LG Electronics is developing YouTube-optimized handsets that will enable users to shoot, view and upload videos the same way they do on their PCs.
The first YouTube-enabled handsets will
be available in Europe, but LG expects worldwide release by the end of the year, said LG President and CEO Skott Ahn.
Michael McGuire, an analyst with Gartner, predicted the move will lead to
even more citizen journalism from cell phone users shooting and uploading news to YouTube.
In addition to its existing alliances with YouTube parent Google, LG offers Yahoo applications on some
handsets.
Verizon's VCast service also offers some YouTube services.