Virgin Mobile has officially announced the LG Optimus V to it’s Android lineup. Although this device can already be purchased at RadioShack, Virgin Mobile has just made the official announcement of availability. You can pick up this device for a cool $149.99 at a RadioShack near you. Check out the press release below.

LG Optimus V™ Joins Virgin Mobile USA Offering “Optimal” Experience for No-Contract Customers
Virgin Mobile Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Launch of LG Optimus V To Make Your Sweetheart Swoon

WARREN, N.J. (BUSINESS WIRE), February 01, 2011 – Virgin Mobile USA continues to enrich its handset lineup with the introduction of LG Optimus V, expanding its selection of Android handsets. Rolling out at Radio Shack stores and at www.virginmobileusa.com beginning today for $149.99, LG Optimus V creates a unique user experience that will keep people connected and in-the-know while on-the-go. LG Optimus V will become available in other major retailers throughout the month as well.

“More than 44 percent of smartphones purchased in the third quarter of 2010 were Android based with the iPhone coming in second1,” said Bob Stohrer, vice president-Marketing, Virgin Mobile USA. “With LG Optimus V on Android, Virgin Mobile customers who crave constant connectivity get a highly functional device with a high-resolution 3.2″ touch screen paired with an affordable monthly plan and no annual contract.”

“Users get the best of both worlds with LG Optimus V,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of LG marketing. “Bringing an easy-to-use blend of applications and sleek design, LG Optimus V delivers the features users want with the efficient performance capabilities they deserve.”

Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans start at just $25 dollars a month for 300 minutes of voice and include unlimited messaging, IM, email, social networking and web access. For those who talk a bit more, the $40 plan offers 1,200 minutes of voice and for heavy gabbers, the $60 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month.

Top handset review websites have described the LG Optimus S™, “as the best Android phone available,” “affordable yet full-featured,” “impressively quick and with [all of] the functionality most consumers need.” LG Optimus V, similar to the LG Optimus S, gives Virgin Mobile customers full integration of social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange e-mail and advanced messaging capabilities. In addition, Optimus V users also have access to more than 100,000 applications currently available on the Android Market™.

LG Optimus V also comes with a 3.2-inch touch-screen display, 3G and Wi-Fi capable, a 3.2 MP camera and video, and preloaded applications, including popular social apps such as YouTube® and Google Talk™. Additional features include:

Swype, a faster and easier way to input text on any screen, with one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard. The patented technology enables users to input words faster and easier than other data input methods–at over 40 words per minute
Contact and calendar sync via ActiveSync
Android Web browser
Full integration of Google Apps™ such as Google Maps™, Gmail™ and Google Navigation™
Document file viewer
Built-in music player
Optimus V is the second Virgin Mobile phone to offer Virgin Mobile Live, an online music stream of performances by past & present Virgin Mobile Festival artists including studio tracks, exclusive Festival performances and more, for free!

The launch of LG Optimus V also marks Virgin Mobile’s new handset packaging that is more eco-friendly. The green packaging is now composed of 100% recycled plastic and uses almost 50% less plastic. The design of the outer box has been revised to more clearly highlight the device, its features and Virgin Mobile’s Beyond Talk Plans. “The new packaging will provide a better customer experience in opening the package as well being kind to the environment,” said Stohrer.

Via: Sprint