The Triumphant Return of ‘Life’s Good’ in the Middle East and Africa
The renowned Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023, has finally returned to the region after a four-year hiatus. The two-day event was held at Al Habtoor City in Dubai and successfully showcased every new LG product being launched in the region this year to an all-time-high crowd of over 400 visitors.
Home to a quarter of the world’s population, the MEA region boasts high potential to become a major market for premium electronic appliances. Last year, sales of LG products in the region more than doubled, with exceptional growth in commercial displays as well as residential and commercial HVAC systems. To meet this trend, B2B products were also on display at this year’s showcase, and the company aims to continue this growth trend with the goal of satisfying more customers and presenting customized customer experiences.
Not only did LG Showcase 2023 introduce the company’s wide-ranging products, from the revolutionary wireless TV to the second-generation LG SIGNATURE lineup, but it also gave attendees a hands-on experience of what the future holds with LG’s restless efforts to provide its customers with smart life solutions showing what the company means with ‘Life’s Good’. There really was something for everyone, with all four distinct zones of the LG Showcase 2023 offering visitors F.U.N. – first, unique and new – customer experiences.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LG OLED this year, the OLED TECH zone presented the lineup’s diverse sizes and features. As a pioneer of the premium TV market and winner of many prestigious accolades from journalists and industry experts, the LG OLED TV lineup provides superb picture quality, vibrant colors and deep blacks that bring images to life.
Next to the OLED TECH zone, a Lifestyle zone was fully equipped with advanced home entertainment devices including LG StanbyME and OLED Objet Collection’s Easel and Posé, which were all built to deliver elegant designs that seamlessly harmonize with any home interior.
Among the four zones, the most exquisite was without doubt the luxurious LG SIGNATURE zone set up to show off the brand-new LG SIGNATURE range while demonstrating how it elevates a room full of high-quality furniture and carpets by Molteni&C S.p.A, a popular Italian design company LG has been working closely with since 2020. Here, visitors could witness the innovative features of LG SIGNATURE’s OLED TV, InstaView™ refrigerator, washer and dryer pair, Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with smart InstaView™, double Oven Slide-in Range with built-in cameras and the Wine Cellar.
Throughout the zones, visitors were also able to see LG’s newly updated digital symbol which, unlike the static symbol of before, now features movements in the face created by the letters of ‘LG’ that smiles, winks and even says hello. With the smooth 3D motion, the company manages to bring a refreshing personality to the brand symbol. And, thanks to this unique digital logo, LG expects to boost its interaction with younger customers who are more familiar with the digital environment, solidifying its position as a premium iconic brand all over the world.
Everyone attending LG Showcase 2023 was able to get a clear idea of how LG aims to meet customer expectations with its latest innovative technologies. Rest assured, LG will continue to introduce products that elevate the customer journey by fulfilling any requested and unrequested needs.
Stay tuned to learn more on how LG strives to enhance consumers’ lives around the world by subscribing to the LG Newsroom.
Contributed by LG Middle East and Africa
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LG Unveils Energy Efficient Heating Solutions Designed to Meet Diverse Customer Needs at ISH 2023
Therma V R290 Monobloc With Low-GWP Refrigerant Delivers Strong Performance
While Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW Are Ideal Solutions for Smaller Spaces
SEOUL, March 14, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing the new Therma V™ R290 Monobloc and Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6 kilowatt (kW) air source heat pumps (ASHP) at ISH 2023, the world’s leading trade fair for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). The new Therma V R290 Monobloc employs R290 refrigerant, which has an exceptionally low-Global Warming Potential (GWP), while the energy- and space-efficient Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW models are an excellent fit for smaller spaces and newly-constructed homes.
A future-ready HVAC solution, LG’s Therma V R290 Monobloc adopts R290 refrigerant, which comes with a GWP of just three, to preemptively respond to refrigerant regulations that will come into force across Europe in 2025.1
The company’s new ASHP also boasts a subtle design that enables it to effortlessly blend in with a wide variety of home and building exteriors. The inner workings of the system are hidden behind an elegant black grill that gives the appearance of undulating waves, while the top, bottom and sides of the unit are completed in a sophisticated grey tone that matches well with most colors.
Additionally, the new Therma V R290 Monobloc offers easy management with convenient remote service. Software updates and installer settings can be quickly taken care of by remote support, offering customers a hassle-free user experience. Remote system diagnosis is also available via LG’s Building Energy Control (BECON) cloud.2
What’s more, the new ASHP delivers improved water heating performance and reliable low-temperature operation. Along with providing a leaving water temperature of up to 75 degrees Celsius, the Therma V R290 Monobloc dependably operates at full capacity in temperatures as low as negative 15 degrees Celsius.
