LG intros 3G, Chocolate-inspired KU580

LG today officially released the KU580, a phone that takes the glossy black look and touch-sensitive controls of the original Chocolate series but which adds far strong Internet abilities and a fresh design. The wider but lighter KU580 adds 3G wireless through UMTS and takes advantage of the extra abilities: a front VGA camera provides video chats while several Google utilities, including GMail and Google Maps, are preloaded for simpler messaging and route finding out of the box.

Many of the features of LG's latest phones also find themselves in the new slider, such as the 2-megapixel camera with a Schneider-Kreuznach lens, an FM tuner, and MP3 playback with music loaded to a microSD slot.

Pricing for the phone isn't available and will vary by network, but Vodafone is already confirmed as one host and should offer the device on at least its monthly subscription plans throughout Europe, where the phone is expected to stay in its current form.