LG CU400 marks first 3G push-to-talk Cingular phone

Cingular on Tuesday began offering LG's CU400 clamshell phone. The device is the first 3G Internet phone from Cingular to support a push-to-talk function, giving EDGE broadband while still providing the ability to speak instantly to as many as 30 people at once. Cingular similarly emphasizes the phone's world travel abilities: in addition to a quad-band GSM transmitter, the CU400 is equipped with UMTS for Internet access when roaming in Europe. Bluetooth and a VGA camera are standard.

LG's phone in Cingular trim adds software such as Music ID, which lets owners identify songs, as well as access to music and news videos. Ms. Pac-Man and Tetris are preloaded, the cellular provider says. The CU400 is readily available from Cingular today for $230 at retail or $30 when bought with a two-year agreement.