Cingular Launches HSDPA LG CU500 Phone

By Geoff Duncan Published July 17, 2006

Cingular Wireless today formally launched the LG CU500 cameraphone on its high-speed HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) network, currently available in 18 major markets in the United States with service in most major markets by the end of the year. Cingular’s HSDPA 3G network offers downlink speeds roughly comparable to EV-DO systems (400 to 700 Kbps with bursts over 1 megabit), enabling users to download data and (of course!) purchase media with greater speed and convenience.

“The CU500 is one of the first devices to be launched from Cingular that will allow customers to realize the full potential and benefits of Cingular’s 3G network,” said David Christopher, vice president of product management for Cingular. “Not only is this a great entertainment device with music and video, but with Cingular’s high-speed 3G network, even the things you normally do on your phone, like access the web for news, stocks or weather, are done better and faster.”

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The CU500 is a slim clamshell phone, camera, and musc player, sporting a video-capable 1.3 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom, Bluetooth (1.1) wireless connectivity (with stereo headset standard), dual speakers, USB 2.0, a microSD memory slot, and an an internal 176 by 220 LCD display, and external music keys. Of course, the phone taps into Cingular’s media and music offerings, enabling users to identify an artist and song being played over the radio, TV, or at a club using MusicID, Cingular’s music recognition service. The phone also supports AIM, Yahoo, and MSN messaging, and Cingular Video, which enables customers to watch clips from their favorite entertainment and news programming

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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