London, Feb 15 - The LG Optimus is the world's first mobile phone capable of capturing and showing 3D images and footage - that too without bulky glasses.

There are two camera lenses on the back of the handset which capture two views of a favourite scene, friends and family.

These are then played back simultaneously on the Optimus 3D screen with one eye seeing the images captured by one lens and the other the images from the second lens.

The technology is commercially confidential. However, it is understood that the screen is covered with a polarising see-through material similar to that used in 3D cinema glasses, the Daily Mail reports.

This material separates the two sets of images on the screen and diverts them to the correct eye. A sweet spot is created about 20 inches from the screen to get the full 3D effect.

The system uses similar technology to the latest Nintendo 3DS games console, which is about to go on sale and also offers 3D images without the need for glasses.

While the technology has a wow factor, there are currently very few 3D films and TV programmes available on a commercial basis to be watched on the Optimus.

To off-set this problem, LG has announced a partnership with YouTube to allow the Optimus 3D footage to be swiftly uploaded to the web and shared.

Similarly, owners of the phone will be able to download 3D footage created by other amateurs to be viewed and enjoyed on the landmark handsets.

Said LG chief executive, Jong-seok Park: "The Optimus 3D is LG's newest flagship smartphone. It is our answer to two major pain points of the current 3D experience - limited mobility and specialised glasses."

The phone is to be available on the Orange network in Britain, however no prices have yet been announced. (IANS)