Verizon this morning launched a pair of expected full-touch devices, starting with one of its most inexpensive Android Smartphone. The LG Vortex is its adaptation of Optimus One-based phones like the Optimus S and shares the same Android 2.2, 600MHz processor, 3.2-inch touchscreen and 3.2-megapixel autofocusing camera. Its model comes with the forced use of Bing search widgets but supports extras like 3G mobile hotspot creation (for $15 extra per month) and visual voicemail. The Froyo-running LG Vortex for $79.99, and the LG Cosmos Touch with a slide-out keyboard for $49.99 with new two-year contract.
Verizon, certainly, hasn’t missed the chance to fulfill its contractual obligations with Microsoft by loading the LG Vortex with Bing Search and Bing Maps, instead of the Google’s stuffs. Radiowise, the LG Vortex features 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS with Verizon Navigator. Some of the cool apps that come preinstalled are the Swype text entry method, Skype, My Status from LG for some Facebook and Twitter action, as well as a built-in image editor. The $79.99 asking price for the LG Vortex is after a $100 mail-in rebate, and a contract. Other carriers sell it for $50 under more similar terms.
Basic feature phone users are served by another LG device, the Cosmos touch. The 2.8-inch device uses an in-house, Flash-based interface and is tailored to the entry level messaging set with a 1.3-megapixel camera and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. No native GPS or Wi-Fi is onboard like on the Vortex, although it does support assisted navigation through VZ Navigator. Cost is the focus, as the Cosmos Touch will cost $50 with a likewise smaller $50 rebate
The more attractive handset of the pair is the LG Vortex, with a 3.2″ capacitive touchscreen with tactile feedback, and a 3MP camera. The sheer fact that is powered by Android 2.2, makes it important in our eyes – it bears the full suite of Google Mobile Services, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Voice and access to Android Market.
Both the LG Vortex and the LG Cosmos Touch will be available in retail stores on November 18th.
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