LG Electronics plans to enter the GSM race in the United States through two new clamshell phones, devices that will be available through Cingular Wireless. LG said pricing and availability details will be announced in the official unveiling of the phones next week during the CTIA Wireless IT show.
LG’s new phones highlight the company’s continued expansion into the GSM industry, moves that have pushed LG alongside the world’s top mobile-phone makers. Indeed, LG is currently in a battle with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications over the No. 5 market-share spot, and LG’s movements into the GSM phone market in the United States could further the company’s position. LG currently sells various GSM models throughout Europe and elsewhere.
LG’s new clamshell G4050 features a color screen, Java capabilities and support for Cingular’s newly launched multimedia messaging service. The company’s G4010 has a grayscale screen and text messaging capabilities.
LG is not the only company making news on the phone front.
Siemens Mobile announced it will sell its new M56 and SL56 mobile phones through AT&T Wireless Services Inc. The color-screen M56 will sell for $100 with a service agreement, and the SL56, which features a sliding keypad, will sell for $250.
Not to be left out, Sprint PCS said it is now offering the new Handspring Inc. Treo 600 for $600. The carrier is offering rebates of $100 or $150 for one- or two-year service plans. The advanced device features the Palm Inc. operating system and an integrated digital camera. Sprint also announced a deal to sell Good Technology Inc.’s GoodLink wireless enterprise server, which works with the Treo 600.
As news on the mobile-phone front continues to heat up, a variety of startups are looking to cash in on the rapidly evolving industry. Mobile Diagnostix released its new Smartphone Profiler product, which the company said allows wireless carriers to monitor users’ smart-phone settings, thus allowing carrier service representatives to more quickly gather information about a subscriber’s smart phone.
