MWC 2016: LG unveils its first modular phone

By Digital News Asia February 23, 2016

LG Friends devices can transform it into a digital camera, music player, etc.
This includes a VR goggle that simulates a 130in TV viewed from 2m away

MWC 2016: LG unveils its first modular phone

LG Electronics has unveiled its LG G5 smartphone, which comes in a modular design that when combined with the ‘LG Friends’ collection of companion devices, transforms it into a digital camera, music player, and more.

Encased in a sleek metal aluminium body and slide-out battery which allows a depleted battery to be swapped out for a fully charged one in seconds, the LG G5 surpasses the visual experience of its predecessor, the LG G4, the company said in a statement issued at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2016) in Barcelona.

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The G5’s 135-degree wide angle lens lets users choose between standard or wide-angle lens to get more in the shot. The Always-on Display makes notifications with just a glance, without the need to wake the G5.

The 3D Arc Glass featured in the smartphone’s 5.3in display creates a gentle curve and a smooth colourful metal surface through an advanced ‘microdising’ process which takes anodised aluminium to a whole new level, LG claimed.

Furthermore, the insulative antenna is invisibly integrated into the body without disrupting the seamless look of the metal uni-body, the company said in its statement.

LG designers took the metal body concept one step further by adding a ‘shiny cut’ edge for added contrast and a more comfortable grip.

The LG G5 has two cameras on the rear: One with a standard 78-degree lens and another with a 135-degree wide angle lens, the widest available in any smartphone, LG declared.

The 135-degree lens on the LG G5 offers a viewing angle that is approximately 1.7 times wider than those of existing smartphone cameras and 15 degrees wider than the human eye’s field of view.

The wide angle lens makes it easier for users to capture more landscape, taller buildings or larger groups without having to position oneself further from the subject.

Other features include:

LG CAM Plus: A camera module that can be attached through the battery slot to deliver the comfortable grip and convenient control of a standalone camera. The LG CAM Plus provides physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, LED indicator and comfortable grip. It also offers intuitive auto focus and exposure lock, features usually found on standalone digital cameras.

LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play: A portable hifi DAC audio player developed in collaboration with B&O PLAY to meet the needs of those who seek to enjoy topnotch sounds that have traditionally only been available through high-end audio devices, LG claimed. LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY can be used either as a module with the LG G5 or with any smartphone or PC.

The LG G5 is equipped with the Snapdragon 820 processor which offers advanced features such as 64-bit performance, Adreno 530 graphics and Qualcomm Spectra 14-bit dual image signal processors designed to deliver high resolution DSLR-quality images and additional power savings.

LG did not give information on pricing or availability.

Companion devices

With the G5, LG is introducing the LG Playground, where it is working with partners to introduce various devices and supporting programmes.

As part of this, it is introducing a wide range of companion devices called LG Friends (pic above), including:

LG 360 VR: A virtual reality (VR) goggle that can be connected with the G5 via a dedicated cable and works exclusively with the G5 to simulate a 130in TV viewed from two metres away. It weighs only 118g and is just one-third as heavy as competing VR goggles while delivering a resolution of 639 ppi.

LG 360 CAM: A compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13-megapixel 200-degree wide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4GB internal memory, which can be supplemented by a microSD card. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to create 360-degree content. Thanks to a partnership with Google, images taken with the 360 CAM can be uploaded to Google Street View and YouTube360.

LG Rolling Bot: A companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its embedded 8-megapixel camera. Not just a toy, the LG Rolling Bot can be used as a monitoring system for the home, pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances.

H3 by B&O PLAY: High-end earphones that are compatible with the high-quality sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY.

LG Smart Controller: Allows users to easily control certain drones. Click the infographic below to enlarge.