LG Introduces Mind-reading Interactive Phone

LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, today announced the European launch of its 2008 iF product design award winning LG KF600, a new mobile phone that is as feature rich and easy to use as it is stylish, thanks to its unique InteractPad™.

The InteractPad™ replaces physical navigation keys with context-specific virtual keys that change to fit the task at hand. This new interface comes in response to the need for a simple way to navigate through the multitudinous features on today’s mobile phones.

The LG KF600’s InteractPad™ and its virtual menu keys show the exact keys a user needs to complete the task at hand eliminating distractions. This is far more flexible than standard hardware keys and eliminates the need to memorize exactly which key performs what function. These virtual keys are also larger and better spaced than physical keys, improving accuracy.

The InteractPad™ is an ideal interface for controlling multimedia features like the LG KF600’s digital audio player, camera and video camera. Because its controls are not tied to physical buttons, each of these functions has a custom interface that makes it incredibly intuitive to use.

To make it easier to use, the InteractPad™ is equipped with multi-sensorial feedback that provides users with audio, visual and tactile cues. When a virtual button is pressed it becomes larger and the phone vibrates just slightly and makes a clicking sound. This feedback is not only designed to make these virtual buttons seem more like real ones, it also makes the phone more comfortable to use and improves accuracy.

The LG KF600 includes eight dynamic graphic interface themes that are stylish and fun. Each gives the phone a different character that can act as an extension of its owner’s personality. These themes, many of which were inspired by the work of famed artist Keith Haring, affect all aspects of the LG KF600’s interface including the InteractPad™. When users choose a theme, all the layouts of each application will be reflected in menu, icons as well as wallpaper under the integrated theme.

The LG KF600 is far more advanced than other slide phones and unlike any other phone available because of its unique interface and feed-forward tactile navigation made possible by the InteractPad™.

Dr. Skott Ahn, CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company said, “The LG KF600 and the InteractPad™ reflect LG’s commitment to making its handsets easier to use through improved user interface technology. Usability is truly at the centre of this handset’s design and it represents LG’s latest achievement in making phones that connect with their users. This handset offers a mere glimpse into a newly emerging trend in the mobile market. LG is researching and developing new ways to improve usability and will continue focus on features that add practical benefits for users.”

The LG KF600’s powerful multimedia features include a 3 mega-pixel camera, MP3 player, video recording, FM radio, Bluetooth and more. Its ergonomic trapezoidal shape is the ideal complement to the phone’s sleek, glossy finish.

The LG KF600 will be available for purchase starting from January and will be introduced at World Mobile Congress 2008 in Barcelona, Spain in February.

1) Main Features
-InteractPad™
Unique interactive touch-based virtual navigation keypad that interacts with upper display and with the user
-Dynamic graphic interface themes
Eight integrated graphic themes that are reflected in all menu, icons, wallpaper and other comprehensive interface features
-Multimedia Features
Music player with FM Radio, 3 Mega pixel camera & camcorder, and touch-control games

2) Basic Specifications
RF band: EDGE 900/ 1800/ 1900
Dimensions: 101.2mm (L) x 50.7mm (W) x 14.1mm (D)
Upper display: 320 x 240 pixels, 2.00″, 262K color TFT
Lower pad (InteractPad™): 240 x 176 pixels, 1.5″, 262K color TFT Weight: 107g
Standard battery: Li-Ion 800 mAh
Standby Time, Max (hrs): 300 hrs
Talk Time (hrs): 3 hrs
Color choices: Pastel pink, shiny pink, wine red and titan