LG today officially introduced its new custom user interface for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich devices, dubbed LG Optimus UI 3.0. LG says that the Optimus UI 3.0 is "designed with convenience and speed in mind," bringing with it a handful of new features and functions for the devices that'll run the UI. For example, LG touts the Optimus UI 3.0's new lock screen, which allows the user to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the display, as well as a new pattern lock that will open up a frequently used app once the device is unlocked. Other new features include Quick Memo, which lets the user take notes directly on the phone's screen, as well as the ability to customize icons and shortcut images with a user's own photos and a Voice Shutter function that allows a user to take photos using their voice.

As far as availability for the new UI goes, LG says that the Optimus UI 3.0 will be debuting on the Optimus LTE II that's launching in Korea this week. It'll also appear on the Optimus 4X HD in June. Unfortunately, there's no word yet on when those of us in the U.S. will see a device powered by the Optimus UI 3.0, but the good news is that Aaron spent some hands-on time with the Optimus 4X HD and its new UI back at MWC. You can check out that video, along with LG's official announcement of the Optimus UI 3.0, below.

LG’S NEW OPTIMUS UI 3.0 ADDS NEW FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS WHILE BEING UNOBTRUSIVE AND SIMPLE

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New User Interface Makes the LG Smartphone Experience Faster, Simpler, More Convenient 

SEOUL, May 16, 2012 -– LG Electronics (LG) is introducing a new User Interface (UI) for its newest Android Ice Cream Sandwich devices, aptly named Optimus UI 3.0. Optimus UI 3.0 brings with it an array of enhanced key features, including Quick Memo™ and unique unlock functions, among other new features and functions aimed at improving LG smartphone experience.

“With smartphone hardware becoming more and more similar, it’s important for manufacturers to differentiate their products from the competition through the user interface,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Both carriers and customers tell us that they want LG phones to look and feel unique and the UI plays a big part in that. LG is really going to push the boundaries of what is possible in user interfaces starting with Optimus UI 3.0.”

Optimus UI 3.0 is designed with convenience and speed in mind. A powerful memo function called Quick Memo™ enables users to jot notes on the screen using a finger. Quick Memo™ in Optimus UI 3.0 allows users to share their thoughts through social networks, text messages and e-mails more conveniently than ever before.

Other new features include:

-- the ability to unlock the phone by dragging anywhere on the screen;

-- a new Pattern Lock that allows users to preset the most frequently used function, such as the camera, which automatically opens once the phone is unlocked;

-- a simpler version of Optimus UI 3.0 for new smartphone users which organizes the main applications so that they are the easiest to access;

-- a new Voice Shutter that allows users to capture photos using only voice commands;

-- a special camera feature that enables users to pick up the best shot among multiple images including the moment just before the shutter button is depressed;

-- an Icon Customizer that provides an additional level of personalization by allowing users to set their own photos as icons and shortcut images;

-- the addition of a Download category to the menu for easier organization.

Optimus UI 3.0 will debut on the LG Optimus LTE II launching this week in Korea, followed by LG Optimus 4X HD in June.