phablet can beat the Galaxy S4 -- and, presumably, the next Galaxy Note -- to market in the US with these features.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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Source: LGMobileHQ (YouTube)

The original LG Lucid came to Verizon just a little over a year ago as a midrange device, and today we got word that its sequel, the Lucid2 (VS870), is now ready to come down the pipeline in similar capacity. Said to be Big Red's version of the LG Optimus F5, the free device is aimed at the first-time smartphone buyer. Among its boasted features are a Starter Mode with a simplified UI -- much like what we've seen on Pantech phones recently -- as well as a 5MP rear camera, 4.3-inch qHD IPS display, 2,460mAh battery, Android 4.1.2, unspecified 1.2GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage. The latest Lucid will hit Verizon shelves in the coming weeks. Hit the press release below for more specs and details.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Verizon, LG

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How do you boost screen real estate on a smartphone without increasing the device's footprint significantly? You could add a pair of slide-out panels mounted behind the main display. But you wouldn't. We'd hope. Such a concept made its way out of LG HQ and into the hands of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, however, and three years after its submission date, the proposed device has returned to haunt the South Korean manufacturer, in the form of an issued patent. The concept in question is quite simple: a primary LCD would be visible at all times, and when the occasion called for another panel or two, they'd simply slide into view, ready to serve as a number pad, or settings control, predictive text display, or even a full-fledged split keyboard.

Now, considering that there's been plenty of time since this filing to bring such a smartphone to market, we're going to guess that LG's abandoned plans for its tri-screen device, opting instead to boost the primary display size in smartphones like its Optimus G Pro, or the poorly received 5-inch Optimus Vu. That's not to say that multi-screen handsets won't continue to make an appearance, however -- NEC's Medias W has already hit NTT DoCoMo in Japan, and it's possible that BlackBerry may be considering a split device of its own. This LG concept, however, is probably destined for a dusty filing cabinet at the patent office, where it's unlikely to surface again.

Filed under: Cellphones, Displays, Mobile, LG

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Source: USPTO

It's been roughly two years since LG began its role in the LTE Revolution, but the company has just crossed an important milestone in its pursuit. Today, LG revealed that it's now sold 10 million LTE smartphones, which is double the number we last saw in August. Despite the lengthy amount of time it's taken LG to achieve this 10 million figure, the news comes at an interesting juncture, as the company's now ramping up distribution of its halo device, the Optimus G. Similarly, both the Optimus F7 and F5 are due later this year, which will be aimed at those seeking 4G on a budget. Will we see an uptick in LG's sales of LTE smartphones? We certainly hope so, but our Magic 8-Ball's currently broken. That said, you'll find the full announcement after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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LG was all about the tease yesterday, with its mysterious, alphabetic MWC warm-up video. Today, the covers have potentially been unceremoniously whipped off from at least two of the forthcoming offerings. The ever fruitful evleaks comes up with the goods again, and claims that what you see are the Optimus F7 (left) and Optimus F5 (right). There's little to go on specification-wise, other than these are undoubtedly Android devices, with a design language not quite in keeping with the recently spotted Optimus G Pro behemoth. So, while you try to join the dots on what might be underneath those displays, we'll keep an eye out for any remaining L-series and V-for Vu "surprises."

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Source: @evleaks (Twitter)

LG isn't done making vague hints at what it's got in store for us in Barcelona next week. While we admittedly missed it on our first viewing, the latest trailer flies past several red initials and vague glimpses of four handsets. There's an L (style?), a G (greatness), one V (view, or Vu) and a new one, F, that apparently stands for freedom. In short, it looks like LG might be bringing quite a few phones to the show. The short video also places plenty of emphasis on tags, which we're guessing will involve some NFC tech -- possibly expanding on those "Tag On" stickers we saw announced at CES last month. We just wish the message was as loud and clear as the music in the teaser. You've been warned.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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Offering up its Facebook fans a loving wrapped teaser image, LG Mobile reckons it's got something up its sleeve. On the social network entry, it notes that the new series will have an "unexpected distinction", which is hopefully more than just a baffling screen ratio. Will it be ready for MWC in a few weeks? Or will the company go the way of other smartphone makers and just launch whatever it has at its very own event? Who knows? LG does, that's who.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in]

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG

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Source: LG Mobile (Facebook)

Want a bit of Sprint, without signing on the dotted line? Okay, there are other ways of riding its waves without committing to a contract, but starting on the 25th of this month you'll be able to do it in the network's very own colors. The "Sprint as you go" service will launch with a somewhat limited selection of four handsets. LG's Optimus Elite, and the Samsung Victory make up the "higher" end of the offerings, costing $149 and $249 respectively. If you want to keep a little more coin in your pocket, there are two feature phones available too: Samsung's M400 ($50) and Array ($79) models. There are two associated plans, an all you can eat (talk, text and data) for smartphone option (no talk of LTE just yet) for $70 per month, and $50 per month for the feature phone plan. The finer details are yet to be ironed out, so we'll have to wait until the official reveal, but with that launch date not too far around the corner, it should all become clear soon enough.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint

