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LG BL40 caught in the wild, given brief hands-on
We'll admit, we're jealous of this Sina Corporation reporter, who appears to have gotten some hands-on time with LG's very sexy Chocolate BL40 and its 21:9 aspect ratio screen. There isn't much said here aside from details we already knew and the occasional compliment on its form factor and display, but it is good to see this in the wild and not just in the FCC's secret lab facilities. Now if only we can get a better idea of its US 3G capabilities...
LG BL40 garners FCC approval, no US 3G in sight
Unlike HTC and Nokia, LG has a reputation for playing by the rules and submitting fully to the whims of US carriers, which means that if a carrier doesn't pick up a device for inclusion in its lineup, you're simply not going to see it with North American 3G -- the best you'll be able to do is an international import with EDGE. So far, we're not seeing anything to suggest that the mighty BL40 will be bucking that trend, unfortunately; it's just earned itself some FCC approval on GSM 850 / 1900 alone. Since Verizon essentially owns the Chocolate brand around here, that's not to say we won't see a CDMA version before too long -- but hopes for an unlocked version whose molasses-like radio doesn't make you want to gouge your own eyes out are fading quickly.
LG's other Black Label, the BL42 slider, gets exposed
Remember that slightly stouter but still rather obelisky-looking Black Label cousin of LG's BL40 we spied earlier this morning? We've now spotted a lot more pictures of the thing -- and its crimson slide-out keypad. Dubbed the BL42, it sports light-up nav buttons, a 240 x 320 screen, and what looks to be the same five megapixel camera found in its slightly taller brethren, specs that should allow it to slot quite neatly into the Chocolate lineup -- at some indeterminate time and place in the future.
LG's BL40 Black Label phone captured in the wild -- alongside a kid sibling
The more we see of LG's latest Black Label handset -- the mysterious BL40 -- the more we want to touch it, play with it, talk on it, and put it (or, at least try to put it) in our pockets. Shots of the bizarre-yet-beautiful phone have appeared over on a German forum where we're told the interface is S-Class-based, the screen is 800 x 345, and the camera is 5 megapixels strong with Schneider Kreuznach optics -- all specs that fall in line with what we've heard so far -- and there's also apparently WiFi, an FM transmitter, and about 335MB of free onboard storage (easily rectified with a huge microSD card, of course). What has us even more intrigued, though, is a single picture in the bunch that shows the BL40 next to a smaller, stouter device with virtually identical industrial design. We have no idea what it is, but it looks like LG might be poised to roll out a whole series of phones in this new Black Label line -- and which ones are Chocolate-branded is anyone's guess at this point. See what we mean after the break or hit up the read link for all the pics.[Thanks, Anthony]
Verizon is signed up for an LG Chocolate 4 -- but is it anything like the BL40?
We've just received word from a trusted source that Verizon has started the process of ordering dummy phones for an LG Chocolate 4, the latest in the carrier's long-running line of reasonably successful music-oriented dumbphones. That in itself isn't terribly interesting; what we really want to know is whether the new model will take a cue from the Black Label-branded BL40, one of the few phones in recent memory that seems to have unified and captivated phone fans from every walk of life. The thought of a domestic US launch of anything approaching the BL40's cool is a tantalizing one, indeed -- tempered only by the reality that no LG can escape Verizon's launch gauntlet untainted by evil firmware. If we had to guess, the Chocolate 4's going to be a far less revolutionary phone, but it's something to keep an eye on.
LG's next-gen Chocolate BL40 teased on video, looks good enough to eat
We can't verify the authenticity of the video, but it seems a little far-fetched to believe that even LG diehards out there would've been able to toil away making a very legit-looking promo piece for the company's recently-teased new Chocolate in such a short period of time -- so we're tentatively going to say we think we're looking at the real thing here. That said, what we've got is nothing short of drool-worthy: the rumored 21:9 800 x 345 display appears real (which is said in the video to be 4 inches diagonal), plus there's a gorgeous Flash-based 3D UI, multitouch, AGPS, WiFi, 7.2Mbps HSDPA, and a glass screen surface that's said to be scratch-proof, all packed into an impossibly thin case. Yes, we know everyone's been trying to sound the dumbphone death knell for years now -- but frankly, you'd have to have a grossly miscalibrated monitor to not have a special place in your heart what you're seeing here. Follow the break for the quite-possibly-authentic video in full.[Thanks, Edward]
LG teases next-generation Chocolate for August unveiling
