We’ve been playing with the super sexy Optimus Black for a little while now and we thought you’d like to know how the software works on this smartphone. It’s an Android 2.2.2 device (Gingerbread should be coming soon) but the Optimus 2.0 UI and motion gestures mean it’s not your average little, green robot.
If you look at one of the seven home pages of the LG Optimus Black, it looks similar to the Optimus 2X but there are a few tweaks. Additionally, the Optimus 2X which hit the European market has different software than the nearly-identical T-Mobile G2x, which landed with a stock version of Android.
When you do a long press on the Optimus Black’s homescreen, you’ll be thrown into an edit mode. This lets you rearrange apps, as well as brings up Widgets, Shortctures, Folders and Wallpapers at the bottom of the screen. It’s better than the stock version of this because you can still swipe around to which of home pages you want. Additionally, pinching the home screen will show all seven screens, kind of like with HTC’s Sense Leap.
One of the most interesting things about the LG Optimus Black is that it can rely heavily on motion gestures. This is meant to make this device more capable with just one hand and there’s a dedicated “G” button on the left spine of the phone to operate some of these.
Once you’ve enabled motion gestures (there are multiple options in the settings), you’ll be able to do things like answer a call by holding down the G button and making a quick motion. In the gallery, you can just do a double tap on either side of the phone to advance or go back (works the same in the music player). My personal favorite is being able to put the phone on its face in order to activate the snooze function when your alarm goes off.
We’re still diving through this thing, so look for a review soon. In the meanwhile, check out the video below and let us know if there are any specific questions you have.