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Source: Android Police

When it comes to holding the party down on an iPad or iPhone, djay by Algoriddim's been a front-runner ever since it came out. Then came vjay for video spinning iPad owners. Now, that video follow-up is ready for the main arena, as it's just been release for iPhone / iPod touch. Now you can mash-up your favorite videos right on your phone, add soundtracks to your existing clips, and throw down some effects for good measure. If you kinda dig what you create, you can -- of course -- share it with the world, or throw it up on the big screen. Not sure your cat clips will cut the mustard? Worry not, as there's purpose-made bundled content thrown in with the deal. And at just $0.99, it won't hurt the pocket it was built for, either.

Continue reading Algoriddim's vjay gets remixed for iPhone, mobile movies meet the mash-up (video)

Filed under: Software, Mobile, Apple

Algoriddim's vjay gets remixed for iPhone, mobile movies meet the mash-up (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 10:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

That was quick -- not long after launch details of the LG Mach were caught lurking in Sprint's catalog, the carrier has confirmed them. Fans of the Korean firm's aesthetic who also like their QWERTY keyboards can buy the mid-range smartphone for $100 on November 11th, the same day its bigger Optimus G cousin reaches stores. Just be sure to avoid the Sprint website during the wait for the newly dated device; Optimus G pre-orders have started at the source link, and a click on LG's flagship could be mighty tempting.

Continue reading LG Mach reaches Sprint on November 11th at $100, Optimus G pre-orders begin today

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint, LG

LG Mach reaches Sprint on November 11th at $100, Optimus G pre-orders begin today originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Dodging the issues of spectrum auctions and more cell towers, researchers at MIT have discovered that they can use an algebraic equation to improve data speeds by reducing dropped packets. It's these dropped packets that can build up congestion across a wireless network, as devices attempt to recoup these missing data nuggets. But instead of sending typical packets, MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics created an equation that describes a series of packets. If a packet fails to deliver, then the receiving device is apparently able to "solve" the missing chunk, with the processing load on phones, routers and base stations apparently negligible.

The tech, which can also seamlessly transition a data stream between wireless internet and LTE, has already been tested on WiFi networks over at MIT; when two percent of data packets were dropped, speeds were boosted from 1Mbps to 16Mbps. If five percent of packets were being lost, the researchers then saw bandwidth increase from 0.5Mbps to 13.5Mbps. Companies are apparently already licensing the tech, although MIT isn't revealing more on this just yet. Muriel Medard, project lead, said that there were currently "very severe inefficiencies that should be remedied before you consider acquiring more resources" -- namely more spectrum and hardware, although the gains seen in these early tests are yet to be replicated in real life. There's more on the science and development at the source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Science, Mobile, Alt

MIT researchers use algebraic equation that improves WiFi and LTE data streams: boosts speed, reduces network congestion originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The LG Escape, which we saw leaked out yesterday, is now official on AT&T. We can expect to see the budget-friendly smartphone available on September 16th for $50 with a new two-year commitment. It features a 4.3-inch qHD true-color IPS screen, Ice Cream Sandwich, a 5MP rear camera with 1080p video recording, NFC, a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU (most likely the MSM8960 Snapdragon S4, but we've reached out for confirmation) and LTE. It also features 4GB onboard storage with microSD expansion, an above-average 2,150mAh battery, Bluetooth 4.0, a 1.3MP front-facing camera and a new feature called Skyfire Horizon, which is a browser toolbar extension that promises fast access to social media pages. Check out the press release below for all the info.

Continue reading AT&T announces budget-friendly LG Escape, available September 16th for $50

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

AT&T announces budget-friendly LG Escape, available September 16th for $50 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Admittedly, Finland's seen better days in the mobile industry, but that hasn't stopped the townspeople in Savonlinna from hosting the 13th annual Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships to brighten things up. In fact, the recycling awareness event went so well that 18-year-old Ere Karjalainen set a new championship record of 101.46 meters. The secret? Just an old Nokia device (obviously) plus a bit of preparation the day before -- "mainly by drinking."

While Finnish organizer Christine Lund claims this is a new world record, a little digging revealed that Britain's Chris Hughff threw -- as a guest participant -- a 102.68 meter distance at JIM Mobile's Belgium Championships earlier this year. Despite the utilization of a laser rangefinder plus video proof after the break, Lund dismissed the "unofficial" event's record, according to the AAP. Regardless, Karjalainen is no doubt the latest sweetheart amongst Finnish geeks.

Continue reading Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one

Filed under: Cellphones

Finland sets new mobile phone record... by throwing one originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 13:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

LG's upcoming MWC lineup runs into some Italians, gets documented on video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.