Editor's note: Click here to read the full review
We were enthusiastic enough about the interface and hardware design of the new LG Venus even before our Verizon Wireless rep slid the phone open to reveal a numeric keypad. The Venus has a unique screen. Only the bottom half is touch, and there is a visible break between the touch portion and the regular, top half. The keypad is a standard 12-key, but from what we saw in our hands-on demo, there won't be too much need to slide the phone open.
The touch half is put to very good use, with buttons that change shape and function depending on what's on top. In the time we spent with the phone, we were very impressed with the lengths LG has gone to improve the stodgy Verizon Wireless interface. Everything looks better, and works smoother, thanks to the touch screen. From the basic menus to the music player, the phone had a deep interface that was intuitive to use. We especially liked the haptic feedback, which gives a small vibration when you touch a button on the touch screen.
The phone is a full-fledged 3G V Cast phone, so you'll get all the usual amenities, including VZ Navigator and V Cast Videos and Music. No V Cast Mobile TV, for that you'll need to upgrade to the Voyager, LG's even-larger new touch screen phone. Of interest, the phone will accept microSDHC cards, in capacities that are currently stretching towards 8GB, and should eventually max out around 32GB. Music can be played back through stereo Bluetooth headphones, naturally. The phone also features a 2-megapixel camera around back.
The LG Venus will be available in November. The price has yet to be determined, but it will fall somewhere between the LG Chocolate, which is currently $150, and the LG Voyager, which will cost an arm and a leg.
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