So it looks like at least one of LG’s newly announced Optimus line is landing on T-Mobile, confirming at least the brand name on last week’s leaked inventory list . The handset in the above leaked T-Mobile material (courtesy of TmoNews) is the Optimus One or LG-P500. Interesting that T-Mobile has dropped the One designation since both the Optimus One and Optimus Chic were released together. And here’s the most intriguing thing about this otherwise not particularly ground-breaking handset.
2. Extended Coverage — Flexibility to make calls using broadband internet connections via Wi-Fi hotspots without using your minutes.
Say what? This phone has actual Wi-Fi calling? Save your minutes, save your roaming costs, save your international rates, make calls from interior offices? Now that makes this leak a lot more exciting!
Now, there have been Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) rumors about several phones in the past that haven’t panned out (Motorola Charm, anyone?). But another new announcement, of a Smart WiFi (or UMA) app being sold directly to carriers, makes the above more plausible. Kineto has UMA technology and they discuss it in this video here. Despite how the device has the logo covered in black, it appears at the very least T-Mobile and Samsung are trying the technology out (the phone is clearly a Vibrant).
Perhaps WiFi calling really is coming to Android. At the very least, this video shows it can run on Froyo.