Virgin Mobile giving $25 in Google Wallet credits to everyone who activates an LG Optimus Elite

Virgin Mobile is running an interesting promotion to get people to buy their newly-launched LG Optimus Elite. They’re giving $25 of Google Wallet credit to use at participating retailers and shops.

This is no doubt a promotion to highlight the device’s NFC chip and to encourage users to try out mobile payments, a fairly new field of technology for American consumers. You’ll first get $10, and another $15 will show up after three weeks of the device being activated.

If you return the phone before then, you’ll lose out on the full promotion. This ends in July so you have a fair amount of time to take advantage.

Don’t forget that you’ll also get a $35 account bonus good for one month. That specific promotion is for new customers only and it ends on the 30th of this month. Head to Virgin’s site to get started and read on for full press details.

The Ultimate Pay Phone

MAKE YOUR VIRGIN MOBILE LG OPTIMUS ELITE YOUR WALLET AND GET $25

From 5/18/12 through 7/18/12, you can get $25 credited to your Google Wallet™ account by first purchasing and activating an LG Optimus Elite™.

Then activate your Google Wallet and Google Wallet prepaid card within 7 days of activating the device on a Virgin Mobile USA Beyond Talk monthly plan.

With Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities and built-in services like Google Wallet, you can now use your LG Optimus Elite like never before - as a wallet – making it one of the fastest, easiest and flat-out coolest ways to make a purchase at participating retailers.

For more information on the LG Optimus Elite:

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-phones/lg-optimus-elite-phone.jsp

For more information on Google Wallet:

http://www.google.com/wallet/what-is-google-wallet.html

Limited time offer, promotion runs from 5/18/2012 through 7/18/2012 ("Promotion Period"). Not available in all markets/retail locations. $25 Google Wallet offer Terms and Conditions: Offer requires: (1) purchase of a new LG Optimus Elite from Virgin Mobile and activation on a Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk account; and (2) activation and set up of Google Wallet prepaid card within seven (7) days of Virgin Mobile account activation, during the Promotion Period. Upon successful activation, Google™ will: (i) add a $10 credit to the Google Wallet prepaid card within 48 hours of activation; and (ii) add an additional $15.00 credit to the Google Wallet prepaid card within three weeks of successful activation and set up. No personal credit card information is required for offer to apply. To see where Google Wallet is accepted, please go to http://www.google.com/wallet/where-it-works.html. NOTE: Credits applied toward Google Wallet accounts are performed by Google or its designees. For more questions or inquiries about this offer, or about the status of your credit, please call Google Wallet: 855-492-5538. Other restrictions apply.

©2012 Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. All rights reserved. VIRGIN and the Virgin signature logo are registered trademarks of Virgin Enterprises Limited and are used under license. The LG Electronics, Inc. and Optimus Elite logo are registered trademarks of LG Electronics, Inc. The Google logo and Google Wallet is a trademark of Google Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Optimus 4X HD coming to Europe in June

LG’s first quad-core superphone will be making its way to store shelves in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Poland next month. Powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor and a 4.7? True HD IPS display, the Optimus 4X HD has its sights set squarely on the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S III superphones, giving users a solid alternative if they haven’t been blown away with either other device just yet.

The Optimus 4X HD takes full advantage of the larger display, and offers phablet features such as a new Quick Memo, which allows users of the 4X HD to jot notes over a screen image, and Media Plex, which provides desktop-like image and video playback.

The Optimus 4X HD will head to Asia, South America, and Central America in coming months, though no official word of a US release has been given. We expect this device to launch as the T-Mobile G4X later this year, perhaps shedding LG’s updated UI Overlay in favor of stock Android 4.

Confirmed specs of the Optimus 4X HD include:

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with updated LG UI Overlay1.5 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 processor4.7 inch 720p True HD IPS display8 megapixel backside illumination rear camera1.3 megapixel front camera1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage2,150 mAh batteryBluetooth 4.0, NFC, WiFi 802.11b/g/nMHL, DLNA, etc.8.9 mm thickSHSPA+ 21 Mbps supportShow Press Release

LG’S FIRST QUAD-CORE SMARTPHONE
HEADS TO EUROPE IN JUNE
LG Optimus 4X HD with Advanced User Experience (UX) Offers
Fast Performance, Superb IPS Display and Biggest Battery in its Class

SEOUL, May 15, 2012 – LG announced that the Optimus 4X HD, which was first introduced at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February, will be available next month in key markets starting in Western Europe.

Beyond the fast NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, LG’s latest Android 4.0 device boasts the biggest battery among Quad-Core smartphones at 2,150mAh and a superb high resolution viewing experience with in the 4.7-inch True HD IPS display. Since MWC, the Optimus 4X HD has been upgraded with new SiO+ battery technology, Quick MemoTM to enhance productivity and Media PlexTM for an advanced multimedia experience.

