TECH NEWS – LG Electronics (LG), in collaboration with Razer and MediaTek, has introduced the world’s first gaming controller powered by Bluetooth Ultra-Low Latency (BT ULL) technology. During the event at the 2024 LG webOS Summit, the revolutionary 1-millisecond input lag technology was demonstrated using an LG webOS smart TV and a Razer Bluetooth game controller.
At the webOS Summit, around 300 representatives from 140 partner companies, including content developers, manufacturers, and service providers, were present. They explored LG’s strategic vision, future initiatives, opportunities provided by artificial intelligence, and ways to expand the webOS ecosystem.
The first controller equipped with BT ULL technology was developed by Razer, one of the world’s leading gaming brands. During the presentation, LG and Razer compared the new controller to a conventional gaming controller, allowing attendees to witness firsthand how the BT ULL technology delivers exceptional response times, ultra-low input latency, and precise control across various cloud-based games, such as FPS, racing, or close-combat types.
The latest BT ULL technology offers outstanding performance in cloud gaming, meeting the demands of even professional gamers who require lightning-fast response times. LG plans to be the first in the industry to introduce a certification for third-party controllers, ensuring the seamless operation of BT ULL-supported devices with webOS-based LG smart TVs. Razer will be the first company to receive this certification.
Additionally, LG is collaborating with semiconductor manufacturer MediaTek to develop the BT ULL technology, which will be integrated into MediaTek’s MT7921 Wi-Fi chipset. This chipset will also include MediaTek’s reliable and efficient Wi-Fi 6 technology from the Filogic series. The partnership aims to allow LG smart TV owners to enjoy an impressively realistic visual experience with reduced response times, especially in online cloud-based multiplayer games. Premium LG OLED and QNED televisions with BT ULL technology and support for 120Hz or higher refresh rates are expected to hit the market in 2025.
“LG is committed to continuously introducing innovations that enhance the gaming experience for users,” said Baik Seon-pill, head of product design at LG’s home entertainment division. “As LG’s webOS platform evolves, so will the features aimed at making the system the best gaming platform for all players.”
Gaming, Content, and AI: The Future of LG webOS
At the 2024 webOS Summit, LG presented its strategic vision and future plans focused on the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence and the expansion of the webOS ecosystem. The company plans to invest over $740 million into developing the webOS platform, which plays a key role in LG’s business transformation. The webOS currently offers over 4,000 apps to users, and the company is continually enhancing the platform’s gaming features, one of which is the BT ULL technology demonstrated at the event.
Over the past decade, LG has sold 220 million smart TVs, and through webOS licensing, more than 400 brands without their own smart TV systems have adopted the platform. The company expects to generate over $1 billion in revenue from webOS-related ads and services by 2024, a fourfold increase compared to 2021. By integrating AI technologies, LG continues to improve user experience, such as with the AI Concierge feature, which recommends personalized content to users.
