[BY SHANE MCGLAUN, androidcommunity.com]

The smartphone world is growing in a huge way. Every time we turn around there are hoards of new smartphones ready to hit the market and the majority of them are Android phones. There are also a few new smartphones that are bringing some cool features to the market with things like support for 3D connects and 4G network access. So far, 3D has failed to make a big dent in the home with TVs and computers, but a smartphone with 3D might be more appealing to the user thanks to mobile gaming capability.

One of the cool new smartphones that we have seen and talked about a bit is the LG Optimus 3D. The last time we talked about the smartphone was in late march when we reported that the device had hit the FCC for the approvals it needed to come the US. When a device lands at the FCC, the next step is usually the announcing of a launch date. Fans wanting for the Optimus 3D will be glad to hear that the launch date has finally surfaced. The Optimus 3D will be on store shelves on June 6 barring any unforeseen issues.

We have already talked about the features of the device, but I will run them down here. The smartphone is able to record video in 3D and show that video in 3D on the screen with no glasses. It has a big 4.3-inch multi-touch display. The rear camera is a 5MP until and it records in 720p. Internal storage is 8GB and the phone runs Android 2.2. It also has WiFi, 3G connectivity, a 3.5mm headphone port and HDMI output. The phone will sell for £379 + VAT.

See the original post here: http://androidcommunity.com/official-launch-date-for-lg-optimus-3d-unveiled-20110421/

[By Martyn Williams, IDG News]

Sony is delaying the launch of its 3D Handycam video camera by roughly a month due to difficulty securing parts following the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

The magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami halted factories and disrupted the distribution networks and supply chains on which Japanese electronics makers rely. For Sony, the knock-on effect of this disruption has been a shortage of at least one component for the new camcorders.

A Sony spokesman wouldn’t elaborate on the component or components in question.

The camcorder was previously due to launch this month, but will now be available in Japan from May 13. Revised launch dates for other markets were not immediately available from the company’s headquarters in Tokyo.

The HDR-T10 Handycam was first unveiled at January’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and is distinctive for its dual lenses. Behind the lenses are dual image sensors and processors, which add to the complexity and bulk of the camcorder but, according to Sony, result in a superior picture compared to single-lens 3D camcorders.

Other features include a screen that shows 3D images without the need for special glasses. (Video of the camcorder on show at CES is available on YouTube.)

In the U.S., the camcorder will cost around US$1,500.

It’s the second Sony group announcement this week of quake-related disruptions to product plans. On Tuesday, Sony Ericsson said it faces difficulty obtaining some parts for high-end cell phones due to the earthquake. As a result, supplies of its flagship Xperia Arc, Xperia Play and Xperia Neo phones will be affected in the current quarter.

See the original post here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/225835/sony_delays_launch_of_3d_camcorder_due_to_parts_shortage.html