Android Phones
LG’s KS360 will be an Android handset, but should we be excited?
February 26, 2009 | by Robert Nelson
Android Phones, LG
Last week, we mentioned that LG was planning to release three Android based phones this year, and in passing we also mentioned that the first one to be released would the KS360. Honestly, I had not given the phone much thought, other than some initial excitement to see some more Android phones being announced. But should we, as Android geeks really be all that excited about it?
I am thinking that can be answered with both a yes and a no.
To begin with, as far as the yes side, it sounds like it will be good news to see a wide variety of Android phones. That ultimately means a phone for everyone, both smartphones and regular phones.
As far as the no, that is pretty simply put. As an Android geek, the KS360 is not going to be a phone that I would really consider purchasing and that is because it is more of a basic phone. Sure, it has a keyboard, but it is not what would be considered smart.
As for the KS360, it is a pretty standard phone that is not all that special. Sure it will be running Android, but that is where the excitement may stop for some. Feature wise, the KS360 offers a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 2-megapixel camera, microSD card slot and a 240 x 320 display. A few things that are missing is 3G support, Wi-Fi and GPS. Basically, I have seen this model listed as a mid-range slider, which sounds about right.
So, what do you think? Will these slightly less smartphones running Android be a key to the success or end up just being another phone on the market?
I guess it will depend on who you ask. I suppose there are plenty of people who buy a G1 for what it can do and not because it is running Android. I guess because I am an Android fan, more than a G1 fan I have a different outlook.
Yes, we should be excited, it’s the first step of LG to Android. Yes, indeed, the mobile is not very exciting, but it’s the first shot of an big handset maker to Android, and that is definitively a very good news.
Thanks !! Very helpful post!
I have a lg ks 360 n have questions to ask. Will there be an update for existing lg ks 360 phones and will android support customizable themes and apps? Thanks
As Pumpy I’d also be interested in knowing whether or not us owners of non-android ks360 phones will be able to do a firmware update.
hey can i buy a link in your link section for a couple bucks via paypal? i want to get like minded readers – let me know please
I agree the KS360 isn’t the best of phones out there but its the first step into android.
I LOVE THIS PHONE IT IS GREAT I HAVE ONE MYSELF. I EVEN HACKED INTO IT AND GOT 3G AND WI-FI AND EVEN GPS.
How did you get wifi? Can you keeps us updated on how you did so? Thankyou
I LIED. HAHA FOOLED YOU GUYS
Shame on them, you cant get wifi and gps by hacking something, you need new hardware.
How did you hack it?
I’d also love to know how to get 3g on my ks360. Come on you just gotta tell us
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Daniel, you are a fucking IDIOT.
I'm confused, there are apparently Android and non-Android versions of the KS 360. What do the non-Android ones run? How do I tell what is running on mine? Where do you get apps to run on it?
There are NO android versions of the LG KS360 released at the moment. In fact LG never intended to make the KS 360 their first Android phone and I doubt it will be. You will most likely see it first on a fully touch screen LG first and then perhaps they might release a firmware update to run Android. Looking at the memory specs of the KS360 it looks like it might be possible to run Android if and when they do a firmware release so existing users shouldn't really worry about having to dump their phone.
I have to admit, I first thought the ks360 would have androind which was one of the plus points for buying it. Watch this space. This model is still considered "new" on the market and it will take a another year or so for new firmware updates and compatible applications to be released.
Ha, who am I kidding? I'm just as gutted as everyone else who bought this phone.
To be honest it's not too bad a phone for the price and we'll just have to wait for new software updates when LG get round to releaseing them.
is there all readdy a firmware update for de lg ks360?
or a software so i can change a couple of system files?
There are firmware versions for qwerty and azerty keyboard layouts but no firmwares to convert you phone to use androind. In fact after further research after posting that comment I'm not sure the hardware in the existing KS360's will be sufficient to run android.
I've not seen any further information or news about it to be honest.
The LG KS360 is an advanced Anroid OS based mobile phone which captures the hart and minds of tec Guys and Girls around world! Featuring a full QWERTY keyboard which slides out, the LG KS360 is perfect for mobile browsing and webmail and for advanced touch-based GPS navigations. ____Thankfully LG haven't forgotten about features
Hey,
have they made it work on a LG KS360?
Is there a link or a how to guide?
I am waiting for this a long time!
thnx!
This debate is going no way.
i have it myself, it is perfect, the display is big and the wallpaperz are soo nice
Its crap, everything is so slow, and mine broke within months of buying it. I think the slider wore out. Word to the wise – try to resist the urge to engage in recreational sliding, you'll regret it. Ok when its running, but for $40 or so more i could have gotten a much better phone, and so could you.