Verizon Wireless and LG also announced their new sub-$100 Android smartphone, the LG Vortex, which will be available on November 18. The say that the LG Vortex "empowers first-time smartphone users to join and explore the growing Android world.
The LG Vortex comes with Android 2.2 and has a 3.2-inch touchscreen, Swype keyboard, Bluetooth 2.1, microSD expansion (up to 32GB), Wi-Fi, 3G mobile hotspot mode, and a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera/camcorder with flash. The Vortex has LG-specific apps, including My Status with Twitter for LG and Facebook for LG.
The LG Vortex also comes preloaded with Bing Search, Bing Maps, Facebook, Twitter Visual Voicemail, and Skype Mobile. Features include customizable home screens with shortcuts to text messages, email, apps, favorite social networking sites and widgets.
A proximity sensor instantly locks the touchscreen while talking on the phone.
The LG Vortex has a full suite of messaging options - text,
picture, video and voice messaging. Corporate and personal email
accounts are supported.
The 3.2-megapixel camera features multiple resolutions, image editor with
zoom, customized settings, optimized video quality, and video recording
time up to 16GB.
The LG Vortex comes in black or violet and will be $79.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card. Upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
LG Vortex customers will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $15 monthly access for 150MB.
There were previous rumors that the LG Vortex would be offered FREE with a rebate. We will keep you posted as to offers. It's based on the LG Optimus S and has a 600MHz processor.
Along with free shipping, Verizon offers an added bonus for ordering
online with the Wireless and Mobile News' coupon-link so that you can get an
Instant Phone Rebate Only Available with Online Purchases.