LG preps five-megapixel KC550

LG has announced the KC550, a new slider phone with an emphasis on photos and video. At its heart is a five-megapixel camera, equipped with an autofocus lens protected by a sliding cover. The phone also boasts digital blur reduction, ISO 800 sensitivity and a built-in flash, though this uses LED lighting, rather than the more powerful xenon technology. The display is limited to QVGA resolution, but owners can play videos formatted for sizes up to 720x480, at a framerate of up to 30fps. No DivX support is present, unlike LG's Viewty.

Other highlights of the 550 include a motion sensor, which can be used to control compatible games. Files, meanwhile, can be stored on microSD cards, and audio can be streamed through stereo Bluetooth speakers or headphones. The phone appears to be intended only for European markets, as it uses a tri-band GSM/EDGE receiver. No prices or release dates have been published.