LG is also presenting the newest addition to its Therma V R32 Split lineup, the Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW series, at ISH 2023. The new models are more compact in size and lighter in weight than those from the original lineup, which makes them a good choice for smaller spaces and easier for HVAC technicians to install, as well. Because they have small capacities, Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW series solutions do not require a large amount of refrigerant to operate. As a result, the products’ indoor units are exempt from the minimum floor area requirements typically imposed on solutions employing R32 refrigerant. This translates to greater design flexibility and can further simplify the installation process.
Depending on the type of indoor unit the customer selects, LG’s Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW solutions come as either a Hydro Box or Integrated Water Tank (IWT). Designed with space-efficiency in mind, the Hydro Box model has an extra-small footprint that opens up more placement possibilities. An all-in-one solution, the IWT also saves on installation space as it removes the need for a separate water tank.
“Utilizing low-GWP refrigerants, LG’s new Therma V R290 Monobloc and Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW series help our customers to be better prepared for the future,” said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “We will continue to apply low-GWP refrigerants to our heating solutions while improving performance and convenience as well as offering a wider range of products for commercial and residential applications.”
Visitors to LG’s ISH 2023 exhibition booth (E69, 12.1 Hall, Messe Frankfurt) can experience the company’s new Therma V R290 Monobloc and Therma V R32 Split 4 & 6kW series.
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1 The European Union’s F-gas Regulation, scheduled to be finalized in 2024, is likely to ban Monobloc ASHP solutions with a GWP of over 150 by 2025.
2 Cloud gateway is required for remote software update, remote installer setting and remote system diagnosis.
LG Reinforces Strong Position in the European HVAC Market With Energy Efficient Solutions
At ISH 2023, Company Highlights New Therma V Air Source Heat Pump Employing Low-GWP
Refrigerant and Energy Efficient Multi V i at Europe’s Biggest HVAC Trade Fair
SEOUL, March 13, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) is showcasing its latest heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions at the International Trade Fair for Sanitation, Heating and Air (ISH) 2023, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from March 13-17. On display across the Residential Solution booth and the Commercial Solution booth, LG’s industry leading solutions for home and business deliver the strong performance and energy efficiency that European customers demand.
Due to tighter environmental regulations and the short supply of natural gas, the European HVAC market has seen growing interest in heat pump air conditioning systems that can reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. In 2019, the European Union announced its “European Green Deal” policy, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Last year, it also declared the “REPowerEU” plan to expand the use of renewable energy by 2030 and reduce energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
Reflecting current market trends and a commitment to energy efficiency, LG’s HVAC products at ISH 2023 demonstrate the quality and value that have made the company one of the industry’s biggest players. Visitors to the Residential Solution booth can explore various solutions designed for private residences, including air source heat pumps (ASHP) employing low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, advanced Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems, LG’s reliable Water Heater as well as the Energy Storage System (ESS) and Building Energy Control (BECON) solution for smart energy management.
Making its global debut at ISH 2023 is the brand-new Therma V™ R290 Monobloc for residential applications. The impressive ASHP utilizes R290 refrigerant, which has a GWP of three – far lower than the GWP of refrigerants commonly used in heating solutions. The Therma V R290 Monobloc also delivers dependable indoor heating to keep homes comfortably warm throughout the coldest months of the year.
The LG Therma V series of high efficiency heat pump air conditioning systems are gaining wide popularity in the European market. Delivering a differentiated customer experience based on advanced technologies and convenient energy-saving features, LG’s outstanding ASHPs saw an increase in sales of more than 120 percent over the past year. In the majority of European countries where the company’s HVAC business operates, including France and Germany, sales of LG heat pumps more than doubled in 2022.
As ASHP solutions, LG Therma V products use outdoor air to generate energy for cooling and heating, leading to significant gains in operational efficiency. LG Therma V utilizes 75 percent thermal energy harnessed from the air and 25 percent electricity, helping households to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
Another energy efficient LG solution in the spotlight at ISH 2023, the Multi V™ i Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system can be found in the company’s Commercial Solution booth. Equipped with LG’s highly evolved AI engine, the Multi V i improves energy savings by up to 24.7 percent* via AI Smart Care, which uses spatial and situational learning to adjust cooling and heating power. The solution also leverages LG’s AI Indoor Space Care to help maintain an even indoor temperature; automatically turning on the indoor units in a given area when occupants are detected, and turning them off again once the occupants have left.
“From the new Therma V R290 Monobloc to the Multi V i, our latest HVAC solutions demonstrate our commitment to promote a more energy efficient lifestyle,” said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “LG will continue to develop smart, energy-saving solutions and endeavor to step closer to carbon neutrality.”
Visitors to LG’s ISH 2023 exhibition booth (E69, 12.1 Hall, Messe Frankfurt) can experience the company’s full portfolio of cutting-edge HVAC solutions.
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* Tested internally following KS Test Standard (KS B ISO 15042:2006) using 24 horsepower (HP) model Multi V i. Results may vary depending on model, ambient temperature and other environmental factors.
