The new LG G3 has now been officially unveiled. And that means the smartphone's technical specifications have been confirmed. However, this is especially important to us because we now know the smartphone's software, which was something we didn't know yet. This is the operating system, the interface and the apps that have been installed in the LG G3, along with a look at how LG is evolving its software ecosystem on other devices to deliver more useful features and a more consistent experience.
Optimus UI
The interface that LG usually installs on its smartphones also arrives on the flagship, obviously. It is based on 4.4.2 Android KitKat, the latest version of the operating system, and it comes with important new features. Above all, we highlight Quick Circle, the smartphone's notification system, which allows us to receive the latest notifications from our smartphone even when wearing the company's official case. Basically, it shows us the time and date, although it will also inform us of new notifications when we receive them. It's the same system Samsung uses with its official cases, although in this case with a little more style.
Beyond the visual aspect, Optimus UI reinforces productivity with quick access in the notification curtain, sound and brightness profiles adjustable and a reorganized settings panel that makes it easier to find key options. LG also maintains QSlide, floating apps that allow you to open calculator, player or notes in a window for multitasking, and functions like dual-window to split the screen and work with two apps at the same time.
It is also added QuickMemo+ to take notes on any screen and share them in seconds, and the Clip Tray, an advanced clipboard that saves multiple items (text and images) for pasting whenever needed. The aesthetics have been simplified with flat icons and a more subdued color palette. improving readability and the coherence of the whole.
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Smart Keyboard
Another important new feature concerns the keyboard. The South Korean company has developed a new keyboard that it has called Smart KeyboardThis keyboard incorporates a new prediction system that, according to the company, will be able to reduce typing errors by 75%. Keyboards like SwiftKey or Swype are high quality, but the truth is that it's still easy to make mistakes and for the system to not be able to understand what we really wanted to enter. This new keyboard would significantly improve on that. In addition to this prediction system, the keyboard also would adapt its size depending on our writing. But what we liked most is that it has the possibility of configuring customizable keys, so that we can place the punctuation marks where we believe they are best placed for the type of writing we use.
We also do not forget the fact that the text input section has been reduced, taking up less space on the screen, and the possibility of edit words by holding down Each one of them, so we can edit these words for similar ones, in case they aren't the correct words. That way, we don't have to keep correcting them on the fly; we can finish the text and then easily modify the misspelled words.
As an extra, the keyboard allows you to activate a number row Fixed, quickly change the input language without losing prediction context and move the cursor by sliding on the space bar to precise correctionsAll of this is complemented by a personal dictionary and privacy options to keep your typing data under control.
Smart notice
Smart notice It is the equivalent of Google Now, although it is really different. The purpose is the same, to provide information that is useful depending on how we use our smartphone, our location, our applications, etc. However, the system changes a lot in the interface, so we should not be surprised if when using it we feel that it has nothing to do with Google Now. voice commands to be able to talk on the smartphone. However, we'll still need to test this system and compare it with Google Now to determine which is better, or the differences between them.
Smart Notice stands out for its proactive approach: it can suggest clean temporary files When it detects low space, it can recommend that we activate Wi-Fi in common places or remind us to return missed calls. The assistant learns routines and displays contextual cards with relevant information, such as weather alerts that encourage us to take an umbrella if it's going to rain at night or tips for saving battery if it identifies abnormal consumption.
Smart Security
Finally, we find the new security system that the company would have integrated into the LG G3. One of the novelties is knock Code, which replaces the previous Knock On. The latter allowed you to activate the screen by double-tapping it. Knock Code allows you to unlock the screen by entering a tapping pattern without the screen turning on. According to LG, this system is more secure than a fingerprint reader, and they could be right; it's much more difficult to guess a code entered on a screen without even knowing what the reference points are. Kill Switch It is the name that LG has given to the new system that will allow you to locate the LG G3 remotely, and even erase all the files on the smartphone in case it has been lost or stolen.
Along with it, Content Lock Allows you to hide sensitive photos and files on both the internal memory and the external card when the phone is connected to a PC or used by someone else. Options such as Guest mode to lend the terminal without exposing private data and storage encryption for those looking for an extra layer of protection.
LG Ecosystem and TV Updates: Key Points of Interest to G3 Users
While the LG G3 relies on a polished Android skin, LG is also strengthening its ecosystem on other devices. For its Smart TVs, the company has announced a long-term update policy for webOS with the ReNew program, extending support over several cycles and bringing the experience closer to that of smartphones. This means that recent-generation TVs receive new versions and features for several years, with a gradual deployment by regions and models.
Among the improvements introduced in webOS for televisions are: Chromecast built-in (send content from mobile without accessories), Voice ID to identify the user's voice and personalize services, a sports portal with calendars and results, and a support chatbot which resolves configuration issues. Performance optimizations, bug fixes, and image features such as the Filmmaker mode with Dolby Vision on some models.
As with mobile phones, LG launches these new features in phases and in certain cases offers manual installation via USB for advanced users in some territories. Please note that once the TV platform is updated, it is usually there is no going back, and acceptance may be requested new conditions of use and data processing focused on measurement and advertising. Part of these improvements includes more space for sponsored content, something LG justifies by offering more relevant recommendations.
As with any major update, some users have reported occasional issues following software changes on Smart TVs, for example HDCP handshake problems with external HDMI devices. These are usually mitigated by changing the cable, connecting directly without an intermediate receiver, adjusting ports, or waiting for corrective patches This approach reflects LG's commitment to stability and highlights the importance of continued support for mobile devices as well.
