LG's new Chocolate hits Asia

Reuben Lee | Nov 05, 2009

Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling stole the spotlight at the LG event.
(Photo credit: Reuben Lee/CNET Asia)

HONG KONG--Following its launch in the UK in September, the new LG Chocolate BL40 made its official debut in Asia yesterday.

In a press statement, Dr Scott Ahn, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications, said he expects the new Chocolate "to have a strong connection with all consumers around the globe who value unconventional thinking".

Adding some glitz were several celebrities invited to grace the gala event, among them Taiwanese actress and model Lin Chi-ling of Red Cliff fame, and Singapore TV personality and jewelery designer Nadya Hutagalung. Both shared their experiences using the latest Chocolate phone.

Singapore TV personality Nadya Hutagalung was the other guest celebrity at the Chocolate phone launch. (Photo credit: Reuben Lee/CNET Asia)

The BL40 is the fourth Black Label series handset from LG, succeeding the iconic Chocolate slider first introduced in 2006. Like the previous offerings in the series, the new Chocolate puts a strong emphasis on design, with its slim, stylish aesthetics and glossy black finish. LG claims the phone is fitted with a scratch-resistant tempered glass that can ensure better durability during daily use.

Dr Skott Ahn (left), president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications and Chang Ma, vice president of Marketing Strategy Team, LG Electronics Mobile Communications, during the Q&A session with the media.
(Photo credit: Reuben Lee/CNET Asia)

But what really captures the attention is its ultrawide 4-inch WVGA (345 x 800 pixels) touchscreen which makes this smartphone possibly the first out there with a 21:9 aspect ratio display. This ratio is similar to the panel on the recently launched Philips Cinema 21:9 which is optimized for watching 2.39:1 panoramic films in their full cinematic glory.

The dual-screen UI on the BL40. (Photo credit: Reuben Lee/CNET Asia)

According to the chaebol, the wider screen is also ideal for surfing the Web. More importantly, it can accommodate a dual-screen user interface mode that lets you view two sets of content side-by-side. Other key features in the new Chocolate include a one-touch copy-and-paste function, 5-megapixel camera and Dolby Mobile 2.0 support.

Fans of the upcoming James Cameron 3D epic, Avatar, can look forward to getting exclusive content on the new BL40 touchscreen phone. Film producer Jon Landau also made a special appearance at the event to share some exclusive footage of the show.

Film producer Jon Landau (left) and Dr Skott Ahn. (Photo credit: Reuben Lee/CNET Asia)

The Chocolate BL40 will sell in Singapore on November 14 for S$988 (US$701.51) without contract. Availability for other Asia cities is still to be disclosed.

You can read the full review of the phone here.