LG Optimus 3D: A Next-Gen Android Phone - Technology - Communication

Electronics giant LG, which has recently struggled to find its place in the ever-changing smartphone market, is planning a comeback with the Optimus 3D. This new LG Optimus phone is the world's first glasses-free 3D Android phone, and will be the first glasses-free 3D phone to reach the Australian market.

While no glasses are required to experience the 3D effect, the screen does need to be held at a certain angle. Early reports from Mobile World Congress, an annual mobile industry gathering, suggest that the optimal view range is smaller than that of the 3DS, Nintendo's upcoming glasses-free 3D portable gaming system.

Still, the 3D effect is said to be impressive under the right conditions. It can also be toggled on and off at will.

The LG Optimus phone integrates stereoscopic 3D into popular Android games, videos, photos, and even the Android user interface. The phone comes preloaded with several 3D-enabled games by French developers Gameloft: Let's Golf 2, racing game Asphalt 6: Adrenaline, and a Halo-esque first-person shooter called N.O.V.A. It has built-in access to a special 3D Youtube gallery.

And the Optimus 3D isn't just for viewing 3D; dual rear-facing cameras allow the user to record 3D video, which can be uploaded to the aforementioned Youtube gallery.

In addition to its flashy innovations, the LG Optimus 3D provides the features expected from a high-end Android phone: a large (4.3-inch, to be exact) touchscreen, GPS, messaging, media players, and Flash-enabled web browsing.

You may be wondering about the kinds of mobile plans that will be available for the LG Optimus phone. While LG has not yet announced Optimus 3D carrier availability for Australia, the Australian launch is expected for June, so details on specific mobile plans shouldn't be too far away.

In other Android news, Google recently opened a web-based Android application market, available at market.android.com. Android users no longer have to view and download apps directly through their Android phones.

Now, just like Apple's iOS App Store, the applications directory of the Android Market can be viewed directly from your PC. Once an application has been purchased, you can wirelessly transfer it to Android phones. Now, just like Apple's iOS App Store, the applications directory of the Android Market can be viewed directly from your PC. Once an application has been purchased, you can wirelessly transfer it to Android phones.

The Android Market also features Twitter and Google Account integration.

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