In recent years, LG has become a force in the cell phone market. However, it hasn’t spent much time developing Android-based phones. They made great strides with the LG Intouch Max GW620 and now they have introduced the LG GT540, a phone based on the 620. Called Optimus, the GT540 has taken the best features of the 620 and added them without making the phone too confusing. It is ideal for beginners in Android technology or for those who already know the system well. The Optimus is made of high-quality plastic and offers a 3.2-inch resistive screen. It is no different from other mobile phone models in size as it is 109mm high, 54.5mm wide and 12.7mm thick. Many users are used to the conveniences that capacitive touch screens offer, but the Optimus’s screen is quite responsive. Brilliant images are displayed at a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, and the screen supports 256,000 colors. The Optimus runs on the Android 1.6 operating system and uses an updated version of the S-class interface. Users can choose their home screen between the basic version of Android or one customized by LG. Cool features that appear on the personalized home screen include access to messaging services whenever you feel like it and parts of the drop-down menu. Widgets, folders, and shortcuts are also available on the custom screen.
The user interface is easy to understand and features the convenience of importing contacts from Facebook, Bebo and Twitter. Contacting your friends is quick and effortless. One feature found on every cell phone these days is the camera, and the Optimus takes photos with a 3-megapixel camera that includes autofocus. The 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution presents these photos with brilliant clarity. Face and smile detection are also good aspects of the camera. Users who have tried the Viewty Smart will already be familiar with the camera interface as it is the basis of the Optimus. VGA video is also recorded at a rate of 17 frames per second. LG realizes that phones have advanced far beyond mere talking devices and have created a powerful multimedia device with the Optimus. The player supports Xvid and Divx formats. LG has kept the music interface similar to its other phones, supporting an FM radio and full RDS function with radio channels. Audio quality gets a boost with Bass and Optimus provides 150MB of internal memory. The Optimus is a smartphone that runs Android competently and is a good step forward for LG. It offers a pleasant experience for those who are discovering Android technology for the first time and those who already use it regularly. Simplicity and functionality are Optimus’ calling cards and it’s a welcome addition to the smartphone market.