Today, I received this Media Release of LG latest 3.5G Touch Watch, LG-GD910. I remembered playing with it at CommunicAsia 2009. During that time, we were not told about the release date or the pricing. Finally, the day has come that GD910 becomes official. The recommended retail price for this touch watch is SG$1,688. Media release after the break.
Media Release
Singapore, 30 October 2009 – LG Electronics (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile communications, today announced that the world’s first Touch Watch Phone (Model: LG-GD910), is now available in Singapore. With just 800 units allocated for the Singapore market, these sought-after communication timepieces will be sold by the three telco operators in Singapore—SingTel, M1 and StarHub—in one of their exclusively selected retail outlets, namely: SingTel at ION Orchard, M1 at Paragon, and StarHub at Plaza Singapura. LG’s GD910 Touch Watch Phone, with a recommended retail price of S$1,688 (without contract), makes its mark in history as the first ever 3.5G phone in the form factor of a watch to be publicly available outside of a spy movie.
“Our Watch Phone is far more than just a prototype with a price tag,” said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communication Company. “This phone is fully functional and rivals top luxury watch brands in terms of style, comfort and durability. The engineering that went into making our Watch Phone a reality – especially the touch technology – is unmatched in the industry.”
LG has long been a leader in touch technology, which is a crucial element of this one-of-a-kind device. In 2007, LG released the world’s first full touchscreen phone, the PRADA Phone by LG, and has continued to improve on its technology ever since. The LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone is the beneficiary of all of LG’s research and development in this fast-growing area.
“Designing such a small touchscreen like the one on the LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone is far more difficult than designing a larger one,” explained Dr. Ahn. “In order to be usable, the screen has to be far more precise and far more sensitive than the technology that’s currently available. For the LG GD 910 Touch Watch Phone, we were able to develop a very high-resolution 1.4-inch screen that is extremely responsive to user commands and easy to read.”
Touch technology was not the only engineering challenge LG faced in creating the LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone. Miniaturising the components presented its own set of challenges that required innovative solutions.
The final product that LG engineers unveiled wasn’t only small, it included all the features found in some of today’s most advanced mobile phones: compatibility with 3G HSDPA networks, video calling capability, MP3 player, speaker phone, water resistance and Bluetooth. Bluetooth is what sets the Watch Phone apart from all other miniature phones that have been conceptualised in the past.
Unlike in the movies, holding a watch phone up to one’s mouth when making a call is far from practical or comfortable. Bluetooth technology is a key component that makes LG’s Watch Phone a practical reality today and far less conspicuous when taking a call in public. The LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone also incorporates LG’s most advanced voice recognition and text-to-speech technology allowing for voice commands.
LG’s Watch Phone not only surpasses the best of what Hollywood had to offer in terms of features, but also in the category of looks. LG used only high-quality materials and worked with some of the top industrial designers to create a communication timepiece that fashion-conscious trendsetters would feel comfortable wearing for any occasion.
“I believe the LG Watch Phone will be a hit among Singaporeans who are among the most technologically-savvy in the world,” said Jeff Cheh, Managing Director, LG Electronics Singapore. “The multi-functional capabilities of the LG GD910 Touch Watch Phone strongly reinforces LG’s position as a leader in technology innovation.”
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, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2008 global sales of $44.7 billion, LG comprises of five business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, audio and video products, mobile handsets, air conditioners and washing machines. LG has signed a long-term agreement to become both A Global Partner of Formula 1™ and A Technology Partner of Formula 1™. As part of this top-level association, LG acquires exclusive designations and marketing rights as the official consumer electronics, mobile phone and data processor of this global sporting event.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
The LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is a leading global mobile communications and information company. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative design capabilities, LG creates handsets that provide an optimized mobile experience to customers around the world. LG is pursuing convergence technology and mobile computing products, while continuing its leadership role in mobile communication with stylish designs and smart technology. For more information, please visit www.lge.com.
About LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd
LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd is a fully-owned subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., the pioneer and market leader of the Korean electronics industry for over four decades. In recognition of its vision of bringing great design to category defining products, and its fast-growing market appeal in Singapore, LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd is a recipient of leading local and international industry accolades such as the Superbrands 2006, Red dot Design and GfK No. 1 Awards. Poised to be the Number One electronics and telecommunications brand in Singapore, LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd runs a customer-focused centre: the LG Service Centre at Alexandra Road. For more information, please visit http://sg.lge.com.