LG’s Inverter Direct Drive Motor Reaches Milestone With 100 Million Units Produced
A Key Component of Premium LG Washing Machines for More Than Two Decades,
Company’s Innovative Motor Technology Continues to Evolve for Excellence
SEOUL, March 10, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) announces that the production of its Inverter Direct Drive™ (DD™) motor has exceeded 100 million units. The company’s differentiated motor technology is a major factor in the strong, reliable performance and continuing global popularity of LG’s industry-leading laundry solutions.
From 1998 to the end of 2022, the company produced, on average, over 12,000 Inverter DD motors per day. LG’s Inverter DD motor connects directly to the washing drum, an innovation that helps make LG washing machines more durable and dramatically reduces noise and energy consumption during operation.
LG has refined the Inverter DD motor over four generations, continuously improving the technology and its performance capabilities to deliver greater customer value. The company holds over 240 Inverter DD motor related technology patents in Korea and internationally. In 2019, the company applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Inverter DD motor to further enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. Used in LG’s premium washing machines and dryers, the AI DD motor leverages deep learning technology to detect the weight of each load and the types of fabrics being washed. It then selects the optimal combination of drum movements from the company’s proprietary 6 Motion technology – which enables six discrete drum movements – to care and clean for users’ laundry.
Last year, LG brought its advanced Inverter DD motor to its dryers for the first time. Like the company’s washers, LG dryers also offer 6 Motion (Tumble, Swing, Rolling, Stepping, Scrubbing and Filtration) technology to boost drying performance and minimize fabric damage. LG’s inverter motor technology – specifically, the AI DD – became the first home appliance technology to earn Deep Learning AI Verification from global safety science company UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
“The number of Inverter DD motors produced points to the excellence of the motor technology LG has developed for its premium laundry solutions,” said Kim Yang-sun, head of the Component Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “We will continue to create highly efficient core components that boost the performance and reliability of our products while also reducing carbon emissions during operation.”
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LG Establishes R&D Subsidiary in Vietnam
New Subsidiary to Take Key Role in Developing, Verifying IVI System Software
to Strengthen Rapidly Growing Vehicle component Solutions Business
SEOUL, March 9, 2023 — LG Electronics’ (LG) R&D center in Vietnam has officially become an R&D subsidiary in a move aimed at strengthening LG’s rapidly growing electric vehicle related business. The opening ceremony for the new subsidiary was held yesterday in Hanoi, Vietnam, and attended by Nguyen Le Hung, deputy director of High Technology Department of Ministry of Science and Technology in Vietnam, Oh Young-ju, ambassador at Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam, and Lee Sang-yong, senior vice president of R&D Laboratory at LG Electronics Vehicle component Solutions (VS) Company.
The Vietnam-based R&D subsidiary will be tasked with developing and verifying software for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, which have been a major focus for the company’s mobility business. IVI systems, a key technology for future mobility that includes telematics and Audio, Video, Navigation (AVN) solutions, simultaneously provide a variety of driving-related information and entertainment functions.
According to market research firm Strategic Analytics, LG is leading the global market for IVI systems with a 23 percent share as of the third quarter of 2022. The company has now recorded a double-digit share of the IVI market for two years consecutively.
LG has continuously strengthened R&D capabilities in Vietnam for automotive parts since it established the Hanoi R&D Center under its Vietnam Production Corporation in 2016. With the success of the first center, the company created an additional R&D branch office in Da Nang in 2020.
The new R&D subsidiary is part of LG’s strategy to solidify its position in the global auto parts market and lead the fast-approaching autonomous driving era. Based on the balanced growth of its three core businesses – IVI systems, lighting and headlight systems via ZKW Group and e-powertrains developed through a joint venture between LG and Magna – the company now possesses the technological capabilities, scale and experience to accelerate the arrival of next-generation mobility solutions.
LG also aims to increase the workforce at the newly formed LG Electronics Development Vietnam, Ltd., boosting the number of skilled professionals more than 30 percent, from 750 to 1,000 employees, by 2024.
Since 2021, LG has been operating programs in collaboration with Vietnamese universities to help foster talented, young locals seeking careers in software development. These include the awarding of academic scholarships and guaranteeing employment for high-performing students at universities in Da Nang and neighboring cities. The program is slated to expand to universities in Hanoi this year.
“We will continue to provide mobility solutions that deliver differentiated value to our global auto industry customers,” said Lee Sang-yong, senior vice president of R&D Laboratory at LG’s VS Company. “By boosting our infrastructure to the next level, LG will continue to further enhance our capabilities and develop next-generation, innovative mobility solutions.”
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Innovation at Its Finest: LG’s 2023 TVs Complement Daily Life for Everyone
With its market leadership strengthening significantly over the last decade, LG continues to offer constantly evolving, exclusive values through LG OLED TVs ushering in a new era for the television as well as LG QNED TVs rejuvenating the LCD space. Aligning with its Sync to You, Open to All vision, LG’s newest TV additions are akin to home hubs designed to enrich everyday life through cutting-edge technologies.
