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LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2)

Watch YouTube Videos Large on Main Screen Rotated 90 Degrees
Write Comments on Second Screen for Optimized Multitasking
Reduced Weight to 260g... 200,000 Swivel Tests
Gimbal Motion Camera Optimized for Video Shooting... Domestic Release Next Month

LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2) LG Wing



[Asia Economy Reporter Jinju Han] LG Electronics did not fold but rotated. The 'LG Wing' eliminated minor inconveniences felt during multitasking by rotating the screen when watching videos or taking photos. It is a product born out of the desperation that the smartphone market, stuck in a mold, can no longer be changed by the same methods.


On the 14th, LG Electronics held an event introducing the LG Wing from 11 p.m. for 30 minutes. This was the first time the strategic smartphone was unveiled worldwide online without an offline event. Global LG Electronics employees appeared to introduce the strategy and vision of the 'Explorer Project,' and YouTuber Unbox Therapy explained the features of the LG Wing. User reviews from YouTubers such as Englishman, Ajiland, and Jack King were also delivered via video. The LG Wing is scheduled to be released in Korea in October.


Andrew Coplin of LG Electronics UK said, "The new products released in recent years were versions with the same design as the previous ones with only slight spec upgrades, and expectations and desires for something new grew," adding, "The 'Explorer Project,' which breaks away from the fixed form factor, takes risks with a different approach from existing phones with similar appearances and functions to approach new opportunities."


Will the 'rotating screen' gamble pay off?
LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2)


The LG Wing is a smartphone with a new design that features a 6.8-inch main screen and a 3.9-inch second screen that can be rotated 90 degrees to form a T-shape. When the screen is rotated into 'Swivel Mode,' multitasking with the second screen is possible in various ways. You can use both screens with one app or use two apps simultaneously. YouTuber Unbox Therapy introduced, "The swivel design brought changes to smartphone functions, starting with a completely different home screen," adding, "You don't have to worry about control icons popping up when touching the screen while watching videos or about texts or calls coming in during important scenes."


When running one app on both screens, control becomes easier. For example, while watching a video on YouTube, you can control playback and fast-forward on the second screen. Using the 'Picture in Picture (PIP)' feature on the Naver Whale browser, you can watch YouTube videos while viewing content lists and writing comments on the second screen. The 'Multi App' feature allows you to set your favorite app combinations and launch two apps on two screens with a single touch.


LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2) The LG Wing features a 6.8-inch main screen and a 3.9-inch second screen that can be rotated 90 degrees to form a T-shape. It allows multitasking by running two apps simultaneously or displaying one app on both screens.


Unbox Therapy introduced, "You can multitask more easily and freely by watching Netflix while web surfing or setting a timer while watching cooking videos," adding, "You can display photos or videos on the main screen and preview photos on the second screen or edit videos as if using two monitors."


Optimized for videos... Emphasis on minimizing weight
LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2) You can view photos or videos on the main screen and also preview or edit them on the second screen.


Although equipped with two screens, the weight is only 260g, 20g lighter than foldable phones. YouTuber Englishman evaluated, "It is sturdy and comfortable to grip, making it easy to hold." LG Electronics innovated camera functions with the 'Gimbal Motion Camera' feature, essential for those who enjoy video shooting. It leveraged the advantage of the T-shaped form factor that allows one-handed shooting. A gimbal is a device that stabilizes video shooting by moving in the opposite direction of camera shake when filming with a phone or camera.


LG Electronics made continuous efforts to reduce the overall weight since there are two displays. They used high-strength aluminum alloy material and applied perforation techniques by making holes in parts that do not affect the product's appearance or rigidity to reduce weight. Kim Ah-hyun, a manager at LG Electronics, explained, "The initial weight was 314g, but by using metal alloy materials to minimize frame thickness, we reduced 16.1g, and by minimizing the hinge module size, we reduced another 5.3g," adding, "The LG Wing is the lightest new form factor phone released so far."


Jung Min-yong, a senior staff member at LG Electronics, said, "The LG Wing underwent various drop tests at different angles, including when swiveled and not swiveled. After repeating over 200,000 bending tests, stable swivel operation was maintained during the product's lifespan," adding, "Water-repellent coating technology was applied to provide daily water resistance suitable for everyday life."


Foreign media reactions: "A different path from Samsung... Too early to judge success"
LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2)


Foreign media also evaluated that LG Electronics brought innovation to the uniform smartphone market and chose a different path from Samsung. 9to5Google explained, "As smartphone design reaches its peak, new form factors are breaking the mold. While Samsung and Motorola are developing foldables, LG is taking a completely different path."


There were also points raised that app developers' participation is crucial to expanding the new user experience of the LG Wing. The Verge explained, "The LG Wing is inspired by the dual-screen smartphone trend and the mobile TV phone (VX9400) released in 2007, and LG has great ambitions for the functions that the new form factor will implement," adding, "For multitasking features to expand, app developers that support the second screen must participate; otherwise, the features will remain limited to proprietary software."


IT media CNET stated, "It is too early to judge whether the LG Wing will succeed," but also noted, "Despite criticism that the smartphone industry avoids innovation, people are happy to buy rectangular smartphones with minor improvements."


Rollable phone draws attention almost as much as the Wing
LG's New Horizontal Sensation 'Wing'... Next Challenge is Rollable (Comprehensive Report 2)


The silhouette of the rollable phone, which made a surprise appearance at the end of the LG Wing unveiling event, left a strong impression despite its brief appearance. After the ending credits of the video released on the 14th, the phrase 'Hold your breath' appeared along with a shape hinting at a rollable smartphone. Only the bottom view is visible against a black background, but the handle part opens and closes like a drawer, expanding the screen.


Rumors about LG Electronics preparing a rollable phone have been rampant, but this is the first time the release plan has been officially announced. The rollable smartphone is characterized by being rolled up for portability and unfolded when a large screen is needed. Following the LG Wing, the rollable phone is expected to be the second product of LG Electronics' smartphone innovation strategy, the 'Explorer Project.'


LG Electronics introduced the 'Explorer Project' in its flagship smartphone lineup, offering innovative and differentiated usability. The focus is on the 'evolved usability' of smartphones tailored to lifestyle changes, aiming to discover areas with growth potential. The strategy is to break away from the uniform smartphone market that has lasted over a decade and to lead the smartphone market by pioneering new mobile domains.


Andrew Coplin explained, "LG Mobile's philosophy of pursuing practical innovation will be realized through the Explorer Project," adding, "The Explorer Project is not just about one product but about all new and innovative form factors and experiences that will be encountered today and in the future through LG Mobile."


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