LG hops on the app store train

16 Jun 2009 at 20:18 GMT Timo Poropudas

At the press conference , at CommunicAsia in Singapore, LG revealed new mobile phone models and its new app store. The new products such as the LG Arena, the updated LG Viewty Smart GC900 and the LG Joy GM730 all use the new S-Class user interface.

The Joy GM730 is LG’s first phone to use the Windows Mobile 6.1 platform in conjunction with its S-Class user interface as the main skin. According to LG this combination brings a new level of user interactivity to the user.

3D S-Class User Interface debuted in the LG ARENA (LG-KM900) earlier this year. The LG ARENA is a fully loaded multimedia phone that offers an audio and video experience more advanced than other similar devices. LG sold more than 300,000 ARENA handsets within just four weeks of its February debut at Mobile World Congress 2009, a testament to its appeal.

Dr. John Park (third from left) was on hand to answer some of our questions regarding the newly launched LG Application Store and its plans for the Google Android platform on its LG lineup.

The LG Joy GM730 sports the Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional OS, with a touch of S-Class UI on it. The device is slated for an update to the new Windows Mobile 6.5 OS when it's available in the market.

The upcoming LG Application Store. might have trouble differentiating itself from the competition such as Apple's App Store, Nokia's Ovi Store, Google's Android Market and the upcoming Windows Mobile Marketplace.

According to Dr. John Park, Vice President, Head of New Business Development, LG is looking closely to work with the telecoms companies to provide an all-round experience for consumers to enjoy the full extent of the LG Application Store. LG has will support credit card payments, and doesn't rule out the possibility of roping in the telecoms companies to create a convenient avenue to pay for the downloaded apps via their monthly phone bills.