Verizon Wireless and LG announced today the launch of the LG VX8600. Available exclusively through Verizon Wireless, the LG VX8600 comes with the ability to download V CAST Music, video clips and 3D games; Bluetooth capabilities for certain profiles; a 1.3 megapixel camera and camcorder; and a microSD expandable memory port - all packaged within a sleek, lightweight design.

The LG VX8600 turns heads with its distinctively glossy piano black finish, glowing red, touch-sensitive, external music keys for easy access to V CAST Music and mp3 files. The LG VX8600 also offers advanced music playback capability, allowing customers the ability to browse, preview, download and play high-quality digital music directly from their phone. The LG VX8600 offers a 1.3 megapixel camera to capture every moment and amazing video capabilities that allow customers to shoot up to one hour of video right from their handsets.

For additional storage of music, videos and photos, the LG VX8600 features a microSD memory expansion slot that supports the newest SanDisk 2GB cards. Bluetooth functionality and stereo headset capabilities round out the list of features on this sleek new device.

The LG VX8600, exclusively available through Verizon Wireless, includes the following features:

• Device supports external music keys for easy access to music and playlists
• Music only mode
• MicroSD memory slot
• Bluetooth v1.1
• Advanced audio Distribution Profile (for Bluetooth stereo headset support for listening to music3)
• Save up to 20 Bluetooth pairings
• 1.3 megapixel camera and camcorder
• Video Player for MP4, 3GP, 3G2 and WMV formats
• Record up to one hour of video
• Set videos as wallpaper
• Up to 1,064 characters of text for TXT Messaging
• Web-based e-mail and instant messaging
• Red touch navigation keys (protected when inactive)
• My Account – access balance, minutes, usage and payment info
• Flash user interface themes for personalization and Flash wallpapers with fun animations
• 500 address book contacts with five numbers, two e-mail addresses and a picture ID for each entry
• Weight: 3.26 oz.
• Frequency: 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA (digital dual-band)
• Data transmission: high-speed EV-DO
• Usage time of up to 220 minutes, or up to 398 of standby time

The LG VX8600 is available today for $129.99 after a $50 rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. V CAST Music songs cost 99 cents if purchased from the PC or $1.99 if purchased and downloaded over the air onto a V CAST Music phone.