LG’s 2023 TV lineup, which will be available in Korea and global markets starting this month, highlights a decade of OLED technology advancements with premium self-lit picture quality, cutting-edge image processing for brighter, crisper images and an enhanced webOS platform equipped with more smart features and services.
With an award-winning reputation for exceptional picture quality, contrast, inky blacks and wide viewing angles, LG OLED TVs have outdone themselves yet again by offering flawless performance as well as the widest selection of resolutions (4K, 8K, etc.), form factors (rollable OLED, bendable OLED), designs and sizes (42 to 97 inches1), giving users the freedom to choose the perfect screen for their unique needs, preferences and homes.
A significant upgrade coming to this year’s OLED evo G3 series is LG’s Brightness Booster Max technology, which incorporates brand-new light control architecture and light-boosting algorithms to increase brightness by up to 70 percent2. Brightness is mapped and controlled on a pixel-by-pixel basis, resulting in sharper, more realistic images. The OLED evo G3 series also applies Super Anti Reflective technology3 to reduce visual distractions such as light glares and reflections, and even introduces the world’s largest OLED TV (97 inches) for next-level immersion on a grand scale.
The new α9 AI Processor Gen6 of 2023 OLED evo series leverages sophisticated AI-assisted Deep Learning technology to deliver top-notch picture and sound quality through AI Picture Pro, which improves upscaling so that content can be experienced exactly how the creators intended. On top of this, OLED Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro reveals hidden details to bring greater depth to every frame and AI Sound Pro fills the room with virtual 9.1.2 surround sound from the TV’s built-in speakers to place viewers into the scene. Furthermore, LG’s latest TVs and soundbars4 work seamlessly together and create three-dimensional sound, courtesy of WOW Orchestra.
Inspired to invent unique lifestyle experiences through its Life’s Good philosophy and Sync to You, Open to All vision, LG is revolutionizing the TV’s role at home by syncing viewers’ experiences with their unique tastes and lifestyles through new features, designs and much more.
Featuring the latest webOS, this year’s models introduce the All-New Home, a redesigned user interface (UI) offering a wealth of customization options and convenience. New Quick Cards – convenient categories such as Home Office, Gaming, Music and Sports – present users with the best way to access their most-viewed content and services.
Designed for all, the new webOS makes it easy for anyone using the TV to enjoy personalized recommendations, which are determined based on viewing history and viewing habits. AI Concierge not only curates content based on past usage and searches, but also suggests trending titles and useful settings and features – from Family Care and Eye Comfort to Multi-View mode.
To create the most seamless cross-device experience, LG’s latest TVs are compatible with the new smart home standard, Matter, giving users the ability to control and monitor various smart home devices from a growing list of global manufacturers on their TV.
Also being added to LG’s 2023 TV lineup are new QNED TVs leveraging Quantum Dot NanoCell Color technology to produce rich, accurate and lifelike colors that complete the unforgettable viewing experience. Equipped with QNED Million Grey Scale Block Dimming technology,5 the latest QNED Mini LED TVs come the closest to the contrast and black levels of OLED. What’s more, LG’s 2023 Mini LED TVs not only boast 64-times-greater contrast than their predecessors to achieve one million dynamic gradations, but also designs that are slimmer and harmonize with LG’s newest soundbars.
LG’s latest QNED Mini LED TVs are branded as ‘QNED evo’ TVs only in Korea
LG has implemented various features to help people of all abilities use its products, like voice descriptions when navigating menus, on-screen content and search results. Should the TV switch to standby mode, the user will receive voice notifications detailing the screen’s status and recommended actions. Also, by long-pressing LG Magic Remote’s mute button, users can find the Learn TV Remote feature which teaches them how to use the smart remote’s handy features. Finally, the Sign Language Zoom feature lets hearing-impaired users enlarge the sign language interpreter on screen.
LG is also championing environmental sustainability by reducing its plastic usage during TV production, and by ramping up its use of recycled plastics and materials featuring single-color printing.
To learn more about LG’s 2023 TVs, visit LG.com.
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1 Availability of each series and size option varies by country.
2 Applies to 55/65/77-inch G3 models and is a measurement of full screen whites.
3 Applies to 77/88-inch Z3 models and 55/65/77-inch G3 models.
4 Feature will be added via software update.
5 Applies to QNED85 model.
[Mobility Inside] Exploring the Minds of Drivers Like Never Before
In a world controlled by Internet of Things (IoT) – a network of interconnected physical objects – users leave small online traces, like digital fingerprints. This is better known as ‘digital dust,’ made mostly of unstructured and semi-structured data which can be converted into meaningful insight in the mind of the user through the power of Internet of Behaviors (IoB). Most simply put, IoT collects large amounts of data from devices which IoB then connects to real-world actions.
