‘Etna’ heralds LG Android push

LG will launch its first Android handset, dubbed ‘Etna’, in the UK January next year.

The GW620 Etna is aimed primarily at first-time smartphone customers. It is one of many Android powered devices LG intends to bring to market throughout 2010, and will herald a concerted push into the smartphone market based upon Google’s Android platform.

The phone offers push email and a three-inch touchscreen with slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It is an upgrade of the non-smartphone LG GW520.

The device will be available for around £200 SIM-free.

LG head of retail and distribution Steve Fraser told dealers at last week’s Data Select conference for Platinum Partners: “By next year there will be Android handsets available in the market for £60-£70. It’s astonishing how rapid the adoption of open OS has been and next year the price points will be astonishing.”

LG national account manager for retail and distribution Louise Perry said: “We haven’t had a strong smartphone story before. In 2010 we will have one, and will be bringing Android in to a number of propositions from entry level all the way right through our roadmap.”