AT&T (NYSE:T) will sell
the LG Thrill 4G, a high-end smartphone with a 4.3-inch WVGA 3D display that
will let users create and share 3D photos and video this summer.
The No. 1 U.S.
carrier did not reveal pricing for the Thrill 4G, which will launch with Google's
(NASDAQ:GOOG) Android 2.2 operating system and be powered by a 1GHz dual-core,
dual-channel RAM processor to allow for 3D content generation and consumption.
To affirm its
status as a 3D content enabler, LG and AT&T are preloading the Thrill 4G with
3D games, such as "Let's Golf 2" and "NOVA," the Gameloft
3D store, YouTube 3D and 3D movies from mSpot.
All this
content may be consumed without special 3D glasses, courtesy of the twin
stereoscopic, 5-megapixel cameras. These shutters will allow users to shoot
720p video in 3D and capture 3D still photos, or shoot 2D footage in HD 1080p.
The Thrill
4G's video stabilization technology will correct any shake in captured content
during recording. LG Users may also convert 2D content photos and videos into
3D by pushing a button.
Also, users
will be able to port their pics and video clips to a larger computer monitor or
TV screen via an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port and micro USB
cable.
Finally, the
Thrill 4G sports a front-facing camera for video chat, which will be accompanied
by the Qik video chat application that is so ubiquitous on Android smartphone
from Sprint and others. Qik will enable video calling over WiFi.
The LG Thrill
4G is the LG
Optimus 3D the phone maker showed
off at Mobile World Congress in February, albeit with branding tailored for
AT&T.
While AT&T
has yet to reveal pricing for the Thrill 4G, anything more than $199.99 on
contract would be surprising and a gamble.
This is
because Thrill 4G mirrors the HTC
Evo 3D 4G launching on Sprint's network June 24 for $199.99 on a two-year
contract. eWEEK just reviewed
the Evo 3D 4G.
Both the
Thrill 4G and Evo 3D 4G sport 4.3-inch screens and twin 5MP cameras for 3D
photo and video creation and consumption, sans 3D glasses. Both come with 3D
content preloaded, and both have front-facing cameras for video chat.
However, the
Evo 3D 4G does leverage the Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" OS, which might
lead AT&T to offer its device for, say, $179.99. The LG Thrill 4G will
upgrade to Gingerbread later.