Proving information helpful in identifying users’ tastes, preferences and habits, IoB has become a crucial tool for developing quality products and services tailored to users’ needs across various industries, including mobility. As digital software becomes more important for developing modern vehicles by promoting better communication between vehicles and various entertainment displays, IoB’s role in the automotive industry is rapidly growing.
So, how does IoB play its part in the development of future automobiles?
Driving Tendency
Telematics, as discussed in our previous episode, is a vehicle information communication technology that connects cars to the network. Not limited to collecting innumerable behavioral data such as driving habits or patterns, when combined with other demographic data such as age, gender and driving history, telematics also becomes a rich source for IoB.
By categorizing consumers into different groups, IoB can give unprecedented insight into the mind of the user, such as seeing which features are favored by younger male drivers or if driving styles change according to weather conditions. By providing important insight about different types of drivers, automakers can upgrade vehicle performance by remedying shortcomings and developing features that speak to their target market.
Face Recognition and Gesture Control System
People were left speechless when digital vehicle displays were first introduced, allowing drivers to control their car with a simple swipe or touch of the screen. Now that vehicle touch displays are commonplace, manufacturers are entering the next phase: touchless systems that use biometric data and body gestures via interior cameras to hand the driver effortless, hands-free control.
To realize this, each gesture must be coupled with different behavioral data, like a certain hand gesture being assigned for making phone calls. The more data accumulated, the more accurate IoB can be in enhancing the touchless technology and elevating the customer experience to the next level.
Voice Recognition System
Voice recognition-enabled features ensure hands stay firmly on the wheel for the safest, most convenient driving experience. Many automakers are pursuing various voice-controlled features by collecting voice data via the vehicle’s audio devices. With the help of IoB, this could evolve into an intelligent dialog service capable of comprehending the context and intentions behind someone’s words. If a passenger were to say, “It’s too hot,” an AI speaker might suggest opening a window or automatically circulate outside air through the cabin.
Reacting to Surroundings
Building a sophisticated system, which collects circumstantial data on the vehicle’s external environment, is just as pivotal to improving in-vehicle experiences as everything else. For autonomous vehicles especially, it’s essential because precisely recognizing the surroundings allows automobiles to make decisions like when to stop, go and which direction to head. Almost every external behavior is analyzed, such as someone running into the road unexpectedly or the speed, direction and particularities of other vehicles on the road or parked. IoB technology puts all this information to good use, bringing future mobility another step closer to reality.
Unlike a decade ago, the future of mobility now depends on the development of software with driving and in-vehicle experiences diversifying as different software systems come into play. The data collected and analyzed through IoB will enhance hardware and software with the customer in mind, allowing automakers to influence future consumer behavior and transform people’s lifestyles for the better.
To keep pace with this trend, the LG Vehicle component Solutions (VS) Company is constantly developing new cutting-edge automobile systems, such as infotainment, center information display (CID), telematics and wireless charging modules for vehicles products, using IoB technologies to invent new and improved customer experiences. LG will continue to endeavor toward a new era where next-level mobility is realized through the power of cutting-edge technologies.
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LG Recognized With AHRI Performance Award for Sixth Consecutive Year
Company’s HVAC Solutions Pass Industry Body’s Comprehensive Performance
Certification Program Across Seven Different Product Categories
SEOUL, March 6, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) has earned the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Performance Award for the sixth year in a row. The challenging-to-obtain accolade points to the consistently high quality of LG’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) solutions, as every model selected by AHRI for testing must pass all evaluations for three straight years for the award to be granted.
AHRI is a globally respected trade association representing the world’s HVAC, refrigeration and water heating solution manufacturers. Established in 1953, AHRI now boasts more than 350 member companies.
To ensure the highest standard of testing, the majority of AHRI Performance Award evaluations are conducted by Intertek, one of the world’s most trusted third-party standards, certification and testing organizations. Intertek runs a comprehensive battery of assessments on the selected products to determine if the actual performance is consistent with the specifications listed by the manufacturer.
Representing seven product categories – including, for the first time, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) – all 67 LG HVAC solutions submitted for testing passed AHRI’s rigorous evaluations for the third year in a row (2020 to 2022). In addition to LG’s ERV, the models evaluated belong to the following HVAC categories: Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF), Unitary Small Heat Pump (USHP), Water-Cooled Chillers (WCCL), Air-Cooled Chillers (ACCL), Room Fan Coil (RFC) air conditioners and Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps (PTHP).
One of the LG products evaluated for the AHRI Performance Award, the LG Multi V large-capacity outdoor unit employs the company’s proprietary Ultimate Inverter Compressor to deliver a strong, energy efficient performance. Popular with customers worldwide, especially those in Northern Hemisphere countries where winters can be particularly cold, LG’s flagship VRF system is able to provide dependable heating operation in temperatures as low as negative 30 degrees Celsius (negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit).
