Internet

Using Verizon Wireless' broadband EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) service, the LG VX8000 can achieve speeds of 300 to 500 kbps, allowing for high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming. Users surf with the installed Openwave UP 6.2.3 web browser; rendering pages built upon WAP 2.0 - WML, xHTML Mobile (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language) and xHTML Basic markup languages.

Additionally, through Verizon's VCAST service, customers can stream and playback video clips using Windows Media, currently the highest-quality digital media format available for streaming applications. For a $15 month access fee, customers can receive unlimited access to more than 300 daily video clips, including news and entertainment from the News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox studio and Viacom Inc.'s VH1 and Comedy Central cable channels.

Using technology from PacketVideo and thePlatform, video-on-demand is available through Get It Now. Preloaded with PacketVideo's media player, the VX8000's content catalog with integrated Windows Media playback allows users to fast forward and rewind streams, or download for local playback. Media publishing technology through thePlatform allows customers to subscribe and select preferences for their favorite content; receiving text alerts when new content becomes available, viewing new clips within their favorite channels, and checking summary reports on videos purchased.

While similar technologies have been available in Asia for years, VCAST marks the North American wireless industry's initial push into mobile television, delivering live and prerecorded TV programs from such networks as ABC News, CNBC, MSNBC, and the Weather Channel.

Storage

An abundant 128 MB of internal memory available on the VX8000; needed for users storing photos, MP3 music, and video from VCAST. The memory is dynamically shared among stored files including multimedia and third party applications. Unfortunately the VX8000 does not feature an expandable memory card slot, so users will have to clean out memory should more free space be needed.

Connectivity

Needless to say, the connectivity features on the VX8000 are severely lacking. A common problem among Verizon phones, the carrier encourages customers to use the fee-based Get It Now services rather than allowing opportunities to transfer free through either infrared or Bluetooth. Good for business, bad for customers.

Conclusion

As the first device released on Verizon's EV-DO service, the LG VX8000 is the flagship model for the new 3G network. Receiving much acclaim for its audio, video, and gaming capabilities, LG designers wanted to create the ultimate multimedia phone.

They have come quite close. As the foundation, both internal and external screens are state-of-the-art TFT 262K color screens. Digital imaging is phenomenal, with a 1.3-megapixel camera providing crystal clear shots, accurate color representations, and a plethora of features; blowing away other manufacturer's technology. The MP3 player and independent dual external speakers plays beautiful stereo sound, extraordinarily improved than standard mono speakers, while 3G gaming outperforms former Java platforms, rendering impressive graphics comparable to consoles of the past. And finally the revolutionary VCAST broadcasting service, streaming high-quality video and television programs to handsets nationwide.

But the VX8000 does have some flaws, most notably the lack of a memory card slot, a large boxy design, limited connectivity features, and cost associated with using Get It Now. To use the VX8000 to its full potential, consumers should expect to pay a nominal fee to download multimedia including wallpapers, screensavers, ringtones, and games, and a monthly subscription fee for VCAST access.

Regardless, its multimedia strengths far outshine its weaknesses. By taking advantage of Verizon's revolutionary broadband network technology, consumers looking for the ultimate multimedia phone should look no further. The LG VX8000 is the complete package, featuring superior imaging, audio, video, and gaming technologies compared what today's market has to offer.

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