LG releasing first Android phone in Q4

LG Electronics said it would release its first phone running on Google's Android operating system in the fourth quarter, beginning in European markets. The announcement by LG adds another handset maker to the crowded Android smartphone market, and comes on the heels of Motorola's unveiling of its first Android phone.

[1]In announcing the device, called the LG-GW620 for now, LG made sure to emphasize that Android was only part of the company's smartphone strategy. Just last week, LG trumpeted its decision to release three new Windows Mobile phones soon, and to release 13 Windows Mobile phones by the end of next year.

LG did not release any detailed specifications for the phone, but said it would have a 3-inch touchscreen and a slide-out Qwerty keyboard. The phone, code-named Etna, was spotted last week at the German IFA trade show, and reportedly also will sport a 5-megapixel camera and WiFi.

LG did not release any pricing details or say if the phone would be available in the North American market.

LG's official entrance into the Android arena will only add to the competition, which already includes Samsung, HTC and others. Motorola, which is betting heavily on the success of its Android phones, will offer its first Android device through T-Mobile USA domestically and through several other carriers overseas.

For more:
- see these photos [1]
- see this release [2]

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LG confirms Android, launches new user interface [4]
LG plans big Windows Mobile effort [5]
LG ships 30M handsets in Q2 [6]
LG aims to be No. 2 handset maker by 2012 [7]