Also tested was the air-cooled Inverter Scroll Chiller, which leverages LG’s advanced inverter technology to obtain a high level of operational efficiency. In addition to impressive performance, the chiller has a compact design that takes up less space than other models in its class, affording customers greater installation flexibility.
Earning the award for the first time, LG’s ERV solution replaces still and stagnant indoor air with clean filtered air from outside and is equipped with a heat exchanger that significantly decreases hot air loss while also helping to reduce heating and cooling costs. Moreover, when connected with a system air conditioner, it manages energy consumption and indoor air quality to ensure optimal comfort and efficient operation.
“LG has now been recognized by AHRI for six years in a row – a significant achievement that reflects the quality, performance and reliability of LG HVAC solutions,” said James Lee, head of the Air Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “We will continue to strengthen our position in the global HVAC market by delivering highly effective and energy efficient solutions for commercial and residential use.”
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Explore LG Labs, the Hub of Innovation
It’s always incredible to witness so many companies harnessing the power of innovation to bring life to revolutionary products at CES. And this year was no different, as the LG booth was not only filled with the newest additions to its beloved home entertainment, appliance and air solution lineups, but also new concepts jointly engineered to change the game. Under LG Labs, an experience zone was set up for attendees to discover in person the innovative ideas creating unprecedented customer experiences.
The LG Labs project encompasses products, services and marketing activities from inside and outside the company. Based on experimental ideas and concepts, this project aims to invent differentiated brand experiences customers can appreciate. At the LG Labs zone, various groups – including company-in-companies (CIC) – presented new ideas to expand the F.U.N. experience.
Let’s revisit the five solutions and prototypes introduced at CES 2023 for those that couldn’t make it to Vegas!
brid.zzz: Your personal sleep assistant for a Better ‘Life After Work’
Professional MLB player Kris Bryant experiencing brid.zzz inside the LG Labs zone
On average, we spend one-third of our lifetime sleeping. While this time is essential to maintaining a healthy body and mind, many around the world are sleep deprived, which can lead to depression, anxiety or weakened immune systems. Recognizing the importance of good sleep, LG Labs unveiled smart sleep care solution, ‘brid.zzz.’
The brid.zzz wireless earbuds let users sleep more comfortably by analyzing brainwaves via an EEG sensor to derive optimized sleeping patterns in real-time. The earbuds use sounds to enhance sleep quality, guiding listeners to their required sleep stage via Dynamic Binaural Beat technology, developed by LG to synchronize brainwaves with the signal frequencies heard in both ears. The system has access to over 80 sounds, each engineered to help people get some high-quality shut-eye, including a playlist of soothing lullabies and calming nature sounds.
The brainwave data collected by brid.zzz allows it to give tips on how to improve one’s sleep habits. Remarkably, these earbuds can differentiate between the five stages of sleep – wake, relaxed wakefulness, light sleep, deep sleep and REM sleep – and play specific sounds for each state. For instance, to achieve a deep sleep where brain wave frequencies range from 0.5 to 3Hz, a frequency of 100Hz should be played in the left ear and one between 98 and 102Hz in the right ear to induce brain wave frequencies of around 2Hz.
With sleep an essential part of our lives, brid.zzz seeks to improve the user’s overall health by making it easier for them to get quality rest.
pluspot: Improving Our Lives, Our Surroundings and Our Planet
Personal means of transportation, like electric bicycles and e-scooters, now have a ubiquitous presence in cities across the world. However, with this more convenient way to get around on the daily comes a price – abandoned e-scooters everywhere causing safety hazards and ruining beautiful scenery. LG came up with one solution to this growing problem last year in South Korea with ‘pluspot,’ a service that adds a reward system to wireless charging stations.
Built to encourage users to park electric bicycles and e-scooters at its stations, pluspot gives customers special points that can be exchanged to be used at various retailers and convenience stores. On top of promoting greater parking etiquette, pluspot also boosts the local economy by encouraging users to spend their points at local stores and markets.
pluspot’s convenient, easy-to-use features ensure it is highly accessible too, allowing more people to do their bit for the environment by reducing their personal carbon emissions.
hover gym: Customized Gym at Home
At CES 2023, LG Labs also introduced ‘hover gym,’ a space-saving fitness solution that makes working out – especially muscle training – more efficient. Utilizing world-class motor control technology, hover gym frees users from the burden of physically adjusting weight plates.
Professional KBO player Na Sung-bum experiencing hover gym inside the LG Labs zone
Through the app, hover gym users can set a weight they feel comfortable lifting up to 100 kilograms and work out with experts displayed on screen. During a session, AI helps users correct their posture and form, even recommending personalized workout plans based on their history and ability. Plus, its simple mat-type form factor makes it easy to move around the home and store under furniture. The hover gym smart solution for home training goes beyond the limits of time and space!
excicle: Immersive Indoor Cycling for You
Indoor cycling has become a vital part of life for a growing number of people, as it provides an opportunity to exercise while working from home or when the weather is far from desirable. To meet this growing demand, LG Labs presented ‘excicle’ at CES 2023, the world’s first indoor cycling device to offer freewheel motor switching which lets exercisers switch between spinning and outdoor cycling modes.
