Telus LG Shine Plus – sneak peak video

A little while back, we got a chance to take a look at the Telus version of the LG Shine Plus, aka the LG Ally in the US.  This model of the Shine Plus is unique to Telus, and can now be found on their website.   The new smartphone sports a landscape slide out QWERTY keyboard, and a largely brushed metal body.  Though the processor may be a little underpowered compared to its 1 GHz competitors, the Shine Plus runs Android 2.1 very smoothly, and Telus is talking with LG about an Android 2.2 (Froyo) update.  As for that processor, we haven’t confirmed anything, but if it’s the same as the LG Ally, it’s a Qualcomm 600MHz chip.

Like most manufacturers, LG has added its own flavour to the stock Google Android interface, but unlike complete re-skins such as HTCs Sense and Samsungs TouchWiz, it’s largely cosmetic, with additional widgets and a separate section in the app launcher section for downloaded items.  The 3.2 inch capacitive screen also seemed very fluid, and the Shine Plus includes a now standard 5 MPixel camera with flash.  In the preview, the rep from Telus talks about how the LG Shine Plus is part of a larger strategy to broaden their Android portfolio.

Telus has certainly priced the phone competitively, at $299.99 off contract and $69.99 on a 3 year.

You can catch our hands on video and the press release after the break…

PRESS RELEASE

LG launches LG Shine Plus with Google(TM)

Android™-powered LG Shine Plus is now available in Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 7 /CNW/ – LG Electronics Canada is thrilled today to reveal the new LG Shine Plus, the most customized Android-powered device available in Canada.

The LG Shine Plus features extensive use of Google Mobile Services including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Picasa™, YouTube™ and Android Market™. Easy access and seamless integration with Google Mobile Services on the LG Shine Plus allows for consumers to connect quickly and effortlessly to their world.

The LG Shine Plus also comes pre-loaded with the LG App Advisor, which allows users to download the best applications available on Android Market with minimal effort. This is just one way that LG is customizing the mobile world and allowing Canadians to quickly connect with the best of the web. The LG Shine Plus features a 3.2″ resistive touch screen and has the first ergonomically designed keyboard, providing the comfort and ease of use that consumers have been searching for.

“The LG Shine Plus provides the most convenient access to the best online tools with its large touch screen and QWERTY keypad,” said Colin Bettam, Vice-President of Marketing, LG Electronics Canada. “Powered by Android, Canadians are going to love having access to all of their favourite applications, all of the time…in no time.”

Special features include:

• Android Power: open, expandable, customizable and optimized for web
• Best of the web: extensive use of GMS Google Search, Maps, Picassa, YouTube, Android Market and more
• Spacious QWERTY keyboard: ergonomically designed in both shape and layout
• 3.2-inch touch screen: enhances the viewing experience
• Multimedia apps: pre-loaded with the LG App Advisor
• 5.0 megapixel camera: includes a built-in flash and Photo Editor

The LG Shine Plus will be available in Canada on September 7^th, 2010. For pricing, availability and more information, please visit www.lgshineplus.com.

[press release from newswire.ca]