Verizon Wireless will launch another Android smartphone on November 18th, the LG Vortex. The Vortex (also known as the Optimus One) is a budget Android-powered phone with a 600MHz CPU, a 3.2-inch touchscreen display and a 3MP camera with flash.
Other features include 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, a microSDHC memory card slot, and a removable 1500mAh Li-Ion battery. Unfortunately, it looks like Bing will replace Google on the Vortex, à la the Samsung Fascinate [Review].
The LG Vortex will ship with Android OS v2.2 ‘Froyo’ and sell for $79 with a two-year service agreement (after a $100 mail-in rebate debit card). Third party retailers will likely sell the handset for less shortly after launch.
Check out the full press release after the jump.
VERIZON WIRELESS AND LG MOBILE PHONES CREATE A WHIRLWIND OF POSSIBILITIES WITH THE LG VORTEX
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN DIEGO – Verizon Wireless and LG Mobile Phones today announced the LG Vortex(tm) will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com on Nov. 18. The LG Vortex empowers first-time smartphone users to join and explore the growing Android world with 3G connectivity over the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless 3G network. With its sleek design, LG Vortex gives consumers easy-to-use access to a variety of applications that make life simple and keep customers at the center of their social universe.
Colors: Black and Violet
Key features:
* Powered by Android 2.2 – Offers customers support for Google Mobile Services, including Gmail(tm), YouTube(tm), Google Talk, Google Voice and access to Android Market(tm)
* Preloaded with Bing Search and Bing Maps
* 3.2" touchscreen with tactile feedback for fast and accurate touch vibration response
* Wi-Fi Connectivity
* 3G Mobile HotSpot capable
* Virtual QWERTY keyboard with Swype technology installed
* Bluetooth(r) 2.1 capabilities with support for Bluetooth Profiles Supported: Headset, Hands-Free, Dial-Up Networking, Object Push, Advanced Audio Distribution (stereo), Audio/Video Remote Control, Phone Book Access, and File Transfer
* microSD(tm) card slot with expandable memory up to 32 GB
Additional features:
* Customizable home screens with shortcuts to text messages, e-mail, apps, favorite social networking sites and widgets
* Customizable to 5 or 7 home screens
* Proximity sensor instantly locks touchscreen while talking on the phone
* Pre-installed LG Apps, including My Status with Twitter(tm) for LG and Facebook(r) for LG
* Visual Voice Mail capable
* Skype mobile(tm) capable
* Android Market – Choose from thousands of downloadable apps
* Full suite of messaging options – Text, picture, video and voice messaging; corporate and personal e-mail accounts supported
* VZ Navigator(r) capabilities – Access for customers to receive audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and share the directions with others
* 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera and camcorder with flash that includes:
* Five different camera resolutions and three different video resolutions
* Macro Mode for detailed, up close pictures
* Image editor with zoom, rotate, resize, crop, added frames and stamps
* Customize brightness, white balance, shutter sounds, color effects and use self-timer
* Optimize video quality with normal, fine or super camcorder settings
* Video recording time up to 16 GB
Pricing and availability:
* The LG Vortex will be $79.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
* LG Vortex customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $15 monthly access for 150 MB. Customers can track their data usage by downloading the My Verizon app available on Android Market or by logging on to their My Verizon accounts online at www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon.