LG V10 (CDMA)
LG Says G4 and V10 To Receive Nougat Eventually
LG today said it plans to provide the Android 7 Nougat system update to its mid-2015 flagship phone, the G4, and its late-2015 high-end camera handset, the V10. The company said in a blog post that these phones were designed with Android 5 and Android 6 in mind, but customer feedback has forced LG to rethink its position on the phones' software. The company expects to have Android 7 ready for the V10 by the second quarter of this year, with the G4 to follow during the third quarter. LG says this upgrade schedule applies only to the G4 and V10 in Korea. The company will announce Android 7 Nougat update plans for the G4 and V10 in other markets at a later time.
LG Says New V Series Phone Coming Soon
LG today reported its second quarter earnings and took the opportunity to tease a forthcoming handset. LG's mobile business increased revenues 12% from the first quarter to $2.86 billion, but "somewhat slow" sales of its G5 flagship and the associated marketing costs led the unit to a loss of $132 million. Total device shipments were up 3% to 13.9 million during the three months ending June 30. The company expects things to get back on track during the next few months. "The launch of the new V series and expanding sales of mass-tier K and X series models are expected to improve the business unit's performance next quarter." LG brought the V10 handset to the U.S. last year. It was a semi-rugged phone with powerful cameras. LG didn't name the new V series handset, but it is likely a successor to the V10. The timing of the launch is unclear. LG's K series devices are mostly entry-level offerings, while the X series fill in the mid-range tier.
LG's VPInput App Lets PCs Control Smartphones Via Bluetooth
LG recently announced VPInput, an app for PCs and select LG handsets that makes Bluetooth pairing a breeze. More than simply connecting the devices, VPInput lets LG smartphone owners control their device using the PC's mouse and keyboard. LG is pitching the app as "a convenient solution when you’re at your desk but want to check your phone without interrupting your workflow." For example, VPInput can be used to copy text from a Word document on a PC and then paste it into a document on a smartphone, or take a screenshot on a phone and display it on the PC screen. Further, function keys on the PC can be used as shortcuts to launch certain apps or tools that are on the smartphone. VPInput is free to download from the Google Play Store, but is only compatible with the LG V10, G4, and G5 smartphones.
Verizon Taking Preorders for LG Watch Urbane 2nd Ed.
Following AT&T, Verizon Wireless today said customers can place orders for the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition with LTE. This wearable, delayed by several months due to manufacturing issues, has its own cellular connection to Verizon's network and can be used fully independent from a smartphone. It can make calls and send messages from the owner's main cell number. The wearable runs Android Wear and costs $499. Verizon will drop the price by $50 for those willing to sign a contract. It costs $5 per month to add the watch to an existing service plan. For a limited time, Verizon will sell the watch for $399 when purchased with the LG G5 or V10 smartphones.
LG V10 Handset Scores Marshmallow from Verizon
Verizon Wireless is rolling out the Android 6.0 Marshmallow system update to the LG V10 smartphone. According to Verizon, the update installs all the expected features of Google's latest platform, such as Google Now On Tap, Doze, revised permissions, and silent mode. Verizon did not call out any new software unique to the V10. The update is available as an over-the-air download and Verizon recommends users connect to WiFi before installing.
LG Says V10 Now On Sale
LG today marked the official arrival of the V10 smartphone, which has dual-front cameras and a secondary display. The device is on sale in the U.S., as well as China and Hong Kong. Today's launch will be followed in other markets across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East throughout the fourth quarter. T-Mobile is the lone U.S. carrier selling the V10 in stores today, though AT&T and Verizon are accepting orders online. AT&T plans to stock the device in stores Nov 6.
Hands On with the LG V10
LG's new V10 smartphone offers some unique features, including a secondary screen for shortcuts and notifications, and a pair of user-facing cameras for more fun with selfies. Here are our first impressions of this new phone from LG.
AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Commit to Selling LG V10
LG today said the V10 will be sold in the U.S. by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. Pricing and availability will be announced individually by each carrier. The phone is expected to arrive in the weeks ahead.
LG V10 Boasts Second Screen, Dual Front Cameras
LG announced the V10, a flagship smartphone that includes a ticker display, double cameras, and a more rugged design than some of LG's previous handsets. The main screen measures 5.7 inches and has quad HD resolution, while the secondary display, which sits above the main one, measures 2.1 inches and has 1040 x 160 pixels. LG says the Second Screen can set to be always on for notifications and status indicators with no impact on battery life. Moreover, the Second Screen can handle notifications while users do other tasks, such as watch videos, without disturbing what's on the main screen. The rear-facing camera has optical image stabilization, an f/1.8 aperture, and captures 16-megapixel images. The front of the V10 features dual 5-megapixel cameras that can act together to capture images with a 120-degree field of view with no optical distortion. The V10 includes a manual video mode, which allows users to adjust white balance, exposure, shutter speed, and frame rate. It captures 1080p, 2K, or 4K video in either 16:9 or 21:9 aspect ratios. Other video camera functions include stabilization, audio monitor, video editor, wind noise filter, and quick-sharing features. Unlike some of LG's previous phones, the V10 relies on a stainless steel frame with "Dura Skin" on the back to protect against drops and knicks, and aid in grip-ability. The V10 has a 32-bit high-fidelity DAC by ESS Technology for improved audio reproduction. Other features include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and support for memory cards up to 2TB. The phone has a 3,000mAh battery that can be removed, and it supports Bluetooth 4.1, 802.11ac, GPS, NGC, and LTE. It runs Android 5.1 Lollipop and comes with the usual set of LG apps, such as Knock Code. The LG V10 will be sold in black, white, beige, and two shades of blue. It will launch in Korea this month, followed by the U.S. and other countries in the near future.
