LG announced today that it will open a paid app service for its customers in the U.S. starting this month.

The new offering on LG SmartWorld (www.lgsmartworld.com), follows in the footsteps of the service?s launch in the U.K. in July. The additional service will complement the free apps currently available on the LG SmartWorld site, which is available in 39 countries.

LG SmartWorld features the 3D Zone with an array of 3D content, including 3D videos and games exclusively designed for LG Optimus 3D users. In particular, 3D games developed in partnership with game publishers -- GT Racing: Motor Academy, Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance (N.O.V.A.) and Archer Craft from Gameloft, among others -- rank high at LG SmartWorld.

"Our goal with the addition of paid premium apps is to make LG SmartWorld a seamless gateway to the best content currently available for our Android smartphones," said Dr. Jongseok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.

LG SmartWorld offers a dedicated home screen widget for better user accessibility, easier navigation through banner menus and auto-download via Wi-Fi for larger files. LG added that the paid app service on LG SmartWorld would be introduced market-by-market over the next several months.