LG has announced that the Optimus Black - the world's slimmest smartphone device - is headed to New Zealand. No official carrier details have been announced at the time of writing.

What we do know, though, is that the LG Optimus Black is a mere 9.2mm thick, weighs only 109g, and that it sports a 4-inch NOVA display, which according to the press release is "designed to be the brightest, clearest and most readable among mobile screens with 700 nits of brightness for optimal visibility". According to the press release, it's also half as energy hungry as AMOLED displays. Also among the Optimus Black's features is a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, reportedly a world first. Out of the box, the Optimus Black will run Android 2.2, but it will have the capability to upgrade to version 2.3 at a later date.

"We are excited to introduce this stylish new Android smartphone and expect the LG Optimus Black to play a key role in the mobile market," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "LG Optimus Black reflects our core strengths of advanced technology, in both display and design, offering the world's brightest screen and the world's slimmest design in an attractive and smart package."

It's expected that the LG Optimus Black will go on sale at New Zealand retailers in May.