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Hands-on with LG Viper, an LTE smartphone coming to Sprint
Here we are in the caverns of the Venetian Hotel, where LG was kind enough to give us a quick look at the Viper -- a pre-production LTE handset that's destined for Sprint. While the device shares a similar heritage to the Connect 4G on MetroPCS, no release date is yet determined. Still, LG seems intent to join Samsung in the Now Network's futuristic 4G spotlight. The device features a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, along with a 4-inch Nova Display and Android 2.3.7. The WVGA screen is bright, crisp and quite pleasing. While the display's coating was rather glossy, Nova Displays typically perform well in direct sunlight -- no way to test that claim today, however. A 5 megapixel camera with LED flash occupies the rear of the device, and for those moments of self-indulgence, there's also a VGA cam up front. Rounding out the media specs, LG tells us the phone will carry DLNA certification. We were also curious to learn that the Viper will be one of the more eco-friendly devices in Sprint's lineup. For example, the case is made entirely from recycled plastic and the charger is said to be quite energy efficient.With a glossy plastic front and a brushed metal rear, the Viper is a collision of design philosophies and appears a bit dated. This felt particularly true with respect to the sides of the device, which struck us as eerily reminiscent of a fourth-generation iPod. In fact, the Viper seems a bit chunky, but that's not to suggest it's unwelcome. To the contrary, the handset felt like absolute money in the palm of our hand. Because this little guy is a work in progress, we kept our interactions with the software to a minimum. Sprint ID was apparent from the outset, and while it's unclear whether Google Wallet will come standard, LG tells us that the Viper will fully support both it and NFC. We're told that Life's Good for 2012, and we have no doubt that the folks in Overland Park would agree.Brian Heater contributed to this report
LG's 55-inch 'world's largest' OLED HDTV eyes-on
LG's press conference at CES this morning was a surprisingly light-hearted and breezy affair, clocking it at around 45 minutes and bringing with it more than its share of bad jokes. There was, however, one dramatic moment -- you could actually hear the audience audibly gasp when the company unveiled its 55-inch OLED HDTV. When the curtain came off, it revealed a thing of beauty, clear from even a ways back in the room. The model is still in the fairly early stages, but the whole "ultra definition" thing that the company promised is quite clear, even more so when you step closer to the thing -- looking into it really feels like looking out a window. This thing is crazy sharp. Even more impressive is the size of the thing -- it's 55-inches, and only a mere 5mm thin -- so thin it was tough to properly photograph, and the bezel was fairly hard to spot as well. The company has promised to show of the display in the days to come at CES -- pricing and availability, not so much.
LG Spectrum cranks out the Verizon LTE, coming January 19th for $200
We had a pretty strong hunch that the LG Spectrum, a rumored Verizon LTE handset, would stop by CES to say hello, and sure 'nuff, here it is. The new device is coming out on January 19th for $200, and has a lot to love: it offers a 4.5-inch HD (1280 x 720) IPS display utilizing RGB, a Qualcomm 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 8MP camera in the back with LED flash and 1080p video capture, a 1.3MP front-facing cam and HDMI mirroring with MHL. Verizon's boasting the Spectrum as the first and only device that features ESPN ScoreCenter content in HD, as well as a SmartMovie HD app that lets you create and edit videos directly on the phone. What about Ice Cream Sandwich? Nope, not yet. The Spectrum sports Gingerbread for now, but it should get the upgrade sometime in the first half of 2012. Given that most top-notch 4G phones on Verizon debuted at $300 in 2011, we'd say this is a breath of fresh air for anyone who wants some good specs. Check out all the details in the press release below.
Live from LG's CES 2012 press event
It begins here. We rolled out of bed early here in Vegas to hop aboard the liveblog train (or monorail, as it were). We're kicking today's festivities off with LG. So join us and be sure to grab a warm cup of black coffee, because this early morning press event promises to be jam-packed with phones, TVs and probably even a smart washing machine or three.
LG introduces four new IPS monitors in 23 and 27-inch sizes, 2D to 3D conversion on tap
Another suite of monitors are ready to grace your desk and decimate your budget. LG has announced four new series of monitors here at CES, all using IPS panels to delivery good viewing angles and 2D to 3D conversion technology that will add some faux depth to your flat images. Top of the line is the DM92, a 27-incher with skinny bezels that's optimized for gaming, though we don't have any important figures like refresh rates and the like. There's a 23-inch DM82 with a "chic and futuristic design" clocking in at 23-inches and offering 7-watt speakers. The DM52 offers 27-inch and 23-inch models with "versatility and efficiency," which we presume means budget pricing, and then there's the D43, "optimized for cinema" with its "Super resolution" upconversion tech. We don't have full specs so we don't know just how super the pixel density is on that guy or the others, nor pricing, but we'll be updating with pictures and details as soon as we get them. Until then, dig into the press release below for all the marketing speak you crave.
LG showcases 2012 HDTV line-up: Big screens, skinny bezels
LG has hit us with its list of HDTVs for 2012, and they're channeling the design chops of that sumptuous 55-inch OLED HDTV. All of the new models, including the LM9600, LM8500, LM7600 and LM6700 all squeeze the bezel down to 5mm and a chassis pushing just over 4mm thick. The LM9600 and LM8600 arrive with dual-core processors to assist with load speeds and voice recognition through the Korean giant's Magic Remote. MHL connectivity is in attendance, as is LG's new dashboard. Next, the LMG850 and LMG620 are new LED offerings for this year, including a Google TV interface and a new remote that pairs together some magic remote functionality and a QWERTY keyboard. LG are going for 3D big time, with 25 new models of LED HDTVs, forgoing the active shutter route for lighter (battery-free) passive glasses. More the more artistically gifted, LG's PenTouch plasma TV (PM6900) allows input through the display panel through a new dedicated pen and will be compatible with photo-editing and PowerPoint presentations.
LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets
LG whipped out the magic wand at CES this morning, with the announcement of an enhanced Magic Remote. With this new tool, users will be able to control their Cinema 3D Smart TVs with an expanded set of functions, including voice recognition, a "wheel" function, "magic" gestures and pointing. Expanding beyond the realm of simple push-button functionality, the Magic Remote's voice recognition capabilities allow viewers to enter text and other commands without even lifting a finger, while its wheel, perched at the center of the device, allows them to seamlessly scroll up and down their TVs as they would on a PC. Alternatively, users could simply point the Remote at their displays to move their onscreen cursors around the screen, or input gesture commands to control their Smart TVs with their arms or wrists. The device also features a dedicated button that allows users to instantly convert 2D to 3D, and can be used to control set-top boxes, as well. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can head past the break for more details in the full PR.
LG's Mobile DTV tech used in Tweet-TV and emergency alert systems
Among other things, LG is broadening the capabilities of Mobile DTV here at CES, with a social media aspect in particular striking us as particularly helpful / wacky. Tweet-TV, as it's called, brings together public comments about specific broadcasts and retransmits them for all viewers to see. We're told that viewers engaged with Tweet-TV would be able to interact with program content and submit their comments on programs. The broadcaster consolidates the real-time comments and transmits those short messages with the video and audio, enabling a transparent conversational overlay; in essence, the Mobile DTV application enables viewers to carry on an open discussion of program content or reply to questions that could be part of an "audience quiz." The program's also being used to display pertinent information on digital signage, not to mention an M-EAS project that'll use Mobile DTV to get emergency alerts to those with compatible equipment. Head on past the break for the rest of the details -- sadly, there's no real information on how soon Mobile DTV will be spreading to your neck of the woods.
