LG Electronics on Friday marked the global launch of its “Optimus 3-D” smartphone, starting with the European markets.

The Seoul-based company held a ceremony in Spain to mark the launch and plans to release its phones in 60 countries in Europe.

The Optimus 3-D is a smartphone with third-dimensional functions. The phone features a 4.3-inch glasses-free 3-D display that gives users the third-dimensional effect in games and film.

Users also can film their own 3-D videos using the dual cameras ― of 5.0 megapixels each ― on the back of the phone.

Videos and photos in 2-D content can be switched to 3-D, LG Electronics said.

“We plan on seizing the lead in the smartphone technology with the launch of Optimus 3-D, which closely follows on the heels of the Optimus 2X, the world’s first dual-core smartphone,” said Park Jong-seok, head of LG Electronics’ Mobile Communications unit.

He added that LG plans to further enhance synergy among its 3-D products.

LG Electronics, the flagship of LG Group, has been struggling to stay in the smart device race.

The company has over the past year launched a lineup of new smartphones and a tablet PC including the Optimus series.

By Kim Ji-hyun (jemmie@heraldcorp.com)