This TV strategy doesn't change what the LG G3 already offers, but it does illustrate where the brand is headed: More years of support, proactive features, and design consistency between products, something that benefits users looking for a consistent ecosystem.
Availability of these features on other LG smartphones
The company has worked hard to release quality software with the new smartphone, and it is clear that this will contribute to making it a serious rival for the Samsung Galaxy S5, the HTC One M8 and the Sony Xperia Z2. By the way, We have published a comparison this afternoon between these four smartphones, so if you don't know which one to buy from all of them, you can't miss the article.
It has recently been presented the brand new LG G3 at the Korean company's event in London and it's time to unravel the details that are still important. This new terminal has many new features and the with It has not been left aside, by any means.
As it could not be otherwise, we start from the basis that The LG G3 will feature Android 4.4.2 KitKat since its release. As usual, the Koreans They also have their own customization layer and for this occasion it has been updated so that it can be more useful for users and integrate better with the terminal.
Thus, as far as appearance is concerned, we find that the design has been greatly simplified, making use of a user interface with much more square elements in general. In addition, they have also opted for a change in the range of colors, thus achieving an effect of greater professionalism at first glance and not so much of a child's play as we find in other cases.
Following the same line, we find that The widgets have also been redesigned Most of them, as well as the rest of LG's own applications, giving them their own colors and style. In this way, while they gain in that feeling of greater seriousness, they also convey a personal and differentiating touch compared to the rest.
Personally, I think the result LG has achieved in this regard is really good. The use of more geometric elements makes the interface more user-friendly, while also facilitating the distribution of information on the screen. On the other hand, it is worth noting that it follows a design very similar to that found in the customization layers of HTC or Samsung, with a news screen located on the left of everything and several desktops to add different widgets.
Aside from this, we can't forget the accessories, which are also related to all of this. In particular, we can talk about the Quick Circle, a case with a circle at the top of the screen through which we can interact with the phone without having to open the cover. This way, we can see information like the time, date, or even access some apps like the music player or the camera. Again, here too the visual appearance has been significantly improved, obtaining a very good result.
On the other hand, we will have the "Smart" concept. Under this name, we find Three features that will make the LG G3 easier for its users and we detail below.
We will start by talking about Smart Keyboard. This feature will take care of learning and analyze the way we type on the keyboard. This way, you'll be able to guess which keys you actually want to press, reducing potential errors. It will also allow you to vary the height of the keyboard, as well as modify individual keys to adapt them to our writing style.
The second technology that LG has implemented is Smart SecurityEvery day we add valuable data to our phones, putting our privacy and security at risk. For this reason, LG has introduced three elements that will help us protect ourselves:
- knock CodeThe LG G2 already introduced the ability to unlock the device by double-tapping the screen. To provide greater security, LG has taken advantage of this concept to create tap patterns. This way, users can use the old KnockOn to check basic information like the time or enter the Knock Code to unlock the device.
- Content LockThe idea of ​​this tool is to be able to hide personal information that we don't want to share. This way, whether we leave the device with other users or connect it to the computer, this information won't be visible. It's worth mentioning that we can use it on both internal and external storage.
- Kill SwitchUnfortunately, thieves sometimes "borrow" our phone. Again, to prevent them from accessing personal data, we have the option of remotely erasing all this information and even deactivating the device.
Finally, the third feature that we include within the "Smart" family is Smart notice. As if it were a secretary, this tool will allow you to turn the LG G3 into a complete personal assistant, offering us suggestions and recommendations based on our behavior. This way, based on how we use our phone and where we are, it will offer us information when necessary. From offering us the possibility of deleting files or applications that we don't use to recommend that we take an umbrella since it will rain tonight. With Smart Notice, LG gives its flagship phone some extra intelligence, which can be of great help in our daily lives.
The truth is that personally I see it with very good eyes that big companies are putting effort into making our phones smarter. Especially this last feature, Smart notice, which I find very interesting and useful, even though I haven't seen how it works in reality. All these new features are also an added incentive when choosing the new LG G3, a device that has the best in hardware and with a very notable software section as well.
When someone spends a significant amount of money on a smartphone, it is to be expected that the company that manufactures or distributes it offers some kind of After-sales service that ensures our device is as up-to-date as possible. Things like updating the Android version and updating some pre-installed programs are details that show a company cares about its customers.
There are many terminals that are left without updating, but it is never expected from a high end which has meant a huge amount of sales for a company. In this case, we're talking about the LG G2, which, despite being a huge success for the company, will ultimately be left without the software updates that the recently announced LG G3 includes.
This has been confirmed by the Spanish division of LG, which in principle There are no plans for the LG G3's new features to reach the rest of its devices.Things like the Smart Keyboard and Smart Notification won't be coming to the G2, which remains one of the most sought-after phones among consumers.
From a commercial point of view it makes sense to keep it exclusive to that terminal, as it will give it a certain degree of exclusivity, although it wouldn't be unusual to see them backtrack in a few months and make these software improvements available to the rest of their catalog.
Without losing sight of the particularities of each device, the LG G3 shines for its software suiteA clearer interface, a keyboard that reduces errors, a contextual assistant, and a robust security feature. Along with LG's focus on extended support across its ecosystem, users gain useful features today and a track record of improvements that reinforces their purchase.