To say that the Chocolate was a hit for LG would be similar to saying the PlayStation 2 went over well for Sony. Indeed, the outfit's best selling handset ever (21 million units worldwide) holds a special place in the hearts of suits and shareholders alike, so it's hardly a shock to see the company issuing a next-generation version of the device. Slated to fall into LG's Black Label series, the phone -- which is simply dubbed the 'second generation LG Chocolate' for now -- will be fully unveiled in August, with bits and pieces to be strategically dropped during the run-up. The only real hint at features that we're given is the following: "The new LG Chocolate will be a disruptive force in conventional mobile screens in an effort to maximize usability while inheriting the original minimalist-inspired style and iconic design of its predecessor." Haptics? OLED? A portal into the future? Only time will tell. Update: The typically reliable Tweakers.net has come through with a few more details, namely that this here phone will become the first of its kind with a 21:9 aspect ratio display (much like Philips' 56-inch Cinema HDTV). We're also told that the model number will be BL-40, the screen resolution will be pegged at 800 x 345, the display itself will be over 3-inches diagonally, the inbuilt camera will be 5 megapixels and HSDPA will be included. Now, if only we knew how the UI would handle...[Via Engadget Spanish]
Crapgadget: Tacky USB knicknacks edition
When the fine folks of the USB Implementers Forum put together the specs for USB 2.0 some nine odd years ago, they certainly never dreamed that this technology would be the standard connectivity option for the tacky knickknacks of the 21st century. We know you won't be lining your mantelpiece with any of these things (the space being reserved for your Franklin Mint collector plates depicting the cast of Gone With The Wind) but maybe your cube could use some gussying up? We have 2GB thumb drives for you that almost-not-really pass themselves off as cat's ears, a USB hub that comes with "chocolate" balls of dubious provenance, a hub that might look at home next to your skull bong, and lastly, a USB powered fan with a fetching Spider-Man motif. Do any of these sound good to you? We didn't think so. But feel free to hop on past the break for a good laugh.Read - USB Chocolate 3-Port Hub Read - USB Memory Cat Ears Read - Wacky Skull and Potato Polyresin USB HubsRead - USB Spider-Man Fan
ChocoShuffle iPod shuffle case could be chocolate, could be laxative
Just because you can fit Apple's tiny iPod shuffle into just about any orifice doesn't mean you should. The ChocoShuffle by SwitchEasy costs ¥980 (about $10) in Japan. But seriously, is that all your dignity is worth?
Revamped Noblegarden revealed
The seasonal revamped extravaganza that is Noblegarden is due to start tomorrow and the Blues have revealed a little more about the new week-long festival. Yesterday night Zarhym posted on the official forums, revealing some new details as well as linking to a revamped festival page on the official site.The new Noblegarden (which starts tomorrow) has its origins in a druidic festival, but the modern peoples of Azeroth seem more interested in egg-hunting and scoffing chocolates. Focusing on the starter towns like Brill and Goldshire, it's one of those great festivals which is aimed at newer players as well as die-hard level 80s.Zarhym promises egg hunts and new daily quests as well the chance to find cool items within brightly coloured chocolate eggs. There's also a stack of new achievements (you know you want that Violet Proto-Drake) and if you get sick of eating chocolate you can also use them as currency to buy awesome Noblegarden swag.WoW Insider will have guides and galleries up tomorrow. Noblegarden runs through next Saturday.
Runes of Magic begins their Valentine's day celebrations
The free-to-play game Runes of Magic has begun their Valentine's day celebration a little early, filling their world with roses, chocolate, temporary mounts, and a few other achievements that players can net themselves from now until February 14th. Characters are able to now produce chocolate in game, which gives back 35% of your health when eaten. Those who like to collect in-game items will be able to save up chocolate sweets and then use them to display a message over the world broadcast channel.If chocolate isn't your thing and you'd rather prefer the company of plants, you'll be happy to know that you can now grow roses from seeds. When the rose blooms, the gardener will receive a temporary buff and will be able to clip the plant. Roses can be used as currency to gain new temporary mounts for the holiday, and 30 roses will net you a special title.Remember though, the event is only sticking around until the 14th!
Telus tantalizes with LG Chocolate GiG music phone
Americans may know the pictured handset by another name (psst... it's Chocolate 3, you knew that!), but Telus Mobility customers will soon be referring to it as the LG Chocolate GiG. Available now on the Canadian carrier, said flip phone offers up 1GB of internal storage, an incredibly convenient 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, a spinning scroll wheel, 2-megapixel camera, 2.2-inch QVGA main display and stereo Bluetooth support. You'll also get access to Telus mobile radio (XM) as well as Telus mobile music, both of which should keep you adequately stocked with artfully imposed sine waves. It's available now for the taking at $99.99 (3-year contract), $199.99 (2-year deal), $249.99 (1-year agreement) or $299.99 without any obligations.[Via mobilesyrup]
LG's Chocolate 3 doesn't melt during hands-on
Wait, Verizon actually decided it would be a good idea to make official a cellphone today? Oh yeah, that's right -- the Chocolate 3 was announced with a Sunday availability date today, but for those hoping to see the wrapper unfold a few days early, today's your lucky day. The cats over at Laptop were able to acquire the new flip and test it out ever-so-briefly, and while initial impressions seemed rather positive, we reckon it's the photos you're really after. Dig into the read link for the full gallery.
