When you think "smartphone," names like Nokia, Apple and maybe even HTC come to mind. But LG? Believe it or not, LG is making a serious play to become a serious contender in the smartphone space, and the company's GW620 is definitely a powerhouse that'll get it on the map. Just 1.5 months after it was announced, the company's first Android-powered handset is now on sale in select countries.

This model is also LG's first DivX-certified Android phone, enabling it to play back DivX media clips without any extra software or hassle. And look, with a 3" (480x320) display, it's hard to argue that this thing is a great multimedia phone. Starting today, it's shipping in both North America and Europe, though exact pricing isn't available.


In related news, the latest phone in the LG Black Label Series is also shipping today in Europe and the Middle East, while worldwide availability is scheduled to happen before the end of the year. If you'll recall, the BL40 is a really unique beast. It sports a 4" display with a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it the most cinema-friendly phone in the world. So, who's bringing the popcorn?

First DivX Certified(R) LG Android Smartphone and New LG Chocolate Mobile Phone Now Available in Selected Countries

Stylish, innovative phones allow consumers to playback high-quality DivX(R) video

SAN DIEGO and SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DivX, Inc. (Nasdaq: DIVX), a leading digital media company, and LG Electronics, a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, today announced two new LG phones - the LG GW620, LG's first DivX® Certified Android smartphone, and the DivX Certified new LG Chocolate (LG BL40) phone. These stylish new phones give consumers a seamless, high-quality DivX® video experience on the go.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081124/DIVXLOGO)

DivX technology produces highly compressed video that requires minimal storage for the highest quality media experience on a mobile platform. In fact, a standard definition movie can be compressed into just 1GB using DivX technology; a size that can easily be stored on a mobile phone for viewing anytime, anywhere.

The LG GW620 is LG's first Android-powered smartphone. Consumers can watch DivX videos on its 3-inch, 320x480 resolution touch screen. It is currently available in North America and Europe. The new LG Chocolate is the fourth handset of the LG Black Label Series. It includes a 4-inch wide screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio for a panoramic, cinema-like quality viewing experience in the high-quality DivX format. The new LG Chocolate made its official debut in the U.K. in September and is currently available throughout Europe and the Middle East. It is scheduled for full worldwide release by the end of the year.

"LG products populate the DivX ecosystem," said Kevin Hell, Chief Executive Officer, DivX, Inc. "We're pleased to deliver DivX capabilities to LG's first Android phone and the new LG Chocolate, extending a partnership that provides consumers with the freedom to watch high-quality video on any DivX Certified device, whenever and wherever they want."

"LG continues to roll out feature-rich phones and smartphones loaded with cutting-edge technologies," said Dr. Woo-Young Kwak, Executive Vice President of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company's Mobile Handset R&D Center. "LG mobile phones include support for DivX and enable customers to enjoy cinematic viewing on the go."

LG is the third largest cell phone company in the world. The LG GW620 and the new LG Chocolate phone join the LG Viewty and the LG Secret as part of the DivX ecosystem, which now includes more than 200 million DivX devices shipped into the market worldwide. With so many DivX devices available to choose from, it's simple for consumers to view their favorite videos on a DivX Certified device of their choice from a variety of manufacturers, whether it's a mobile phone, digital TV or portable DVD player.

Products that bear the DivX Certified logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure a high-quality DivX media experience, including reliable video creation and playback, interoperability with other DivX Certified devices and the visual quality users expect from DivX.

For more information about LG Mobile, visit www.lgmobile.com.

For more information about DivX, visit www.divx.com.

About DivX

DivX, Inc. is a leading digital media company that enables consumers to enjoy a high-quality video experience across any kind of device. DivX creates, distributes and licenses digital video technologies that span the "three screens" comprising today's consumer media environment--the PC, the television and mobile devices. Over 200 million DivX devices have shipped into the market from leading consumer electronics manufacturers. DivX also offers content providers and publishers a complete solution for the distribution of secure, high-quality digital video content. Driven by a globally recognized brand and a passionate community of hundreds of millions of consumers, DivX is simplifying the video experience to enable the digital home.