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Today, LG officially launched the Optimus Z Android smartphone in the korean market.  It will be available with SK Telecom and KT, but pricing of the device is not yet known.  In terms of specs, the LG Optimus Z features a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, operates on Android 2.1, 3.5 inch Hyper LCD screen, T-DMB receiver, 5 MPcamera, 2 1350 mAh batteries, and should receive the Android 2.2 upgrade sometime this December. 

One cool feature of the Optimus Z is its ability to sync with your PC and you can access phone controls from your computer.  If you hook up your smartphone via Bluetooth or the data cable, the phone’s interface will be displayed on your PC allowing you to access the Market and other features.  Another interesting feature is Drag & Shake, which allows you to share files with other smartphone users by shaking your phone.  If this concept sounds familiar, you’re probably thinking of the free Android app - Bump.  Lastly, the Optimus Z comes pre-loaded with over a 100 apps, which may be welcomed or detested, depending on your opinion of bloatware. 

Hopefully LG will launch the Optimus Z in other markets soon, because it’s a solid high-end device that many people would like to use. 

Full press release is below:

SEOUL, July 29, 2010 – LG Electronics (LG) today announced the Korean launch of its latest smartphone, LG Optimus Z (LG-SU950/KU9500). Offered through local tele-coms providers SK Telecom and KT, Part of LG’s Optimus Series, Optimus Z boasts a singular, stylish design and latest version of Google’s Android OS.
With the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon at its core, Optimus Z is being launched with Android OS 2.1 with the option to upgrade to Version 2.2 before the end of the year. Advanced multimedia options include 3.5 inch WVGA “Hyper” HD LCD (800 x 480 pixels), Korea-specific T-DMB mobile TV, 5 MP camera, Dolby Mobile and DivX compatibility. Optimus Z comes with two 1,350mAh batteries, good for hours and hours of talking or entertainment. And at only 11.05 mm thin, Optimus Z and its unique “Z- style” design is more angular than previous LG smartphones and its matte-finish metal gives the Optimus Z a solid, durable feel.
In a first for Korean smartphones, the LG Optimus Z offers On Screen Phone function that lets user display their phone interface on the screen of their PC. Using Bluetooth or a data cable, the interface will appear onscreen, letting users manage the phone’s vari- ous functions – including applications and e-mail – on the computer. In addition, any documents, images or music files stored on the PC can be easily transferred to Optimus Z using this interface. Furthermore, Drag & Shake allows LG Optimus Z users to share files between smartphones with a simple shake of the handset, while LG Air Sync lets them constantly sync the phone with their PCs or other mobile digital devices.
The LG Optimus Z comes pre-equipped with more than 100 of the most popular appli- cations in Korea, along with 70 more that are not available in the Android Market. Additional applications may be downloaded through SK Telecom’s and KT’s respective application stores.
Optimus Z is the third device in LG’s Optimus Series family to be introduced globally. More Optimus devices are in the pipeline, including the launch of LG’s Android tablet in the fourth quarter of 2010.