LG Electronics' remote customer care services, which includes a pre-loaded Remote Call application and the LG FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air) system, will now be made available to user worldwide, following the initial roll-out in Korea.

This makes LG the first mobile phone manufacturer to offer remote maintenance services as a way to diagnose software problems and to distribute software upgrades direct to customers' phones.

The service has been available in Korea since May.

LG?s remote call services are available on premium Optimus smartphones, including the LG Optimus 2X, the LG Optimus Black and the LG Optimus 3D. With the pre-loaded "Remote Call" application users can diagnose their phone?s problems without having to visit a repair shop.

Once registered, LG CIC agents will be able to wirelessly access the owner's Optimus smartphone. For security purposes, LG technical staff will not be able to access any personal information -- including emails, messages, calendars or pictures -- without the users' consent.

Using the LG FOTA system and pre-loaded FOTA application, owners will also receive regular alerts of the most current updates.

LG's remote customer care services will be made available to LG's customers in Europe, the Asia Pacific region and South and Central America throughout the second half of the year.