LG unveils 3D smart phone

3D content will no longer be limited to gaming, cinema or television; the 3D experience will soon be available on a smart phone, with full capability of recording, viewing and share 3D content without glasses.

Following its announcement at the recent Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona, the LG Optimus 3D, the world's first 3D smart phone, is expected to be landing on shelves in Thailand by the third quarter of this year.

Offering a real 3D experience, it will perhaps change the way you interact with the handset.

Running on Google's Android operating system, the LG Optimus 3D is equipped with a pair of 5MP cameras which can be used to capture both conventional and stunning 3D images and videos. In order to offer the best performance, the phone uses a new dual-core, dual-channel and dual-memory architecture.

The Optimus 3D is another breakthrough technology that boosts LG's goal of being the leader in the 3D battlefield. LG Electronics (Thailand) recently introduced a new era of 3D TV with its LG Cinema 3D TV claiming the best features where viewers can access limitless 3D content any time.

The company's marketing director, Thunyachate Ekvetchavit, said the LG Cinema 3D TV features a Film Patterned Retarder (FPR), which optimises the separation of images, producing better 3D effects with minimal cross-talk.

LG's 3D Light Boost creates bright, crisp images for a superior 3D viewing experience by counteracting any dimness that can occur with 3D content. With similar 3D technology to that used in cinemas, LG has also developed highly affordable and lightweight 3D glasses which do not require power from batteries and emit no electromagnetic radiation, enabling viewers to use the glasses for hours without discomfort. Since the glasses do not need to sync with an emitter, viewers can watch from nearly any angle in the room, even when lying in front of the TV. LG also provides the most convenience for users with its Magic Motion Remote Control.

"This will be an essential evolution of the 3D TV in Thailand," Thunyachate said.

LG has also become Thailand's first brand to enhance the Smart TV experience by offering local content to consumers. The LG Cinema 3D TV includes LG's Smart TV feature to connect to content developed by eight content providers including Nation Channel, MTHAI, Wikalenda, Shoppening, Major Cineplex and others.

"We see a huge potential for the 3D TV market. So far the early adopters mostly seem unhappy because of the limited range of content, that's why LG is serious about focusing on the joint-development with content providers," Thunyachate said.

On the home appliance side, LG has addressed the THINQ technology to offer a complete smart solution that lets consumers manage their homes in a more centralised and convenient way. The THINQ technology comes up with five key features - smart grid, diagnosis, access, adapt and food management.

The smart grid deploys a smart meter to ensure that appliances use the minimum amount of energy at the least expensive rates possible. Smart diagnosis helps customer service representatives quickly and efficiently troubleshoot mechanical issues over the phone, limiting costly, inconvenient service calls and home visits. Smart access makes it possible for home owners to monitor and control home appliances remotely from outside the home. Using a smart phone or tablet PC, users can manage their washing cycle from the office. Alert messages will be sent to the user's smart phone or tablet PC for items such as the end of a washing cycle or a potential product issue.

Smart adapt allows consumers to download the latest services and technology upgrades for their appliances via a Wi-Fi connection. With this innovation, consumers will be able to access up-to-date pre-programmed recipes as well as advanced cycles for their washing machines.

Food management solution helps consumers manage the contents of their refrigerator more effectively. By dragging and dropping food icons on the refrigerator's LCD display, or by using the voice recognition function, users can easily identify what is in the refrigerator, as well as where certain items are located and when they expire. This information is also accessible via smart phones or tablet PCs, allowing consumers to reference this while grocery shopping.

At the centre of THINQ is the concept of an intelligent Wi-Fi grid built around a smart meter enabling home owners to schedule the oven cook time, washing machine cycle, tidy up the home with a robotic vacuum cleaner and defrost the refrigerator at the most cost-effective or convenient times.

Unfortunately, some of these ideas are far from Thailand as they require a faster broadband internet infrastructure.

 Bangkok Post