Virgin Mobile USA has announced the first LG Electronics (News - Alert) handset to join its line-up. The new Aloha cell phones are being shipped to Virgin Mobile retailers across the U.S. this month.

 

The attractively priced Aloha boasts a sleek clamshell design and metallic finish. The device is equipped with all the essentials, from real-music ringtones to multi-messaging capabilities. Virgin Mobile will work with its major retail partners across the country on extensive point-of-sale promotion and merchandising campaigns for the Aloha.

 

Virgin Mobile has reportedly invited a group of emerging and established visual artists to design signature versions of LG’s Aloha handset, which will be auctioned off as part of The RE Generation Gala and Art Auction in November 2007.

 

The Congress has recently designated November as “National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.” Proceeds from the sale of limited editions of Aloha and other activities will benefit Virgin Mobile’s charitable partners, including StandUp For Kids, Children’s Health Fund and YouthNoise.

 

Sporting a polished, modern look and equipped with a wide range of features, the Aloha has metallic front and a durable, matte black finish, with an internal 65K-color display. In addition to having capabilities to play real music and animated ringtones, the phone comes equipped with key basics such as a speakerphone and voice-activated dialing.

 

The company believes that the customers will love Aloha’s preloaded games, which include ZooZoo Club and Battle Reversi; users can also choose from a wide array of other games, ringtones, screensavers and more. The new device will also feature Virgin Mobile’s new dynamic and intuitive graphic user interface.

 

Weighing 2.7-ounces, Virgin Mobile’s Aloha by LG is 3.5-inches long by 1.9-inches wide, and is only 0.9-inches thick. Aloha can hold up to 199 personal contacts, with five numbers, three e-mail addresses and one URL slot available for each. Additionally, it features up to 180 minutes of talk time and 150 hours of standby time.

 

“Adding LG Mobile Phones to our handset line-up is a win for consumers, given the company’s track record of developing affordable phones with great performance, striking looks and features our customers love,” said Dan Schulman, CEO of Virgin Mobile USA in a statement.

 

“The Aloha has all of that. And we are impressed and gratified with LG’s dedication in joining our efforts to raise awareness about the national crisis surrounding youth homelessness,” he added.

 

According to Ehtisham Rabbani, vice president, Product Strategy and Marketing for LG Electronics MobileComm, USA, Inc, it’s ideal to kick off their relationship with a handset that has the features and style Virgin Mobile customers demand at a price point that’s accessible to everyone.

 

“We’re equally excited to use the launch of Aloha as a way to further the good work Virgin Mobile and its charitable partners are doing through The RE*Generation to help young people at-risk and alone on the streets,” said Rabbani.

 

The Aloha will be available for purchase in September at a retail price point of $34.99.