Professional KBO player Na Sung-bum experiencing excicle inside the LG Labs zone
More than a hundred different content is available to watch during a session and bikers can even create their own cycling routine by selecting courses and options that match their tastes and preferences. The device also boasts a simple yet modern design that blends into any home interior, which means more people can get into fitness and enjoy the endless benefits of indoor cycling.
Monshoecl: A Must-Have Platform for Sneakerheads
Collecting and reselling exclusive shoes has become extremely popular among the young generation. To maximize the hype, LG Labs introduced a virtual shoe-collection project, Monshoecl, which presents a phygital – physical and digital – consumer experience by connecting the virtual and real world with the LG ThinQ app.
Jointly developed by LG and Induk University in Seoul as a companion to LG Styler™ ShoeCase and ShoeCare, this project now showcases more than 5,500 pairs of ‘monster shoes’ created with unique NFT motion designs in a Profile Picture format, free from the hassle of storing and managing.
The exclusive space for Monshoecl was prepared at CES 2023 so that attendees could discover its prototypes and try special NFT shoes via AR through a collaboration with Wanna.
NFT shoes owners can manage and collect their real and virtual shoes through the LG ThinQ app’s Shoelife feature, even storing and trading from their collection using cryptocurrency wallets Wallypto, developed by LG, and Klip, developed by Kakao.
Five distinct, creative solutions presented by LG Labs demonstrate how committed the company is to delivering exceptional customer experiences via unique concepts and experimental ideas. To follow LG Labs as it inspires more creative ideas and challenges innovators to think outside the box, stay tuned to the LG Newsroom.
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[On the Job] Leveraging Innovation to Understand the Lifestyles of the Younger Generation
In this installment of On the Job, we go inside LG’s Home Appliance & Air Solution Design Lab and Air Science Lab to learn how the company is creating new customer value for the younger generation.
Young consumers, with their unique tastes and keen eye for design, are at the forefront of creating and embracing new lifestyle trends. To understand their sensibilities and satisfy the needs of this highly influential customer segment, home tech providers are rethinking their approach to product design and development.
Always quick to adapt and innovate, LG offers a wide array of home electronics designed with today’s younger generation in mind. A noteworthy example is the PuriCare Aero Furniture, an air purifier that doubles as a side table and mood lamp, which can blend in with the most sophisticated home décor. Having made its debut at IFA 2022, the device is a fine example of how LG applies its in-depth insight into what young consumers value to deliver differentiated, new solutions.
(From left to right) Yoon Ju-hyup, LG Air Science Lab professional, Paik Seung-ho, H&A Design Lab’s Air Solution Design Team lead and
Oh Hyun-sook, H&A Design Lab professional
The Aero Furniture was the brainchild of the Home Appliance & Air Solution (H&A) Design Lab and the Air Science Lab. A bold reimagining of conventional air purifier design – both in terms of function and aesthetics – the distinctive product showcases LG’s ability to respond to the fast-evolving lifestyle needs of young consumers.
Size was a principal consideration in the making of the Aero Furniture, as many younger people prefer products that don’t take up a lot of space. The teams involved also sought to depart from the blocky, bulky look of most air purifiers, opting instead for a more refined design that could harmonize effortlessly with diverse interior styles. Hence, the side table concept was born; a unique, compact design that adds extra functionality and an original visual appeal to elevate the mood in the home.
The H&A Design Lab took a particular interest in the way young consumers like to style and adapt their home electronics to reflect their own individual identities. To support this passion for creative expression and customization, the teams elected to provide three different colors (Crème Rose, Crème Yellow and Crème Grey) to choose from, and two distinct shapes for the table-top of the Aero Furniture – Round and Track.*
LG’s next-gen air purifier even offers a built-in wireless charger and a mood lighting function with a total of eight different hues to help set the atmosphere in the room. For further personalization, users can change up the look of the Aero Furniture’s table-top and base, exploring different color combinations to refresh the product and its surroundings.
“By replacing the top, you can refresh the ambience in your living space – and by replacing both the top and the base, it’s practically like experiencing a brand-new product altogether,” explained Yoon Ju-hyup, research professional at LG’s Air Science Lab. “These color combos allow you to experiment with a variety of styles, which is something we’ve found to be very important to many young consumers,” said Oh Hyun-sook, research professional at H&A Design Lab. “For instance, Crème Grey is a great choice for a calm, toned-down look, while the duo of Crème Rose and Crème Yellow goes well with maximalist furnishings.”
The two teams understood that, in order to meet the preferences and demands of today’s discerning young customers, they had to artfully combine the very best of design and technology.
