By Kim Yoo-chul
BERLIN, Germany ― LG Electronics will collaborate with rivals Phillips and Sharp to develop software and content ecosystems to be used in Internet-connected televisions.
These products, dubbed smart televisions, are touted as the next-generation sets along with three dimensional (3D) flat screen TVs.
The trio of electronics makers will introduce a streamlined software development kit, which will be the first step toward building a content platform to do for televisions what app stores did for smartphones.
This is the first time major television makers agreed to jointly pursue creating a content environment for smart televisions, said LG spokesman Oh Sea-chun.
``LG Electronics, Philips and Sharp will keep their own systems for management, but will share applications and other television content. The software will be produced in the standardized formats of HTML 5, CE-HTML and HbbTV,’’ Oh said.
``The intention is to help app developers create more added-value content with reduced costs, while shortening the time it takes to reach customers. The software development kit could be released sometime in October.
``This is just a starting point for LG Electronics. Content revenue will eventually be critical as smart televisions currently manage underwhelming margins and have slow replacement cycles.’’
Software capabilities are becoming a key area of competition for consumer electronics manufacturers as they continue to plug their televisions into the Web.
Apple, which enjoys a massive content base generated by the popularity of its iSomethings, is reportedly working on a digital television platform based on its iOS operating system, which will eventually streamline televisions with Apple iPhones, iPads and MacBooks.
As with most of the electronics shows held in the past years, 3D continues to be a major topic for this year’s IFA trade fair in Berlin.
LG is trailing domestic rival Samsung in 3D televisions, but is confident that its products based on passive glass technology provide a cheaper and better alternative.
LG is exhibiting a wide range of 3D-capable devices and equipment at its 3,700-square meter booth in Berlin, including televisions, computer monitors, projectors, laptops and smartphones.
These products are designed by LG’s own film-patterned retarder (FPR), which it claims provides sharper images with lesser overlaps.
To give its 3D devices a boost in content, LG also launched a new device that is capable of converting 2D video games into 3D.
Another LG product was the LSM, a mouse designed with a built-in scanner.
``Incorporating technology specifically developed for the new device, the LSM-100 provides an array of unique functions that blend surprising innovation and user convenience,’’ said Jinny Lee, an LG spokeswoman.
The firm also showcased its business that offers comprehensive energy solutions capitalizing on white goods for the home and entire towns around the globe.
``The key words in Europe’s home appliances market are eco-friendly and high-efficiency. LG will consistently release items that fit the trends for bigger shares in Europe,’’ said Lee Young-ha, a chief of LG’s home appliances division.