LG confirms its Optimus 3D Max smartphone

SMILEY FACED FIRM LG has announced its Optimus 3D Max smartphone that it will show off at Mobile World Congress (MWC).

The Optimus 3D Max joins a number of devices that have been announced before MWC kicks off in Barcelona next week. The phone is the firm's second generation glasses-free 3D handset following the Optimus 3D, which LG announced at MWC last year.

Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG said, "The Optimus 3D Max was born from LG's constant efforts to bring user entertainment experience to a higher level."

"The introduction of the Optimus 3D last year ushered in a new era for smartphones and Optimus 3D Max is real proof of LG's commitment to portable 3D entertainment."

We saw the device leaked last week and most of the details were accurate including HDMI and digital living network alliance (DLNA) technology. We heard it would be slimmer and lighter, which is true because LG has got it down to 9.6mm and 148g, better than we anticipated.

Confirmed specifications include a Texas Instruments 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a 4.3in WVGA glasses-free 3D touchscreen, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage and dual 5MP rear facing cameras.

Unfortunately, and as we feared, the phone will come with Android 2.3 Gingerbread instead of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. It will be upgraded "shortly after launch", according to LG.

Improvements and additions include HSPA+, near field communications (NFC) technology, mobile high-definition link (MHL) and a 3D converter for apps including Google Maps. The battery is only slightlhy less powerful at 1520mAh instead of the previous 1540mAh.

LG said that the Optimus 3D Max will tip up in Korea next month and then will be rolled out to other countries including Europe afterwards. µ