LG Introduces Optimus LTE Tag, Complete With NFC Module

Mobile World Congress is just around the bend, and that means a deluge of new smartphones comin' atcha. As if there hasn't already been a waterfall of them for the past few years. At any rate, LG is following up on the Optimus Vu announcement with a little tap-and-go announcement, as the Optimus LTE Tag is going to be the company's newest, latest and greatest LTE + NFC smartphone. NFC has taken off in a major way since the introduction of Google Wallet and the decision of many smartphone makers to start embedded these chips in smartphones, and LG's hoping to continue the push. The Optimus LTE Tag advances LG's vision of offering the most diverse collection of LTE devices for all types of customers.

"Our goal is to offer the widest variety of LTE smartphones in the industry in 2012," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "The Optimus LTE Tag isn't just a cosmetically-enhanced version of Optimus LTE, it offers a truly innovative feature which we think really makes a smartphone smarter."


The Optimus LTE Tag gets its name from a unique new feature, LG Tag+, which uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to communicate with special stickers or "tags" that can be programmed to automatically change the phone's settings. Swiping a tag upon entering the office could put the Optimus LTE Tag in silent mode and activate Wi-Fi. A tag on the car dashboard could be programmed to turn on Bluetooth, GPS and raise the volume. The options are limitless.

As for specifications? There's a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, a 4.3-inch (800x480) IPS display, 16GB of eMMC memory, a 5MP camera (with a 1.3MP front camera), Android 2.3, a 1,700mAh battery, DLNA support and even an MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) output. No word on a price just yet, but it'll surely be announced at MWC.