The Optimus 4X HD is fitted with NVIDIA’s 4-PLUS-1™ Quad-Core mobile processor, the Tegra? 3, which utilizes a fifth core for the best power efficiency and outstanding performance. For maximum performance, Tegra? 3 runs on all four cores but when in standby mode the processor defaults to the fifth, battery-saver core. In a future upgrade, LG will introduce Eco-Mode specifically for the Optimus 4X HD which will allow users to manually shut down any of the Tegra 3’s cores for even more control over power consumption and performance.

The removable 2,150mAh battery utilizes advanced SiO+ technology to provide higher energy density for more power and longer run times without adding bulk to the phone’s already svelte form factor.

“Beyond the fast processor, superb display and largest-in-class battery, the Optimus 4X HD is the first LG smartphone to feature the new User Experience (UX),” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “As the smartphone segment consolidates even further, it’s becoming more and more apparent that both great software and great hardware are crucial to stay on top of the game. LG intends to be a strong contender in both areas and the Optimus 4X HD is our proof.”

One of the new UX features in the Optimus 4X HD is Quick MemoTM, which first appeared in the Optimus Vu:. Quick MemoTM is not an app but is integrated into the operating system of the Optimus 4X HD so that it can be activated within any application, including games or video players. It gives one the ability to jot memos or notes over a screen image for saving or sharing with others. The version of Quick MemoTM found on the Optimus 4X HD is a newer version that allows URLs imbedded in memos to directly connect to web pages.

Media Plex TM is the newest addition to the Optimus 4X HD. This is a collection of software features that take image and video playback on the smartphone to a level that until now was only possible on a PC or laptop. Some of the innovative features offered by Media Plex TM include:

l Fingertip Seek that shows a preview of any video frame simply by touching the progress bar;
l Live Zooming which allows viewers to zoom in and out by pinching during video playback;
l Video Speed Control for precise control of the playback speed of a video;
l Thumbnail List Play which enables users to view thumbnails of videos playing while watching another video full screen.
The advanced 8.0MP BSI (backside illumination) sensor camera of the Optimus 4X HD comes with a powerful new feature that allows users to select and save the best shot among the images taken just before pressing the shutter button.

And with MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), there are multiple ways to connect the phone to TVs and other devices in the home.

The Optimus 4X HD will be rolled out in Europe followed by countries in Asia, CIS, South and Central America in the coming months.

LG Optimus Elite now available from Virgin Mobile USA

It was only a few days ago that pre-orders for the LG Optimus Elite were happening but now Virgin Mobile USA is ready to put their first device with NFC and Google Wallet into the hands of consumers. Yes, today is the day the LG Optimus Elite goes on sale today and you can pick yourself one up for only $150. A reminder of the specs let's us know it's not for everyone out there but it a reasonable device for those looking to possibly jump from a feature phone:

Android 2.3 Gingerbread3.5-inch touchscreen800 MHz processor5MP rear-facing camera

As a bonus, LG has also team up with the folks from Box so if you pick up an LG Optimus Elite, you can download the Box app from the Google Play Store and get yourself 50GB of cloud storage space for free. Keep in mind though, that offer only runs until July 22, 2012. Need more details? Check out the full press release below or have a look at our hands-on.

LG Optimus EliteTM Makes its Way to Virgin Mobile USA on May 15

First device for Virgin Mobile USA to be enabled with NFC and Google Wallet

WARREN, N.J. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), May 15, 2012 - Virgin Mobile USA answers to A Higher Calling™ once again, announcing with LG Mobile the availability today of LG Optimus Elite™ in Titan Silver for $149.99. The device operates on Virgin Mobile’s industry-leading, no-contract Beyond Talk plans with unlimited data and messaging starting at $35 a month. Stylish and slim, LG Optimus Elite comes with Google Wallet™ and is now available at virginmobileusa.com and major retailers nationwide.

A successor to the popular LG Optimus V™, this highly customizable full-featured smartphone keeps customers organized with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and other key features, including a 3.5-inch HVGA screen, 800MHz processor, 5MP autofocus rear-facing camera and camcorder with flash, and a virtual QWERTY keyboard.

A first for Virgin Mobile USA devices, LG Optimus Elite comes with Near Field Communications (NFC), allowing customers to access true value features, such as Google WalletTM, an app that allows payment using a mobile device from participating retailers at select Macy’s, RadioShack, Walgreens, Gap and more.

“Our customers fell in love with the LG Optimus V™, so bringing another great device to our lineup of Android™-powered devices from the Optimus family goes right along with our promise of A Higher Calling™,” said Jeff Auman, vice president for Virgin Mobile USA. “LG Optimus Elite offers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange email, and advanced messaging capabilities. Combined with our awesome Beyond Talk monthly unlimited data plans, customers can realize true savings with no contract and no surprises.”

