AT&T said Monday that it will launch the first 4G smartphone in the U.S. to feature a glasses-free 3D display. It also intends to introduce another smartphone that will run Microsoft's Windows Phone 7.

Now that the wireless carrier no longer has the exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Apple's iPhone, AT&T plans to introduce more than a dozen new handsets this year that run Google's Android platform, including LG's 3D-capable Thrill 4G. And AT&T will add the HTC HD7S to its portfolio of smartphones running Microsoft's Windows Phone 7.

"Our first 3D phone plus a new, leading Windows Phone underscore our commitment to continue to offer the best," said AT&T Senior Vice President Jeff Bradley. "2011 is going to be another landmark year for us with more best-in-class devices."

Glasses-Free 3D

LG's mobile 3D technology eliminates the need for special glasses by employing an applied parallax barrier technology that consists of a series of light-blocking barriers. The special slits, which are attached to the front of the LCD panel, ensure that the left and right eyes see different images, creating an illusion of depth.

The Thrill will also be able to play back video in high definition, either through the device's HDMI-out port or by streaming content wirelessly to DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible HD TV sets. LG says the Thrill's 4.3-inch screen is the optimum size to let viewers watch 3D on a mobile device without straining their eyes.

"LG sees tremendous growth potential in the 3D mobile display market," said LG Mobile Communications CEO Jong-seok Park. "With our key understanding of displays, entertainment and mobile technology, LG is looking forward to debuting this exciting new way to watch 3D movies or play games on your mobile phone."

High-Definition Playback

Powered by Google's Android 2.2, Froyo, platform, the LG Thrill 4G integrates...

2011-03-22 03:45:14