Only a few days ago LG announced to the world that it will be using Microsoft’s recently launched Windows Mobile 6.5 in a minimum of 13 new smartphones over the next 16 months. But now in a surprise move they have announced a new smartphone, the LG-GW620, which will use Linux – the arch rival operating system of Microsoft.
The new LG smartphone will use Android, like the HTC Hero and the T-Mobile G1, which is an open source mobile operating system based on Linux. Android was originally developed by Google and then later the Open Handset Alliance which Google founded along with 48 other partners including hardware, software, and telecom companies.
LG is saying that using Android meets their “objective to provide a wide selection of smartphones to satisfy the diverse preferences of today's consumers.” They point out that, “This Android phone is just one of many smartphone models we plan to introduce worldwide in the years ahead."
The LG-GW620 will have a 3-inch full touchscreen and slide out QWERTY keypad for messaging and email. Due to the popularity of social networking, the LG-GW620 comes with social networking functions right out-of-the-box.
Android is an interesting choice of operating system for LG as in many ways it is the opposite of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile which LG are also using. Could LG switch over completely to Android? It is possible but unlikely, however in the race to reduce costs and increase profit, anything is possible.
Details of the GW620 are sketchy at the moment, but as standard Android phones come with lots of goodies including video recording & playback, WiFi, a full web experience with an enhanced browser and hands-free calls and listening with stereo bluetooth.
The LG-GW620 will be available in the fourth quarter of this year in selected European markets which almost certainly includes the UK.