LG has launched its Optimus Black Android smartphone through Optus and Vodafone, with the handset coming to Telstra next month. LG describes the Optimus Black as one of the world's thinnest phones — it's 9.2mm thick and weighs 109g.
The Optimus Black is equipped with a 4in, 480x800-pixel touchscreen that uses LG's 'NOVA' technology. According to the company, NOVA screens are both brighter and more power efficient than regular mobile phone display technologies; LG claims that NOVA displays offer superior performance in direct sunlight.
LG has included user-interface tweaks, including a special 'G' button on the side of the phone. The G button can be used in combination with a range of gestures for quick access to the phone's features; for example shaking the handset while pressing the key can access the 5-megapixel camera.
The LG Optimus Black runs Android 2.2 but is capable of being upgraded to 2.3 ('Gingerbread'). A statement from LG said "upgrade timing to be communicated at a later date".
The phone has a recommended retail price of $599. LG also recently launched its dual-core Optimus 2x smartphone.