Korean electronics giant LG announced Wednesday it will update its Optimus Android overlay for the newest version of the operating system, Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich. The third iteration of the Optimus user interface will appear on LG’s newest high-end smartphone, the LG Optimus LTE II, slated for launch in the company’s home country next week.
Optimus UI 3.0 is part of LG’s attempt to stand out in the crowded Android market, because despite the growing popularity of the mobile platform, the Korean manufacturer has had trouble gaining traction on ground against rival competitor Samsung. As such, LG hopes that its upgraded UI, said to be designed with convenience and speed in mind, will especially attract customers.
“With smartphone hardware becoming more and more similar, it’s important for manufacturers to differentiate their products from the competition through the user interface,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO at LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “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. LG is really going to push the boundaries of what is possible in user interfaces starting with Optimus UI 3.0.”
The new UI will allow users to drag anywhere to unlock the screen, and support an Icon Customizer, revamped pattern lock, voice shutter and a “Download” category to the menu for easier organization.
Optimus UI 3.0 will also come included with Quick Memo, an app meant to simplify mobile note taking.
The LG Optimus LTE II is the company’s answer to Samsung’s much anticipated Galaxy S III, unveiled earlier this month and expected to sell as well as Samsung’s previous Galaxy S devices – that is to say, quite well. But specs like a “True HP IPS” display and 2GB of RAM do set the Optimus LTE II apart.
Edited by
Braden Becker 
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