Noob-friendly Pantech Flex announced for AT&T

The Pantech Flex 4G LTE has been announced on AT&T, and should be landing September 16 for $49.99 on a two-year contract. Besides LTE connectivity and running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the Pantech Flex offers an "Easy Experience" mode, which makes the layout more streamlined and simple to navigate. Here's a quick run-down of the specs.

4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) Super AMOLED display8 megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, plus secondary front-facing camera1.5 GHz dual-core processor

More info is available over at Pantech's device page. The last phone we saw from Pantech was the Maurauder for Verizon, and though it was also geared towards late adopters, it looks like there's enough horsepower behind these phones to keep the experience smooth.

What do you guys think of this Easy Experience mode? Are there really a lot of cell phone shoppers out there that are overwhelmed by what Android has to offer? Does it need to be pared down a little bit for those new folks?

Video and press release after the jump.

New Pantech Flex from AT&T Provides Added Choice for Simplicity Seekers

First 4G LTE Smartphone from AT&T to Feature "Easy Experience" Mode Runs Android 4.0
Dallas, Texas, September 04, 2012

The first smartphone at AT&T to offer customers the option to choose between the traditional Android operating mode and a more simplified version ideal for new smartphone users, the Pantech Flex will be available exclusively from AT&T* online and in company-owned retail stores for $49.99 with a two-year agreement and qualifying voice and data plans, beginning Sept. 16.

The Pantech Flex offers a unique dual experience system that runs on Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The standard Android format is available for the customer who wants instant access to a wide range of their favorite features – social media sites, email, video and more. In addition, Flex provides the “Easy Experience” mode which prioritizes customers’ apps on the home screen in a clearly organized and easy-to-read format.  Easy Experience users can enjoy an intuitive experience without sacrificing any of the latest in smartphone technology.  By switching simply between traditional and easy modes, depending on preferences, Flex is a very easy to use device.  To see more of the Flex’s features in action, check out this video.

In addition to its dual operating systems, Flex weighs only 4.6 ounces and has a slim design that makes it easy to slip into a pocket or purse. Flex features a full touch 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display for a vibrant picture and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. The intelligent Pantech SwiftKey technology makes typing a breeze – it minimizes key strokes by learning a user’s natural language for more accurate word predictions and corrections.  Flex also features an eight-megapixel rear facing camera with 1080p HD video recording capabilities and a two-megapixel front facing camera.

“The Pantech Flex is a great phone because of its versatility,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices and Developer Services, AT&T Mobility. “This phone simplifies the smartphone experience and allows someone who has been hesitant to buy a smartphone a chance to get familiar with it at their own pace, and still leaves open the possibility of having the more traditional experience.”

“Flex is a smartphone that’s truly for everybody,” remarked Wyatt Whaley, vice president of product planning at Pantech. “With the option to alternate between the traditional Android interface and Pantech’s proprietary Easy Experience, Flex is ideal for users of all ages looking for an intuitive and flexible mobile experience.”

For more information, visit www.att.com/aboutus

Additional information about Flex can be found at, www.pantechusa.com.

View the original article here