LG launches 3-D smartphone in U.S.

SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- LG Electronics Inc., the world's third-largest mobile handset maker, said Wednesday that its new smartphone with 3-D features was launched by the second-largest mobile carrier in the United States this week.
LG Electronics has been betting big on 3-D features to differentiate its products and to command premium prices in response to challenges on multiple fronts with slow TV sales and a loss-making mobile business.
The new Thrill 4G phone, which is a U.S. version for LG's Optimus 3D smartphone, sports a 4.3-inch display that allows users to record 3-D videos, take 3-D still images and look at 3-D images without special glasses, LG said.
The new Android-powered mobile phone will likely pit itself against another 3-D capable phone by LG's Asian rival, HTC Corp. In June, the Taiwan-based phone maker launched the EVO 3D in the U.S. market.
LG's mobile communications division posted an operating loss for five straight quarters through June.
The company, also the world's second-largest TV supplier, has ramped up its research and development spending and expanded its Android team to revive its mobile business, but its new model will face stiff competition from Samsung Electronics Co.'s Galaxy smartphone and Apple Inc.'s iPhone.
The Thrill 4G is available at US$99.99 with a two-year contract with AT&T Inc.