LG Optimus Black to Land in U.S.

LG plans to debut the Optimus Black, the world's thinnest smartphone, in the U.S. this summer, following its European launch later this month.

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The South Korean handset maker said the Optimus Black measures only 9.2-millimeters thick and weighs 109 grams, making it one of the lightest as well as the slimmest on the market. It also runs on Android 2.2 and boasts a 4-inch "Nova" display, which the company says is one of the clearest on the market. The touch screen reportedly works cleanly even in sunlight, avoiding battery drain like AMOLED displays.

The Optimus Black includes a new Wi-Fi-Direct feature, which allows it to transmit information quickly between two phones. There's also a front-facing 2.0-megapixel camera for chat and a rear 5.0-megapixel lens for photos. The device includes 2-gigabytes of NAND Flash storage.

LG is hoping to reverse a downward trend in its fortunes, blaming parts shortages from the Japanese quake and tsunami and political instability in the Middle East. In April, the company said it hopes to "improve its product mix by launching new smartphones including the LG Optimus Black and the LG Optimus 3D and gain profitability by further cutting costs."

The Optimus Black could be just what LG needs to get back in the game. LG is also rumored to be offering the phones in white and pink, ostensibly due some months after the Black's European, and subsequent U.S., debut.

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