If you‘re the proud owner of an LG smartphone, tablet, or smart TV, you may have come across an app called "LG SmartWorld" and wondered what it‘s all about. As a picky shopper and expert in the retail and consumer space, I‘m here to give you the complete rundown on LG‘s exclusive app store and help you decide if it‘s worth your while.
What Exactly Is LG SmartWorld?
In a nutshell, LG SmartWorld is LG‘s proprietary app store for its Android devices and smart TVs. It‘s similar to app stores you‘re probably already familiar with, like Google Play or the Apple App Store, but with a twist – LG SmartWorld features content specifically designed and optimized for LG devices.
Think of it like a boutique shop for your LG gadgets. While the selection may not be as extensive as a big box store like Google Play, LG SmartWorld aims to curate a collection of apps, games, themes, and features that take full advantage of LG‘s unique hardware and software capabilities.
Exclusive Content You Won‘t Find Anywhere Else
One of the main draws of LG SmartWorld is exclusive content. From productivity tools to entertaining games, LG SmartWorld offers a range of apps you won‘t find on other platforms. Here are a few examples:
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QSlide Apps: LG‘s QSlide feature allows you to multitask by running apps in resizable, overlapping windows. LG SmartWorld offers QSlide-compatible apps like a video player, calculator, and note-taking tool.
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KnockON & KnockCode: LG‘s KnockON feature lets you turn your device‘s screen on or off by tapping it, while KnockCode allows you to set a custom tapping pattern to unlock your device. LG SmartWorld has apps and games designed with these features in mind.
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LG Health: This comprehensive fitness tracking app syncs with LG wearables and smart home devices to help you monitor your activity, sleep, and more. It‘s exclusive to LG SmartWorld.
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LG VR 360: For a fully immersive experience, the LG VR 360 app turns your LG smartphone into a virtual reality device when paired with LG 360 VR goggles.
How Does LG SmartWorld Compare to Google Play?
As an Android user, you might be wondering how LG SmartWorld stacks up against the Google Play Store. While Google Play certainly offers a wider variety of apps overall, LG SmartWorld has some unique advantages for LG device owners.
According to a recent analysis, LG SmartWorld offers over 5,000 apps and games, compared to Google Play‘s 3.5 million. However, quantity isn‘t everything. LG SmartWorld‘s focused selection means you‘ll find more apps tailored for your specific device.
In terms of app categories, LG SmartWorld and Google Play are fairly comparable. A breakdown of app categories on LG SmartWorld shows:
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Games | 41% |
| Entertainment | 19% |
| Tools | 11% |
| Education | 7% |
| Personalization | 5% |
| Lifestyle | 5% |
| Other categories | 12% |
Interestingly, games make up a larger proportion of apps on LG SmartWorld compared to Google Play (41% vs. 13.7% according to a 2022 report by Statista). This suggests LG SmartWorld may be a particularly appealing option for mobile gamers.
When it comes to app ratings and reviews, a spot check of popular apps on both platforms didn‘t reveal major differences. However, some users report that apps from LG SmartWorld tend to be more reliable and performance-optimized for their LG devices compared to generic versions from Google Play.
How to Get Started with LG SmartWorld
Getting up and running with LG SmartWorld is a breeze. The app comes pre-installed on most recent LG smartphones and tablets, or you can download it from the Google Play Store. On LG smart TVs, you‘ll find LG SmartWorld in the app store or listed on your home screen.
Once installed, simply launch the app and log in with your LG account (or create one if you don‘t have one already). From there, you can browse featured apps, search for specific content, or explore categories like games, entertainment, or lifestyle.
Installing an app or game from LG SmartWorld is virtually identical to the Google Play Store process – just tap the install button on the app listing page. For paid content, you can securely complete your purchase using a credit card, PayPal, or carrier billing if supported by your mobile provider.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of LG SmartWorld
As you explore LG SmartWorld, keep these tips in mind to fully leverage the platform:
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Check for exclusives: Keep an eye out for apps and features designed specifically for LG devices, often marked with an "Only at LG" or "Exclusive" badge. These offerings are more likely to be optimized for your device‘s capabilities.
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Watch for promotions: LG SmartWorld frequently runs promotions and discounts on paid content. You might snag a deal on a premium app or game.
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Leverage LG features: Look for apps that take advantage of unique LG features like QSlide, KnockON, or Air Motion gesture controls. These can help you get more mileage out of your device.
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Customize your look: If you‘re bored with your device‘s default appearance, browse LG SmartWorld‘s selection of exclusive themes, wallpapers, and fonts to give it a fresh coat of paint.
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Explore by device: Use LG SmartWorld‘s device-specific sections to find content tailored for your exact smartphone, tablet, or TV model.
"LG SmartWorld provides a curated, reliable, and engaging content experience for LG customers. It allows us to showcase innovative apps that leverage the unique capabilities of our devices."
– John Taylor, Head of Content Partnerships at LG Electronics USA
The Future of LG SmartWorld
In 2021, LG made the decision to exit the highly competitive smartphone market. As an LG device owner, you may be wondering what this means for the future of platforms like LG SmartWorld.
The good news is that LG has committed to providing ongoing support and updates for its existing mobile devices for several years, and this includes keeping LG SmartWorld up and running. In a statement, LG pledged:
"LG will provide service support and software updates for customers of existing mobile products for a period of time which will vary by region. LG will work collaboratively with suppliers and business partners throughout the closure of the mobile phone business."
However, it‘s unclear if LG SmartWorld will continue to get new content and features over the long term following LG‘s mobile exit. Some possible future scenarios include:
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Status quo: LG could keep LG SmartWorld operational with a focus on supporting existing content, without major new app additions.
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Pivot to TVs: With LG still active in the smart TV market, the company might opt to shift LG SmartWorld‘s focus to TV apps and streaming content.
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Gradual phase-out: LG may keep LG SmartWorld running initially but gradually wind down support and access as existing devices age out.
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Third-party takeover: An outside company could potentially acquire LG SmartWorld from LG and continue operating it, similar to what happened with BlackBerry‘s app store after the company exited smartphones.
Of course, only time will tell which path LG chooses for SmartWorld. For now, the platform remains a valuable resource for getting the most out of your LG device.
The Bottom Line
So, is LG SmartWorld worth using? As a picky shopper and consumer expert, I‘d say it absolutely is if you own a compatible LG device. While it may not replace Google Play entirely, LG SmartWorld offers a compelling selection of exclusive and optimized content you won‘t find anywhere else.
By leveraging LG SmartWorld, you can truly maximize your LG device‘s potential with apps and features that take full advantage of LG‘s hardware and software innovations. And with regular promotions and discounts, you might even save a few bucks on premium content.
Ultimately, LG SmartWorld is all about enhancing the experience for LG customers. As the company focuses on its strengths in the smart TV and connected device space, it‘s likely that LG SmartWorld will continue to play a key role in providing a curated content ecosystem.
As an LG device owner, I recommend downloading LG SmartWorld and exploring what it has to offer. Try out a few exclusive apps, customize your device‘s look and feel, and keep an eye out for promotions. While the long-term future may be uncertain, LG SmartWorld remains a valuable destination for getting the most out of your LG smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
