LG late Thursday said it had started shipping the Optimus 3D. Its range-topping Android phone should be ready to go in Europe first and is already up for pre-order at Amazon UK with a tentative July 13 ship date and a steep contract-free price equivalent to $969. Over 60 regions would get the new Optimus in the “next several weeks,” hinting that the AT&T Thrill 4G is due before the end of summer.
Every version of the phone uses a dual-core TI OMAP4430 processor that LG claims has a speed edge through dual-channel memory that eliminates bottlenecks. Like its arch-rival the HTC Evo 3D, it runs on a 4.3-inch glasses-free 3D screen and can record 3D video in 720p or 1080p video in 2D using its twin rear cameras. An HDMI 1.4 output and DLNA video sharing sends 3D video to TVs and the local network.
At last check, the phone was still shipping with Android 2.2 and LG’s custom interface, including a portal for 3D apps and games. The Thrill 4G on AT&T is virtually identical save for supporting the American carrier’s HSPA+ network.
