LG confirms Android-powered Ally, coming May 20th
By Donald Melanson 
posted May 3rd 2010 1:33PM
posted May 3rd 2010 1:33PM
LG Mobile Phones Joins Forces With Marvel Entertainment To Create a Multi-Media Marketing Campaign for 'Iron Man 2'
Movie Tie-In Features 'Stark-Worthy' TV Spots, Futuristic Micro Site and Game, Special Edition Marvel Comic Book and Robust Movie Promotion Program
Campaign Culminates with Film-Themed Event Highlighting Augmented Reality Technology and the New LG Android Device
SAN DIEGO, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones), in partnership with the upcoming summer blockbuster, Iron Man 2, from Marvel Studios, is launching a multi-platform marketing campaign that celebrates the film'stheme of heroism through technology and gadgets that push the limit. Proving that life is good when you're connected, LG will implement a comprehensive campaign focusing on how innovation can help bring people together and make everybody a Super Hero.
Kicking off the campaign's many initiatives will be Super Hero themed television commercials that showcase the superhuman capabilities of LG's first Android mobile phone, LG Ally. In-store gift-with-purchase promotions will allow consumers nationwide to receive a special edition Augmented Reality enabled Iron Man 2 comic book with the purchase of selected LG handsets. LG will also launch a movie-themed micro site, www.lgim2.com, which includes an engaging online film-themed game with built-in Augmented Reality experiences and text-to-win consumer sweepstakes. The company's Iron Man 2 marketing programs will also include special retail promotions at Best Buy for LG LED HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players.
The campaign will culminate with an exclusive New York event that will celebrate the launch of LG Ally and will feature futuristic technology from the LG Design the Future Challenge. In addition, the event will allow attendees to interact with a variety of Augmented Reality experiences, as well as provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Iron Man 2 film.
"LG and Marvel have come together once again to empower audiences with a thrilling account of technology and its endless possibilities," said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president, marketing and innovation, LG Mobile Phones (LG MobileComm USA Inc.). "Allowing LG to display its innovation expertise and most advanced devices, Iron Man 2 is the perfect fit for LG's sophisticated handsets and smart products."
With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military in Iron Man 2. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances -- and confront powerful enemies. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and will debut in theaters nationwide on May 7.
Advertising Campaign
Challenging audiences to ask themselves, "Is it a lifesaver...a smartphone, or something better?" the LG Iron Man 2 advertising campaign brings the power of an LG Android device to life. Centered on five friends caught in the cross-hairs of battle between alien drones and Iron Man himself, each character must use their LG phones to find the right mobile applications to save themselves and capture a bit of glory along the way. Showcasing LG handset capabilities such as instant Internet access, music player portability, turn-by–turn navigation, photo and video sharing, and even the ability to make online purchases and restaurant reservations, each ad is a tribute to the endless possibilities of the LG Ally.
LG Micro Site
LG has developed a micro site that will give movie fans a much deeper and interactive experience than the usual movie tie-in website. In addition to information about LG Ally, site visitors can download Augmented Reality applications and enter a consumer sweepstakes with the chance to win tickets, phones and incredible LG prizes. There is also an online game, where fans can participate in exciting film-themed activities using the latest Augmented Reality technology. The site can be visited at www.lgim2.com.
Limited Edition Marvel Comic Book
A special edition Iron Man 2 comic book created by Marvel will be given away with the purchase of an LG Ally, LG Chocolate Touch and LG enV Touch mobile phone. The comic book will feature a variety of Augmented Reality experiences and will also provide consumers with text messaging short codes to access exclusive Iron Man 2 content.
Movie Promotion Program
Dovetailing with its "Something Better" brand marketing campaign LG Electronics will be implementing a comprehensive movie promotion program with Marvel, including TV advertising, in-store point-of-purchase materials, retailer circular ads, dealer sales incentives, and digital and mobile campaigns, from April 25 through May 22.
Consumers can text LGIM2 from their mobile phone to 95173 to receive exclusive Iron Man content, download the Augmented Reality application on their LG Ally phone and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win the ultimate Iron Man 2 prize package:
LG Ally and 1 year FREE service contract
2 tickets to the U.S. premiere of a Marvel movie
55-inch class LG "Infinia" LED HDTV and LG Network Blu-ray Home Theater System
Additional elements of the movie promotion program are special Iron Man 2 consumer electronics promotions with Best Buy. From April 25 through May 8, Best Buy shoppers can purchase a specially priced package consisting of LG's LE5400 LED HDTV and BD570 Blu-ray Disc player. Starting on May 9 and running through May 22, Best Buy also will offer a similar LG Iron Man 2 package which bundles together the LE5400 and LG's Network Blu-ray Home Theater LHB335.
LG's LE5400 LED LCD HDTV offers superior picture quality, advanced energy saving options and flexible access to content-on-demand. LG's BD570 Blu-ray Disc player includes NetCast Entertainment Access with wireless connectivity for convenient access to online content such as Netflix™, CinemaNow™, VUDU, YouTube™, Picasa, AccuWeather and Pandora®. LG's LHB335 Home Theater System delivers a stunning entertainment experience with NetCast streaming content, Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback, 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs, and Pure HD audio performance including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio Essential.
Consumers interested in learning more about the Best Buy product bundles can visit www.lgironman.com. LG and Best Buy also are supporting the co-branded promotion with a broadcast, online and mobile advertising campaign on ABC networks.
LG's Android "Ally"
LG Ally is the first Android device to boast an Augmented Reality application -- currently exclusive to LG. Consumers who purchase LG Ally can download the Augmented Reality app, featuring exclusive Iron Man 2 content, at www.lgim2.com or by texting 95173 from their mobile phone. Present throughout Iron Man 2, LG Ally allows users to explore and experience Augmented Reality through built-in applications and software. A touch screen handset featuring a full slide out QWERTY keyboard, the Ally is the ultimate complement for technology enthusiasts who, like Tony Stark, expect nothing but the best. LG Ally will be available May 20.
Exclusive Iron Man 2 Event
Showcasing its most "Stark-worthy" technology and reinforcing its innovative heritage, LG will host an event in New York on May 11 that will engage movie fans and gadget gurus alike. The event will boast a variety of Augmented Reality experiences as well as give attendees a hands-on look at the LG Ally. The event will also feature three futuristic concept phones from the LG Design the Future Challenge. This year's competition marks the inaugural participation of Russell Bobbitt, the prop master from Iron Man 2. Bobbitt served as a guest judge for the competition, awarding one contestant's cutting-edge design with the Prop Master's Choice award. The design that wins Prop Master's Choice will be created into a non-working mock-up and displayed at the event. The lucky contestant's design could even windup in Bobbitt's next blockbuster film.The world-renowned prop master will also be on hand at the event to showcase the ultramodern props from the film's set.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2009 global sales of USD43.4 billion, LG is comprised of five business units –- Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is the world's leading producer of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula One™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lgusa.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.
About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
SOURCE LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones)
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.lg.com
Movie Tie-In Features 'Stark-Worthy' TV Spots, Futuristic Micro Site and Game, Special Edition Marvel Comic Book and Robust Movie Promotion Program
Campaign Culminates with Film-Themed Event Highlighting Augmented Reality Technology and the New LG Android Device
SAN DIEGO, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones), in partnership with the upcoming summer blockbuster, Iron Man 2, from Marvel Studios, is launching a multi-platform marketing campaign that celebrates the film'stheme of heroism through technology and gadgets that push the limit. Proving that life is good when you're connected, LG will implement a comprehensive campaign focusing on how innovation can help bring people together and make everybody a Super Hero.
Kicking off the campaign's many initiatives will be Super Hero themed television commercials that showcase the superhuman capabilities of LG's first Android mobile phone, LG Ally. In-store gift-with-purchase promotions will allow consumers nationwide to receive a special edition Augmented Reality enabled Iron Man 2 comic book with the purchase of selected LG handsets. LG will also launch a movie-themed micro site, www.lgim2.com, which includes an engaging online film-themed game with built-in Augmented Reality experiences and text-to-win consumer sweepstakes. The company's Iron Man 2 marketing programs will also include special retail promotions at Best Buy for LG LED HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players.
The campaign will culminate with an exclusive New York event that will celebrate the launch of LG Ally and will feature futuristic technology from the LG Design the Future Challenge. In addition, the event will allow attendees to interact with a variety of Augmented Reality experiences, as well as provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Iron Man 2 film.
