On the heels of its successful debut in Korea and Japan, the Optimus Vu: will make its global debut starting in select markets in Europe, Asia, Middle East/Africa and Latin America starting in September. With the world’s first 5-inch 4:3 aspect ratio display, the Optimus Vu: blurs the line between traditional tablets and smartphones for a truly unique smart device experience.

Since its March debut in Korea, the Optimus Vu: has sold over 500,000 units, demonstrating public acceptance of its form-factor. The reception the device received in Korea prompted LG to launch the Optimus Vu: in Japan this month, where it has also been received positively by Japanese consumers…

Sprint and Kyocera Communications, Inc. today announced the launch of Kyocera Rise, an Android smartphone with a full QWERTY slide-out keypad and high-resolution touchscreen display. Kyocera Rise offers feature-phone loyalists the ability to easily move up to a smartphone without losing their tactile keyboard or spending a lot of money.

Equipped with Android 4.0 operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich, Kyocera Rise will be available in all Sprint retail channels beginning Sunday, Aug. 19, for $19.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement…

Now available at AT&T, the Pantech Renue is a Quick Messaging Phone that delivers a durable and stylish mobile experience to anyone committed to being more sustainable through product purchases. With its physical keyboard and compact design, Renue has been optimized for messaging and updating your status. It is constructed from 67 percent recyclable components, while the packaging is made from 95 percent recycled paper and non-POV soy ink…

Available today at AT&T is the Pantech Swift – a quick messaging phone perfect for heavy message senders and social media users who want an intuitive mobile experience and a handset with a stylish design. Swift offers exceptional functionality at feature phone value. The Pantech Swift brings faster texting, phone customization, plus games and applications to customers, making it an ideal option for every member of the family seeking a dynamic, affordable phone for everyday use. Only $69.99 (with a two year contract) after a $50 mail-in rebate, Swift is perfectly pocket-friendly in both price and size…

Boost Mobile makes a splash this summer by unveiling the Kyocera Hydro, the first IPX5- and IPX7-level water-proof Android-powered smartphone that doesn't require a contract. Kyocera Hydro is "oops proof," with innovative technology built to withstand sprayed water like rain (IPX5) or even being submerged in three feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes (IPX7).

Boost Mobile and Kyocera recognize that mobile phone accidents happen, but unlike cracked screens or broken keypads that can be replaced, water damage is usually irreversible. In almost all cases, water damage results in nothing more than a good-looking paperweight…

Kyocera DuraXT, the newest rugged member of the Sprint Direct Connect portfolio, is now available in all Sprint sales channels for just $69.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.

DuraXT delivers a solid solution to mobile fleets and Enterprise customers looking for a device that can withstand the elements. It is wrapped in a rugged, clamshell form factor encased in a rubber, non-slip Dura-Grip material for extra durability so you don't have to worry about losing your grip even in the toughest conditions…

U.S. consumers on five major service providers will now be able to own the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S® III. Galaxy S III, optimized for peak performance on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE and HSPA+ 42 networks, will be launching with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular starting in June. Exact pricing and retail availability will be announced by each of the five carriers in the coming weeks.

“The U.S. launch of the Galaxy S III is the most anticipated launch of the year. As promised, we are delivering the ‘next big thing’ for U.S. customers and across all major carriers,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications America…

Research In Motion (RIM) today announced a stylish new smartphone for socially-connected customers. The new BlackBerry® Curve™ 9320 smartphone features all the core BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features that keep people connected, and it offers global 3G connectivity backed by long battery life to allow users to make the most of their day.

“The new BlackBerry Curve 9320 is designed to make it incredibly easy for users to stay socially-connected,” said Carlo Chiarello, EVP, Smartphone Business at Research In Motion…

Kyocera today announced at the CTIA Wireless 2012 trade show two new Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) smartphones designed to meet the everyday needs of real life: the waterproof Kyocera Hydro and QWERTY-plus-touchscreen Kyocera Rise.

Leveraging technology from Kyocera's ruggedized Dura Series and more than four years of experience building water-resistant mobile phones, Kyocera Hydro carries IPx5- and IPx7-level water resistance…

• The Samsung Focus® 2, an affordable Windows® Phone on AT&T’s 4G LTE network, will be available from AT&T beginning May 20 in pure white for $49.99 with a two-year service agreement.
• With the launch of the third Windows Phone smartphone on its 4G LTE network, AT&T continues to offer customers the most robust Windows Phone portfolio of any carrier.
• As Samsung’s first 4G LTE Windows Phone, the Focus 2 is sleek and stylish. Measuring 10.98mm thin and weighing only 4.3 ounces, it fits perfectly in your hand, purse or pocket…