LG Optimus 2X Enables Mobile Gamblers to Play Android Casinos on HDMI TVs

HDMI Android Casino

LG’s latest smartphone, the Optimus 2X will be great for Android casino gamblers who hate small screens.

Most of the press surrounding the LG Optimus 2X is focused on the dual-core 1 GHz Tegra 2 processor. Indeed, the Korean manufacturer’s smartphone will be the first dual-core smartphone. While this might be a great feature from a marketing perspective, it seems like overkill in such a small device: what are they expecting people to do with it?

Of course, that depends how the phone handles multitasking. Blackjack Champ readers could certainly enjoy talking their friends and family on the Optimus 2X while visiting our favorite mobile casino. While this might be supported on existing single-core devices, relegating each task to separate processing cores could allow for smoother operation and a better overall user experience.

However, the LG Optimus 2X’s 1080p HDMI TV-out presents a much more interesting feature. Instead of gambling online while watching the built in 4-inch WVGA display, Optimus 2X users will be able to connect their device directly to any HDMI-ready television set. For example, imagine watching your game on a Panasonic 150” plasma television (to provide a sense of scale, that’s larger than many cars!)

Sadly, while the LG Optimus 2X allows for alternative output, it doesn’t easily allow for alternative input. This means most users will still need to frequently look down at their touch screen device in order to interact with the mobile casino game interfaces. Fortunately, Google Android includes support for USB On the Go (USB-OTG), which will allow users to connect common keyboards and mice if they obtain the necessary intermediate USB connectors.

Next month, LG will initially launch the Optimus 2X into the Korean market running Android 2.2, making it compatible with most existing Android casinos. LG is promising availability in Europe and Asia, as well as support for Android 2.3, in “due course”. No plans have been announced for released into the US, but that isn’t to say it won’t be available.