By Kim Yoo-chul
LG Electronics mobile chief Ahn Seung-kwon said he is certain to overcome a late start to get abreast of Samsung Electronics and Apple in the smartphone business.
Ahn sees its upcoming Android-based Optimus One smartphone leading the way against iPhone 4 and Galaxy S.
He is positive that the Optimus One will be another "10 million seller," emulating the previous best-selling LG models such as the Chocolate Black Label, Viewty, Shine and Cookie models.
"LG will show our capability to face off against our bigger rivals in the global smartphone market," he said in a digital press conference, Tuesday.
"By the end of this year, LG will expand the product lineup, both low and high, for a greater market penetration," he said.
LG plans to sell its new strategic smartphone in 90 countries through 120 partners including major mobile carriers in the United States and Europe from October.
The executive declined to say who would be the carriers for the Optimus, however, LG officials said it has been in talks with AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Sprint in the United States.
In Europe, LG has opened the talks with Vodafone.
Asked by the uncertainties, Ahn said his division will strengthen the tie-up with Google, while adding more than 500 software staff members, who are now assigned to the independent task force for smartphones.
"LG and Google are sharing a common goal in helping users guarantee faster access to any information regardless of place and time," he said.
The Optimus One incorporates the Android platform 2.2, helping users to make the most of Google’s mobile services.
The smartphone features `LG App Advisor’ function, plus a 3.2-inch HVGA LCD screen on the surface with GPS and 1,500 mAh battery pack.
Ahn also said LG will release the Windows Mobile 7 smartphone operated by Microsoft’s mobile system this year in its key markets.
Industry officials say LG has been talks with AT&T for the retail sales of the Windows Mobile 7.
The LG executive stressed the Windows Mobile phone is expected to back up LG’s moves to boost its smartphone footsteps with the Optimus.
The Strategy Analytics (SA), an industry watcher, says LG accounted for over 1 percent in the global share of the smartphone market as of the end of the second quarter.
LG is reviewing the possibility to sell more AM OLED-embedded smartphones inspired by the steady demand for them after it changed its strategy to focus on smartphones with advanced LCD screens.
``It seems interesting to see whether Ahn to come back into the markets. More time will be needed, however, it’s quite true that LG is going further step-by-step, though its boldness is far behind that of its rival Samsung Electronics,’’ said an industry watcher.