Those who are living in Europe and China will be able to get their mitts on the LG-KS660 handset that features dual SIM capability, allowing you to tote around two numbers on a single device. While this is cool, it still doesn’t make too much sense since you can only hold one conversation at any one time, but at least there is one less device to worry about losing when you go traveling. Features of the LG-KS660 include :-

• Tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (900/1800/1900 MHz)
• 3″ WQVGA (240×400) TFT touch-screen display with feedback
• 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, and video recording (720×480)
• microSDHC memory card slot
• Integrated accelerometer
• TV Out
• USB 2.0 connectivity

There won’t be 3G of Wi-Fi connectivity with this, and we stand corrected in our report on the LG-KS660 published last month concerning the availability (or rather, the lack of it) in Europe. Well, those living Stateside will have to wait and see whether LG will be bringing this over.

Samsung isn’t the only one in town with an ultra slim Blu-ray player - LG has hopped on the bandwagon (of slimness, not Blu-ray) with not one, but two models - the DV4S and DV4M. These aren’t Blu-ray players by any means, but they are media oriented in their own special way. First off, we have the DV4S that targets the audio visual crowd with its DivX HD video support. This is followed by the DV4M that targets those with a huge collection of audio CDs and have the intention to convert those songs into MP3 format for local or USB storage. There isn’t any information on pricing or availability, but these ought to hit retail shelves in due time. They’re generally very slim, and ought to be able to melt into your surroundings with ease.

[CES 2009] The LG Renoir was launched in December in Europe and when asked, the LG representatives at the booth told us that they have information about this phone coming to the US. The most interesting feature of this Smartphone is the 8 Megapixel Touch Shot camera equipped with a protected Schneider-Kreuznach optics. First I had to open the lens cover (see photos in the gallery) to start the camera. I tried the face tracking features that allows to get a focus on a face by tracking it with your finger on the touch screen, when you get a lock (like in video games!) you just have to press on the display to snap a picture. I found the Touch Shot somewhat difficult, it shook the camera a bit each time.

The video mode has slow and fast motion, and it is pretty fun to use (see photos). The sound quality is powered by Dolby Mobile and it is supposed to be excellent, we had an on stage demo of it sounded very good to me. I liked the virtual keyboard, I prefer to use it in landscape mode / qwerty, in comparison to others I tested this one is better. The rest of the user interface is well designed and well organized, I did not try everything though. Other features include A-GPS, Geo-tagging, WiFi. I would love to get the Renoir (KC910) to live blog on the go, my BlackBerry’s (the old Curve) camera is crappy in comparison. Dear LG, could you please bring the Renoir to the US? Or should I ask the carriers nicely?

[CES 2009] If you’re feeling stifled inside all three halls at the Las Vegas Convention Center, why not go outside to get some fresh air? In the vast lawn outside of the North Halls, you will find LG’s SkyCharger tent that is pyramidical in nature, featuring a bunch of solar panels on top facing all four sides and a huge propeller at the very pinnacle, where both methods are used to generate juice to recharge your tired and worn out gizmos. No, LG won’t replace your primitive handset with their latest model, but at least you can leave them in one of the many drawers inside to recharge while you take a breather outside that has a few food stalls selling All-American fare. No idea what the charging rate of devices is like, but this booth concept should be made mandatory in countries along the equator as they get the most sun all year round.