LG formally launches WiMAX-based KC1 smartphone

LG's cellphone label Cyon today marked the release of the KC1, one of the few phones on Earth with 4G wireless access. The long-delayed phone runs on WiMAX-compatible WiBro network to deliver speeds approaching Wi-Fi across a wide area. Such added speed lets LG build in previously impossible features such as remote PC control and encourages video calls or other features that were only just feasible with 3G.

Although the KC1 is based around Windows Mobile 5 rather than version 6, the device includes several other luxury features controlled through the 2.8-inch stylus-based touchscreen: owners can watch digital TV with a DMB tuner, or capture video using the rear 2-megapixel camera and edit it on the phone. 512MB of flash memory is always built in to store media but finds help from a microSD slot.

LG is so far releasing the current version of the KC1 in Korea through unspecified carriers but is rumored to be producing a slightly less advanced version for other regions. Details are scarce but would most likely involve dropping the Korea-only DMB tuner and switching to a straightforward WiMAX Internet link, similar to that which Sprint will launch in early 2008. [via Akihabara]