November 26, 2007 With most camera phones able to capture video at either 15 or 30 frames per second (fps), LG Electronics has made a big leap forward with the unveiling its new LG Viewty (KU990) mobile phone- a handset that sports advanced digital camera features and the ability to record video at up to an impressive 120 fps. This allows users to seamlessly watch "DVD-like" content, even in slow motion. Like the recently announced Nokia N82 the LG Viewty also boasts a 5.0-megapixel camera and xenon flash, adding strength to the argument that camera phones are now a serious option for those looking to ditch their dedicated camera for the convenience of carrying only one device.
Borrowing from the high-end digital camera industry the Viewty features ISO 800 and SmartLight technology to help users create bright pictures, even indoors and at night. The Viewty 3-inch 240 x 400 (WQVGA), 262K TFT-LCD touch screen allows users to personalize their pictures by "handwriting" on them digitally using the attached stylus; the stylus and screen can also be used for working with the LG Viewty’s built-in digital editing software or to enter URL’s into the browser using the included handwriting recognition software. The phone is also capable of DivX playback, which can be displayed on a TV with the optional TV out cable accessory. A document viewer for displaying TXT, PDF, DOC, PPT and XLX files is also included while direct uploading to YouTube is possible with the Google Package
Using the Viewty’s exclusive manual focus function and built-in image stabilizer, users can take more control of the photo taking process. Manual focusing is done through the use of the quick search-enabled jog wheel, which surrounds the lens on the back of the unit. The jog wheel is also used for zooming in and out when taking photos, resizing pages in the web browser and raising and lowering volume during calls. The user interface also features a vibrating touch signal, providing greater tactile interaction between the user and the handset and storage is via the 100MB internal memory or on a 2GB MicroSD card.
LG claims the Viewty marks a shift away from form over function for the company. “The LG Viewty is a camera phone with unparalleled digital camera functions that maximize benefits for consumers. This handset provides quality exceeding that of conventional digital camera phones,” said Carli Wilson, Marketing Manager of LG Electronics Mobile Communications. “With some of our earlier handsets, LG emphasized style. Now we are focused on functionality and features to go along with our good looks.”
LG Viewty will be available in late November in Europe and Asia, but there is no word as yet of a US release. Australia will also see the new handset in late November at a RRP of AUD$899.
For further info visit LG's dedicated Viewty site.