"LG and Marvel have come together once again to empower audiences with a thrilling account of technology and its endless possibilities," said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president, marketing and innovation, LG Mobile Phones (LG MobileComm USA Inc.). "Allowing LG to display its innovation expertise and most advanced devices, Iron Man 2 is the perfect fit for LG's sophisticated handsets and smart products."
With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military in Iron Man 2. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances -- and confront powerful enemies. The film is directed by Jon Favreau and will debut in theaters nationwide on May 7.
Advertising Campaign
Challenging audiences to ask themselves, "Is it a lifesaver...a smartphone, or something better?" the LG Iron Man 2 advertising campaign brings the power of an LG Android device to life. Centered on five friends caught in the cross-hairs of battle between alien drones and Iron Man himself, each character must use their LG phones to find the right mobile applications to save themselves and capture a bit of glory along the way. Showcasing LG handset capabilities such as instant Internet access, music player portability, turn-by–turn navigation, photo and video sharing, and even the ability to make online purchases and restaurant reservations, each ad is a tribute to the endless possibilities of the LG Ally.
LG Micro Site
LG has developed a micro site that will give movie fans a much deeper and interactive experience than the usual movie tie-in website. In addition to information about LG Ally, site visitors can download Augmented Reality applications and enter a consumer sweepstakes with the chance to win tickets, phones and incredible LG prizes. There is also an online game, where fans can participate in exciting film-themed activities using the latest Augmented Reality technology. The site can be visited at www.lgim2.com.
Limited Edition Marvel Comic Book
A special edition Iron Man 2 comic book created by Marvel will be given away with the purchase of an LG Ally, LG Chocolate Touch and LG enV Touch mobile phone. The comic book will feature a variety of Augmented Reality experiences and will also provide consumers with text messaging short codes to access exclusive Iron Man 2 content.
Movie Promotion Program
Dovetailing with its "Something Better" brand marketing campaign LG Electronics will be implementing a comprehensive movie promotion program with Marvel, including TV advertising, in-store point-of-purchase materials, retailer circular ads, dealer sales incentives, and digital and mobile campaigns, from April 25 through May 22.
Consumers can text LGIM2 from their mobile phone to 95173 to receive exclusive Iron Man content, download the Augmented Reality application on their LG Ally phone and enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win the ultimate Iron Man 2 prize package:
LG Ally and 1 year FREE service contract
2 tickets to the U.S. premiere of a Marvel movie
55-inch class LG "Infinia" LED HDTV and LG Network Blu-ray Home Theater System
Additional elements of the movie promotion program are special Iron Man 2 consumer electronics promotions with Best Buy. From April 25 through May 8, Best Buy shoppers can purchase a specially priced package consisting of LG's LE5400 LED HDTV and BD570 Blu-ray Disc player. Starting on May 9 and running through May 22, Best Buy also will offer a similar LG Iron Man 2 package which bundles together the LE5400 and LG's Network Blu-ray Home Theater LHB335.
LG's LE5400 LED LCD HDTV offers superior picture quality, advanced energy saving options and flexible access to content-on-demand. LG's BD570 Blu-ray Disc player includes NetCast Entertainment Access with wireless connectivity for convenient access to online content such as Netflix™, CinemaNow™, VUDU, YouTube™, Picasa, AccuWeather and Pandora®. LG's LHB335 Home Theater System delivers a stunning entertainment experience with NetCast streaming content, Full HD 1080p Blu-ray Disc playback, 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs, and Pure HD audio performance including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio Essential.
Consumers interested in learning more about the Best Buy product bundles can visit www.lgironman.com. LG and Best Buy also are supporting the co-branded promotion with a broadcast, online and mobile advertising campaign on ABC networks.
LG's Android "Ally"
LG Ally is the first Android device to boast an Augmented Reality application -- currently exclusive to LG. Consumers who purchase LG Ally can download the Augmented Reality app, featuring exclusive Iron Man 2 content, at www.lgim2.com or by texting 95173 from their mobile phone. Present throughout Iron Man 2, LG Ally allows users to explore and experience Augmented Reality through built-in applications and software. A touch screen handset featuring a full slide out QWERTY keyboard, the Ally is the ultimate complement for technology enthusiasts who, like Tony Stark, expect nothing but the best. LG Ally will be available May 20.
