LG introduces social networking phones

LG Electronics has launched three new handsets in the consumer mobile category - GW525, GT505, and GM730. Some of these new handsets come with features and capabilities geared towards assisting users to stay in touch with social networking sites while on the go.

The LG GW525 is one such phone. It's designed with messaging on-the-move in mind, be that via social networks, email or SMS and instant messaging or online chat. It comes with a 2.8-inch full touchscreen and side-slide QWERTY keypad make this a good contender to stay in touch with friends and family. Plus – thanks to LiveSquare from LG – you can see those friends that you talk to most often appearing as an animated character on your homescreen. If one of those contacts sends you a text, their character will tell you that there is a message waiting. Just click on the image and go straight to it.

Like the GW525, the LG GT505 also offers push social networking services, consumer push email and business push email via Microsoft Exchange Active Sync. In addition, the GT505’s larger 3-inch touchscreen and GPS functions make it a good navigation device. It comes preloaded with a 30-day free trial of ‘Wisepilot for LG’; a turn-by-turn navigation solution with voice instruction and a choice of 2D or 3D mapping to guide you. It also offers the option to take out a full subscription, should the user wish to do so. The GT505 supports Wi-Fi or HSDPA 3.6. Its 5-megapixel camera helps you take decent images and upload it immediately to your social network page.

Built around a 3D cube layout, the user interface of LG GM730 and Windows Mobile combination makes the device simple to operate, LG claims. Email, for example, is easier to set up and use because the phone’s schedule and contact lists are connected. This means users can send and receive messages using less key presses than on regular smartphones, making the process of sending an email faster.

Advanced multimedia features such as a 5-megapixel camera, MP3 player and numerous action-packed games make this phone a full-featured entertainment device. The LG-GM730 incorporates LG’s signature style with a slim, seamless profile and smooth, stylish rounded edges. At just 11.9mm and highlighted by an elegant chrome band, this slim handset is a good contender for smartphone users.

Availability and pricing

The LG GW525, GT505 and GM730 are priced at Rs. 13,990, Rs. 14,990, and Rs. 22,490, respectively.