LG just officially announced version 3.0 of its custom interface, which it is now calling 'Optimus UI'. The updated skin aims to be "unobtrusive and simple" according the LG, as well as bring a handful of new features to LG's handsets:

  • The ability to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the screen
  • A new Pattern Lock that allows users to preset the most frequently used function, such as the camera, which automatically opens once the phone is unlocked
  • A simpler version of Optimus UI 3.0 for new smartphone users which organizes the main applications so that they are the easiest to access
  • A new Voice Shutter that allows users to capture photos using only voice commands
  • A special camera feature that enables users to pick up the best shot among multiple images including the moment just before the shutter button is depressed
  • An Icon Customizer that provides an additional level of personalization by allowing users to set their own photos as icons and shortcut images
  • The addition of a Download category to the menu for easier organization

Hey, look! An Asian girl holding phones!

According to LG Mobile CEO Jong-seok Park, the updated UI is a push to set LG apart from other manufacturers, as "both carriers and customers tell [us] that they want LG phones to look and feel unique and the UI plays a big part in that" (even though it still look remarkably like Samsung's TouchWiz UI).

The first smartphones to see this updated version of Optimus UI are the Optimus LTE II, which comes out this week in Korea, followed but the Optimus 4X HD, which should be available in June.

[LG]