Exclusive Iron Man 2 Event
Showcasing its most "Stark-worthy" technology and reinforcing its innovative heritage, LG will host an event in New York on May 11 that will engage movie fans and gadget gurus alike. The event will boast a variety of Augmented Reality experiences as well as give attendees a hands-on look at the LG Ally. The event will also feature three futuristic concept phones from the LG Design the Future Challenge. This year's competition marks the inaugural participation of Russell Bobbitt, the prop master from Iron Man 2. Bobbitt served as a guest judge for the competition, awarding one contestant's cutting-edge design with the Prop Master's Choice award. The design that wins Prop Master's Choice will be created into a non-working mock-up and displayed at the event. The lucky contestant's design could even windup in Bobbitt's next blockbuster film.The world-renowned prop master will also be on hand at the event to showcase the ultramodern props from the film's set.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2009 global sales of USD43.4 billion, LG is comprised of five business units –- Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is the world's leading producer of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner and a Technology Partner of Formula One™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lgusa.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lgmobilephones.com.
About LG Electronics USA
LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances and business solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
SOURCE LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones)
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RELATED LINKS
http://www.lg.com
Very excited about this phone.
I was pretty sure I was going to get the Incredible, but the one thing that it didn't have - a keyboard - is exactly what this Ally offers and with similar specs.
Is this a "Google Experience" device? I have a Moto Droid, wouldl ike to upgrade, but I need two things...
- A hardware keyboard
- "Google Experience" (no SenseUI, please)
And if it's on Verizon, that would also help. It looks like, so far, it's Google Experience. Let's hope LG doesn't have their own Sense/Motoblur/AT&Tshit/Yadda interface on it.
Nice to see some more interesting Android phones coming from companies that aren't HTC. First this, and then the new DELL phones. All we need now is for Motorola to come up with something exciting to replace the Droid, and for Samsung to get some nicer designs to fit their impressive hardware.
@Theli
Lol, the Droid has only been out 6-7 months... at least give them until this fall to put a new flagship handset out...
@Rick James
They'll have the Shadow out by mid summer
4.1" slate 8mp cam new qualcomm chip 72mhz
Sounds pretty flagship to me
And Droid 2 will be out by summers end too!
@cherryboom you must be an apple cronie, am I right?
@angermeans
With all the Android devices out, or coming out Cherryboom might have a point. There is not enough room on the top for all these Android devices. How long will these devices be in production? How long will they get update by the mfg? These are legit concerns when buying an Android phone. Well Cherryboon, "Are you an Apple Cronie?"
@cherryboom
I totally agree with you. Android handset manufacturers are incredibly bad at updating their devices. And yeah, im not an Apple fanbay, just a customer who want my 800$ phone to be up to date atleast one or two years from now. The only fast update was the Motorola Milestone(ak.a droid), but look at HTC Magic, still runs 1.6 right? HTC Hero still 1.6. Samsung Galaxy 1.6 (I think). Motorola Cliq (1.5) and so on.. It should be common sense to always apply the latest update at once
@8bit
You're right, but I don't know how this problem will be solved. Apple can update all of its phones quickly due to them not having very many phones, them being fairly similar, and because they can monetize and control every part of the ecosystem. If you buy an iPhone, Apple makes money. If you sign an at&t iPhone contract, Apple makes money. If you buy an app, Apple makes money. If you buy a song from iTunes, Apple makes money. These other phone manufacturers only make money when you buy the phone. Period. So they lose money the longer you hang on to it. I don't know what can be done about that without Google making some serious changes to the licensing of Android.
@DJ
"Apple can update all of its phones quickly due to them not having very many phones, them being fairly similar, and because they can monetize and control every part of the ecosystem."
True enough, but I don't understand why Google can't just put up a zip file (or rar) of the newest OS and let US update the device ourselves. Those that are nottech-savvy can just wait for the carrier update.
Am I missing something here? It seems like a pretty easy fix for all this fragmentation.
Technology product placement is a great way to instantly date your movie.
@NaeemTHM Its hard because of phones with MotoBlur, Sense UI TouchWiz, etc. Makes it harder for them to do updates. They have to change things around, yadda yadda.
I heard something about them going to start doing something like that though. Probably for Android OS stock I'm guessing...
@NaeemTHM
as EggoEspada touched on, it's the phone manufacturers that are slacking. Not Google. Google releases the operating system, source code, sdk and all that stuff... and 3rd party people come out with updates much faster the the manufacturers do. So if your into that scenes, and root your phone, you wouldn't be waiting for years.
I think with Android 2.2 or after that, they gonna streamline the Opsys more, maybe take out all the unnecessary stuff, and put it in the market for people to put onto their phones if they want, or if updates come along. ect. I'm pretty sure I read a rumor like that.
@cherryboom
first off cherryboom. i downranked you -__-
secondly google has already spoken on the issue on fragmentation. and that with 2.2 fragmentation will be a issue of the past. and usually when google says theyre g0nna do something they usually deliver. (flash, sd app storage etc..)
thirdly im tired of everyone with a g1 and a magic complaining about 1.5/1.6 THERE HARDWARE IS NOT COMPATIBLE!! and for everyone that keeps going out and buying a g1 after its been out for like 2 yrs and then expects an update is crazy. just like iphone 2g isnt getting 4.0. go out and buy a new phone. thats how companies can make their money too.
as for people with cliqs, devours, moments, heros, and eris i can understand. but everyone and please visit my "secondly" part of the post.
-Sent from my Incredible
p.s. cherryboom, you are an idiot.
@EggoEspada
@Diverge
Ah thank you both. That makes a lot more sense (no pun intended).
I guess that's why they're trying to make the Snapdragon processor a standard? So going forward with Froyo; does that mean that they MIGHT be able to release an update to all phones instead of having some folks sit out on all the fun?
Fine... Now when will somebody release a decent Android Tablet. (or Any Android tablet).
Getting sick of watching my friends enjoying their iPads while I'm holding out for Adam, Looking Glass, etc., etc...
soo i just realized that if your on phonearena long enough you actually start favoring the iphone... i was on it for 20 min. and in those 20 min it made me wanna go aout and buy one. just sayin.
@HTCAndroidTre
Mfg's modify or customize the OS to give Android a different look and feel. Then with no set standard in hardware, there will be fragmentation. Maybe with 2.2 there will be a big decrease in fragmentation, but it will not go away.
"LG confirms another fancy look but annoying phone, called Ally, coming May 20th"
Good headline.
It's ironic that the picture has fire behind it, because it's gonna go up in flames. Who knows though, it might be a good phone for someone that can't afford a real phone/iPhone.
@R Skicking
Or people who want a smartphone running Android. If they want to go simple there's rumors that the iPhone's coming to Verizon or they could get a JitterBug.
@R Skicking
foolish. if this is coming to verizon and is a smartphone it will cost just as much as the iphone monthly. and it will probably sell for 150-199 for a new contract. considering a referb iphone on at&t is just 50 bucks
@8bit
fragmentation can go away. google pushes out all of their updates for every COMPATIBLE android phone and then alows the custom ui's sense, motoblur etc to add on to it when they get their shit together in in an update.
ex htc inc gets 2.2 with universal android changes like flash support and then when htc has its add ons ready they update all sense phones.
im not sure if this is doable or not but its an idea. srry if im absolutely wrong and this cant possibly happen. (no sarcasm)
With all these great phones coming out soon, man, apple is in trouble.
I have to wonder if all these manufacturers are intentionality trying to release before WWDC.
How big do you guys think this screen is... at least 3.5?
what is all the excitement is about, phone is fugly.
@neojubei It's Droid dude!!! Can't wait until Google takes over the smartphone industry.
It says check back on May 4th right now, which it already happens to be in Korea.
lg.com/ally is now live!
They are advertising this on TV like crazy.
this is just irrelevant. why are there so many comments?
@8bit Google has already started to address the fragmentation issue and their first update towards that end will be Froyo. Updates to the OS are slower on phones with a third party UI, like Sense or Blur. The Ally, as far as I know, will be stock Android 2.1. It will not take as long as you seem to think for it to get an update to Froyo. Even if LG/Verizon drag(s) their feet with an OTA update, the hacking community will surely provide an alternative anyway.
Great! Now the Ally McBeal song is stuck in my head! Thank you LG, Engadget!
Well, this looks nice but the Motorola Droid 2 will kick ass when it arrives!!