LG Optimus S for Sprint Unveiled, Brings Android 2.2 with a Cheap Price Tag
The second device to be announced by Sprint at today's event at CTIA, the LG Optimus S is the first Optimus-branded device, featuring Android, to be showcased on a US-based carrier. And, while the feature set of the device may not be the reason that it gets more attention, the price and the fact that it's packing Android 2.2 should be enough to draw a few onlookers.
The LG Optimus S features a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display, a virtual keyboard, and a 3.2MP camera on the back of the device. You'll get a microSD card slot for expandable memory, too. And, as we've come to expect from major Android releases, you'll get access to the Android Market, as well as other Google-centric applicaitons, like Maps and Gmail. Sprint is also including a Mobile Hotspot functionality, but there's no word on how many devices at a time can be connected to the device.
As far as pricing goes, this is where Sprint is excited about the LG Optimus S. The device will cost only $49.99, after you send in a mail-in rebate and sign yourself over for a new, two-year agreement. If you're interested in the new LG, which features Sprint ID (which you can watch in action below), it will be made available on October 31st online, and in stores. Check out the full press release below.
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Press Release
With Sprint ID and Android 2.2, LG Optimus S Boasts the Ultimate in Style and Personalization; Available for Less than $50 from Sprint Beginning Oct. 31
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SAN FRANCISCO (BUSINESS WIRE), October 06, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) today announced the upcoming availability of LG Optimus S™, one of the first Android™-powered devices to offer the ultimate personalized experience with Sprint ID, a new user-friendly way of personalizing Android devices. Offering easy-to-use Google™ applications, LG Optimus S delivers an engaging Android experience for first-time smartphone users. LG Optimus S will also be the only Sprint ID phone to launch with Android 2.2 offering users hotspot functionality.
LG Optimus S will be available beginning on Sunday, Oct. 31, in all Sprint retail channels including www.sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1 for just $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $100 mail-in rebate (pricing excludes taxes).
Sprint ID allows LG Optimus S users to quickly download ID packs that deliver a predefined experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, all at once. Packs are designed to meet customers' interests, whether they are sports fans, fitness fanatics, auto enthusiasts or more. The packs could be brand-specific; allow users to easily switch between English or Spanish; or be specifically tailored to the customers' businesses or lines of work. The marketplace of Sprint ID experiences is growing and customers can have one or up to five on their devices, powered by the Now Network.
"We are committed to bringing our customers a variety of choices in devices that offer Sprint ID," said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president-Product Development. "LG Optimus comes packed with Android 2.2, a 3.2MP camera and visual voicemail at an amazing price. "This stylish and feature-rich smartphone is sure to be a hit for the holiday season. We are anxious to introduce it this fall."
This affordable and highly customizable, full-featured smartphone keeps customers socially connected and organized with Android 2.2 and other key features including:
Sleek and slim design
3.2-inch capacitive touch-screen
Virtual QWERTY keyboard
Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G experience simultaneously
3.2MP camera with 2x digital zoom
microSD card slot (supporting up to 32GB)
Android Market™ – choose from more than 80,000 apps to personalize your phone
Visual Voicemail
"LG partnered with Sprint to deliver a handset that would empower first-time smartphone users to discover the changing mobile phone marketplace," said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president of Marketing and Innovation for LG Mobile Phones. "LG Optimus S brings users closer to social networks, applications and online resources that mean the most to them and creates a smartphone experience that is unique, easy to navigate and convenient for life on-the-go."
LG Optimus S requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans. For just $69.99 Sprint's Everything Data 450 plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM gives customers unlimited text, Web and calling with any mobile in America while on the Nationwide Sprint Network – all for the same price AT&T and Verizon charge for unlimited talk only (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).
Sprint Everything Data plans automatically enroll customers in the Sprint Premier loyalty program, for benefits including annual device upgrades on the primary line. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.
An optional charge of just $29.99 per month turns on LG Optimus S's mobile hotspot feature, connecting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, gaming devices and digital cameras, at 3G speeds anywhere on the Sprint 3G network.
The Sprint Free Guarantee is the only full-money back guarantee on service plans in the wireless industry today, allowing customers to try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If a customer isn't completely satisfied, they can cancel service and return their device to be reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred, and get all associated taxes and fees waived. In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. Refund excludes usage not included in the service plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.1 million customers at the end of the second quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. With its customer-focused strategy, you can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2008 global sales of $44.7 billion, LG comprises five business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world's leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both a Global Partner of Formula 1™ and a Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.