LG Chocolate 3 meets retail destiny on July 13
We'd heard that the latest incarnation of the Chocolate series from LG on Verizon would be launching next Monday, but we've got some great news to close out the week, fans: you'll be able to plunk down your cash a full day early. It turns out that the Chocolate 3 will actually be launching this Sunday, July 13 for the expected $129.99 after rebate, featuring a 2 megapixel cam, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack, and an in-your-face set of external music controls, all in your choice of black or light blue. Just add an 8GB microSD card and the Rhapsody tie-in, and you've got yourself a little musical powerhouse here.
LG Chocolate 3 on Verizon: July 14 for $129
phoneArena is reporting that the latest incarnation of Verizon's Chocolate series, the clamshell Chocolate 3, will be available on July 14. It's said that the phone will run $129 on a two-year contract after the redemption of a $50 rebate -- not exactly cheap, but where else are you going to find a Verizon phone with an FM transmitter in baby blue? That's what we thought.
LG Chocolate 3, press shot style
While you're waiting for LG's very latest Chocolate to show up in Verizon stores next month, have a gander at some high-quality shots of the clamshell -- which we understand is not actually edible, by the by. The Chocolate 3 will be available in both black and blue (to start, anyway, though we wouldn't be surprised to see a few more over the course of the phone's lifespan) and features a full gigabyte of internal storage for the tunes in addition to the standard microSD slot. That's one heck of a secondary display there, isn't it?%Gallery-26068%
Verizon snags LG Dare, Decoy and Chocolate 3
So, what do you do after announcing your intentions to spend nearly $30 billion on America's fifth largest carrier? Why, you announce a trio of new phones for the summertime, that's what. Verizon Wireless is trumpeting the launch of the Dare (pictured), Decoy and Chocolate 3, all of which are being provided by LG. As for the Dare, you'll find 3G, V CAST, VZ Navigator and a 3.2-megapixel camera, while the Decoy becomes the world's first handset with a Bluetooth headset integrated into its body. Finally, the Chocolate 3 goes all flip-phone on us and includes an FM transmitter, twin speakers, 1GB of internal storage, 2-megapixel camera and V CAST support. Unfortunately, VZW hasn't dished out official details on pricing just yet, but you can find out for sure when they go on sale later this month, June 16th and sometime in July (in order of mention).
Trio of LGs get dated for Verizon?
phoneArena appears to have scored information on exactly when Verizon will be (or would like to be, anyway) releasing three new models from LG, all of which should be attracting some serious attention in their own right. Headlining the group is the VX9700 "Dare" -- Verizon's Prada-alike, if you recall -- which is allegedly now being targeted for a July 4 online release and an in-store launch shortly thereafter (we'd say those dates put it at risk of cannibalization from the Glyde, but the Dare'll win the photography battle with a 3.2 megapixel sensor versus the Glyde's measly 2). Next up, the trick VX8610 with the internal Bluetooth headset has apparently been christened "Decoy" and is tracking for May 30 online and June 9 in store. Finally, the VX8650 Chocolate Flip gets ready to mercilessly slaughter its VX8600 predecessor come June 24 on your trusty web browser with brick-and-mortar locations getting theirs in July. Naturally, launch dates tend to have the solidity of Jello, so don't be dropping your life savings on any wagers here with your shady friends. Not yet, anyway.
Tetris-like chocolates make our mouths water [update]
Okay, so this isn't true, blue Tetris (that would probably infringe on some copyrights), but these faux-Tetris-esque Meiji chocolates still look fun to us. If there's one thing we've learned from disobeying our parents, it's that playing with your food is fun. The goal in this case is to put all the pieces together so that you completely fill in the rectangle board.These Meiji chocolate bar puzzles come in different difficulties, too -- as the chocolate flavor gets more bitter (white, to milk, to dark), the piece placement gets harder. Of course, the hardest part would be the test in willpower. It's not easy to play the puzzle after you eat all the pieces, we're sure. These might stale by the time you import them, but if you'd like some anyway for the novelty they cost 730 JPY (about $7 USD) each at Strapya World, sans shipping. As of posting this, there were only four units in stock, so you might want to get on that quickly if you covet such treats.We just hope there's not too many zigzags.[Update: I just found out that the chocolate isn't actually edible! (Hear that? It's the sound of my heart breaking.) Sorry if I got any of your hopes up, too!][Via About:Blank]
LG VX8610 caught in the wild, internal Bluetooth headset and all
If you're able to turn your attention away from that Jawbone 2 long enough to look elsewhere for your Bluetooth headset needs, we might remind you that Verizon's prepping a Chocolate successor with a little surprise tucked safely away. We've seen and heard of the VX8610's juicy secret for a couple months now, promising a media-centric slider with an integrated headset that'll charge via the integrated dock when not in use -- a feature not totally unique in the mobile world, but still unique enough to be a pretty big deal, particularly as US carrier launches go. Of course, a decent handset could be ruined by an awful headset here, so let's hope LG's smart enough to put some thought behind the total package. Follow the break for a shot of the headset and dock.[Thanks, Ingenious]
