LG has finally launched the LG Shine, their latest handset in the premium Black Series, in the UK. The full-metal bodied slider phone is a perfect blend between innovative design and more advanced features.

And let's face it, the mobile phone looks absolutely great and it looks like – even though the Chocolate will not be forgotten – it now has some serious competition, from its own brother.

The LG Shine will be released in several markets around the world and now the people from the UK are finally going to be able to get one. While the looks are by far the most impressive thing about this phone, the features aren't bad either.

It comes with a 2.2 inch screen with a QVGA resolution, a 2 megapixel camera with flash and autofocus by Schneider Kreuznach, a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion and a media player with support for MP3, WAV and AAC++.

The Shine has been available in Korea since November 2006, and since then more than 200,000 handsets were sold and approximately 3,500 units a day are still being shipped. In the UK the handset might end up recording even higher sales following a high profile launch campaign that includes a performance of the world famous illusionist David Blaine.

“2007 is the year to Shine,” says Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “People are naturally drawn to shining objects. They convey messages of happiness, joy, excitement and desire, all the traits that perfectly describe the Shine phone. With an appeal that goes far beyond the simple requirement of owning a mobile, LG has yet again raised the bar in the mobile phone market.”

Starting today, the 7th of February, the mobile phone will be available from most mobile retailers and is likely to be from free on a contract.