The LG CU500v is the first phone on a U.S network to feature video calling, albeit one-way "video sharing" calls. While the clamshell is available from AT&T, company reps told us that video sharing won't be available until the summer. However, the carrier does list "Video Share Calling" on the flip phone's feature set, making us wonder why they released the phone without the service. Pricing for the upcoming video sharing service has yet to be determined.
In order to use video sharing, both callers must have an LG CU500v or other AT&T video sharing phone, though no other models supporting the feature have been announced. Users of unlocked world phones that support video calls, such as the Nokia N95 or Sony Ericsson W880i, won't be able to use AT&T's video sharing service.
The quad-band CU500v packs in the same features as the original LG CU500, including support for HSDPA, stereo Bluetooth, access to Cingular Video, a media player, instant messaging and a 1.3-megapixel rotating camera. The CU500v also maintains the same appearance of its predecessor with a simple black shell and dedicated media controls beneath the external display.
The LG CU500v is available immediately from AT&T and retails for $30, which is inexplicably $20 less than the CU500.
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