LG to launch silicon HSDPA phone of skin feeling

LG Electronics’ cellphone label CYON on Tuesday launched a new 3G-capable HSDPA phone for the Korean market. The SH240 has a silicon-covered front panel and buttons that give it a touchable, human skin-like feel, instead of the usual relatively hard rubber or plastic common to most handsets. Other unique features include SK Telecom’s Moneta Mobile Card wireless payment system, which allows users to pay for purchases on SKT’s network and even pay for public transport in Seoul.

More common functionality comes in the form of Bluetooth connectivity, a 2-megapixel camera, MP3 playback, and video conversation capabilities, among others. LG lists the suggested price at below 400,000KRW, or about $400.