Operating on the Sprint Nationwide Network1, Virgin Mobile USA offers tremendous value for those customers who text, IM, post, email, friend, like and tweet more than they talk. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $35 a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging and data. For those looking for a bit more talk time, the $45 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice, and the $55 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month. All plans include unlimited messaging and data (plans include 2.5GB of full-speed data).

“LG Mobile strives to provide the best technologies and services that are not only extremely useful, but also accessible to everyone,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “The LG Optimus Elite not only has amazing features, but with add-ons such as Google Wallet, Box and Virgin Mobile’s affordable monthly plan, consumers will be getting a great smartphone with incredible value.”

Customers can also download Box on LG Optimus Elite and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing2 directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so they don’t have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories.

About Virgin Mobile USA

Virgin Mobile USA, one of Sprint's prepaid brands, offers millions of customers control, flexibility and connectivity through Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk™ no-contract plans with unlimited data for mobile phone service, including Android-powered smartphones and prepaid Broadband2Go high-speed Web access on the Nationwide Sprint Network. Virgin Mobile-branded devices are available at more than 40,000 retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and RadioShack. Top-Up cards are available at approximately 150,000 locations nationwide and can be used for Broadband2Go services. Experience Virgin Mobile on the Web at Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and purchase Virgin Mobile USA products at www.virginmobileusa.com.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. With 117 operations around the world, LG achieved global sales of USD 49 billion (KRW 54.26 trillion) in 2011. LG is comprised of four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company

The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a global leader and innovator in mobile communications. With its breakthrough technologies and innovative designs, LG continues to establish a number of benchmarks in the smartphone market, while also helping create a better lifestyle for consumers by delivering a wholly enhanced smartphone experience. As a leader in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, LG continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking LTE technologies and fulfilling consumer demands with differentiated LTE devices of the highest quality, all of which are based on the company’s wealth of LTE patents and technical knowledge. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

Google, Android, and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.

1 Virgin Mobile customers have access to the Nationwide Sprint Network which reaches more than 280 million people for voice services and 276 million people for 3G data services.

2 The 50GB of free storage is exclusive to LG devices until July 22, 2012.

Updated: Experiencing Issues After Updating Your Sprint LG Optimus S To Gingerbread? Here Are Some Potential Workarounds

On September 14, Sprint revealed that an update to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) was rolling out for the LG Optimus S. Seems like a good thing, right? Not so fast, actually - it turns out there are some fairly substantial bugs that weren't worked out before rolling out the update. Sprint is aware of the keyboard issue but has yet to acknowledge the other problems users seem to be experiencing, such as issues charging and using USB storage.

Update: Sprint pulled the Gingerbread update for the time being.

We've already had over 150 comments relating to the update, issues, and potential fixes, so I thought it would be a good idea to compile some of the suggestions into a post.

Keyboard issues (no predictive text): This isn't a "fix" per se, but it seems the best route is to use an alternative keyboard. Swype is pre-installed on the phone, so you can switch to that without installing anything new. Alternatively, you can try other players such as SwiftKey, A.I.type, and TouchPal. Otherwise, LG is aware of the issue and working on a fix.Phone won't charge The potential fix is to enable USB Debugging. To do so, head to Settings -> Applications -> Development -> make sure USB Debugging is checked.Alternatively, if it won't charge normally (while powered on), it should charge while powered off. Your best bet is probably to power it off and let it charge while you sleep.For some people, it seems that the phone actually is charging, it just doesn't show it.Can't use USB storage

Unfortunately, there are no perfect fixes for any of the issues listed above. Other users are reporting a smattering of smaller (and substantially less frequent) issues, but hopefully the above can help some people with the most significant issues.

Feel free to sound off with your own issues (or fixes) in the comments below. I'll keep an eye on the comments and add anything major to the post.

LG Optimus 3D Max now available in Europe, other markets coming soon

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LG Optimus Vu does its 5-inch, 4:3 thing in white next week

Tired of big black slabs? How's about a nice big white slab? The LG Optimus Vu is bringing its 5-inch, 4:3 aspect ratio in white starting next week, the Korean manufacturer announced today. As you'll recall from our last encounter with this massive beast at Mobile World Congress, the Optimus Vu is a stylus-happy phone/tablet hybrid that pretty much was a direct response to the Samsung Galaxy Note. It's not all bad, but boy howdy is it ever big.

We've still got no idea if it'll ever hit the States, nor do we really know if that'd be a bad thing. 

Source: LG

"Phil is a recovering print journalist, editor of Android Central, subtitles and street signs."

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