LG's Trax 3G music phone goes live with AT&T

AT&T today announced the launch of the LG Trax. In addition to the touch-sensitive external music controls and support for up to 4GB of AAC, MP3, or WMA tracks that give the phone its name, the shipping version of the handset takes advantage of its 3G-level HSDPA Internet access to hook into multiple online AT&T media services. The Trax is the latest phone to support MP3 downloads from eMusic Mobile or live Internet streaming of XM radio; the handset can also handle video streaming through AT&T's Cellular Video service or one-way video calls through Video Share.

The 1.3-megapixel camera is also more useful than on other phones, AT&T adds. LG includes on-phone editing software to make minor cropping, resizing, and other edits before sending a photo as a picture message or in an e-mail message. The Trax also brings in Bluetooth with stereo audio support and instant messaging across all major networks.

AT&T sells the phone online and in shops tomorrow for $130 with a two-year plan. Contract-free pricing isn't yet available.