LG Electronics has made a significant leap in gaming technology by partnering with Razer and MediaTek to unveil the world’s first Bluetooth Ultra-Low Latency (BT ULL) Controller at the LG webOS Summit 2024. The event, held on September 27, showcased the groundbreaking technology on an LG webOS smart TV, using Razer’s Bluetooth gaming controller to demonstrate an impressive 1ms input lag. This development marks a considerable advancement in gaming, particularly for players who demand minimal delay and heightened responsiveness.
The webOS summit gathered 300 representatives from 140 partner companies across 24 countries, including content developers, producers, and providers, underscoring LG’s commitment to broadening its AI-driven webOS ecosystem. LG also used the summit as a platform to articulate its strategic direction for future advancements within the platform business, reflecting its intentions to build a more integrated, responsive, and competitive smart TV ecosystem.
A highlight of the summit was Razer’s game controller, which leverages the BT ULL technology. LG and Razer compared this cutting-edge device to standard Bluetooth controllers in a live demonstration, revealing the BT ULL controller’s superior responsiveness. The reduced input lag and precise control made it well-suited for fast-paced games, including first-person shooters, fighting games, and racing titles, where response time is critical. BT ULL’s performance is tailored to optimize cloud gaming experiences, a growing segment where low latency is vital for competitive players aiming for rapid response times and precise in-game control.
Looking ahead, LG has announced plans for an industry-first certification program for third-party controllers to ensure compatibility with its BT ULL technology. Razer will be the inaugural company to receive this certification, setting the standard for other controller manufacturers looking to leverage BT ULL in their devices. This certification process aims to encourage a cohesive ecosystem where gamers can expect consistent performance across multiple compatible devices.
Alongside Razer, LG is collaborating with MediaTek, a major player in semiconductor technology, to develop the BT ULL technology further. MediaTek will integrate the BT ULL feature into its Wi-Fi “MT7921” chipset, which also supports Wi-Fi 6 via MediaTek’s Filogic series. This chipset will deliver both low-latency Bluetooth and fast, stable Wi-Fi connectivity, essential for cloud-based gaming applications where network reliability and speed are paramount.
LG’s latest premium OLED and QNED TVs, expected to launch in 2025, will include this BT ULL technology and support refresh rates of 120Hz or higher. These features are expected to provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience, particularly for online multiplayer games. This update reflects LG’s ongoing efforts to establish its webOS platform as a premier destination for gaming, with features that meet the demands of all types of players.
Incorporating this BT ULL technology into its hardware lineup aligns with LG’s broader goal to differentiate its gaming experiences and elevate the responsiveness and realism of gameplay on LG devices. As LG continues to push technological boundaries, the company is setting new standards for performance in the smart TV gaming industry, underscoring its commitment to leading in the evolving world of cloud gaming.