“Elevating the customizable element was quite challenging as we had to find the perfect balance between functionality and design, all while maintaining the highest standard of product quality and performance,” said Yoon. “We are very happy with the final result, and with the extraordinary teamwork and collaboration that allowed us to get there.”
Additionally, the teams worked hard to meet the strict standards for sustainable design that LG continues to pursue as part of its commitment to people and the planet. The Aero Furniture is made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials that give the product its sleek and sophisticated marble-like ‘terrazzo’ finish.
As young consumers’ preferences and lifestyles evolve, the Aero Furniture can evolve with them thanks to ThinQ™ UP. LG’s appliances with upgradable features can adapt according to usage patterns and offer smart features that can be downloaded from the LG ThinQ app.
A stylish, versatile and customizable product that speaks to the sensibilities of the younger generation, the Aero Furniture is just one example of how LG is providing innovative solutions tailored to the needs and tastes of specific consumer segments.
Stay tuned to Beyond News to learn more about LG’s products and services for a better life.
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* Currently, the PuriCare Aero Furniture has only been launched in South Korea. Product color and shape offerings may differ by country with global launch.
LG Contributes to Earthquake Relief in Türkiye
In Addition to Donations and Supplies, Company to Operate Free
Laundry Facilities and Temporary Service Centers to Help Those Affected
SEOUL, Feb. 28, 2023 — LG Electronics (LG) and its South Korean labor union have joined forces to help provide humanitarian relief to people in Türkiye affected by the recent, devastating earthquakes.
LG is currently operating free laundry facilities to help those displaced by the earthquakes to wash and dry their clothing. The company has installed approximately 120 washing machines and dyers in eight temporary housing locations around Türkiye, including the southern and southeastern provinces of Mersin and Taurus. LG’s service engineers will be on-site at the facilities to offer any necessary technical support.
The company has also set up temporary service centers in quake-damaged areas in five different cities. Service vehicles are collecting broken home appliances, transporting them to the service centers for repair and delivering the repaired appliances back to their owners’ homes.
LG has continuously gathered donated goods from its own executives and employees to distribute to Turkish citizens in need. Through the Executive Social Contribution Fund and with support from the Junior Board – a voluntary, representative body of company workers – LG will provide essential items, such as blankets, sleeping bags, clothes, cleaning products, masks and diapers, as well as relief goods, including generators and flashlights.
Additionally, LG’s labor union will use its Union Social Responsibility (USR) Fund to help purchase items and materials necessary to rebuild infrastructure in the affected areas. Since 2010, LG’s labor union has been contributing to a range of socially and environmentally beneficial activities in South Korea and around the world, such as purchasing school uniforms for disadvantaged children, supporting Korean War veterans in Ethiopia and funding aid programs for Ukrainian refugees.
Meanwhile, LG Corporation has donated USD 1 million to the Korean Red Cross to help the relief efforts in Türkiye and LG’s subsidiary in Türkiye has made a separate donation through Ahbap Association, a local non-profit organization.
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A New Production Line to Make India Proud
After more than 25 years of providing people in India with innovative products, LG has become a household name in the country by building its reputation as the top producer of home appliances. Last year, the company was even named by TRA Research as the Most Trusted Brand in the refrigerator and washing machine categories as well as the air conditioner and microwave oven categories, which not only suggests LG India has retained trust and leadership, but also enhanced its portfolio in this vital market.
So, to perform its duties as an industry leader while reaffirming its commitment to the government’s ‘Make in India’ mission, LG has invested a total of approximately 24 million USD to open a new manufacturing line for its premium side-by-side refrigerators in Pune, India.
Launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ‘Make in India’ initiative encourages companies to manufacture products in India in an effort to transform the nation into a global design and manufacturing hub. With the Indian government hopeful of this move being a game changer for the local economy, many companies have already announced their strong support for the movement. For LG, it’s been less of a dramatic shift in production as the company is already manufacturing most of its products at two plants located in Pune and Greater Noida, India.
Adding a new line to LG’s Pune facility is not only a step forward for transforming India’s self-reliance for the better, but also for addressing the country’s growing consumer demand and expanding the company’s portfolio here. Last year, the United Nations reported that India is set to surpass China as the world’s most populous country in 2023. Moreover, according to Pew Research Center, people under the age of 25 account for more than 40 percent of India’s population. Powered by its demographic advantage, some analysts say that India has the potential to become one of the world’s largest economies in terms of purchasing power. Strengthening LG’s position as the top home appliance maker, this initiative will give a welcome boost to the brand’s product leadership.
Equipped with advanced technologies and machineries, the upgraded Pune campus can produce 200,000 side-by-side refrigerator units every year as well as a large number of double-door and single-door refrigerators.
To celebrate the occasion, LG held an offline event on January 17 with Lee Hyun-uk, senior vice president and head of the Kitchen Solution business unit of LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution Company, Jeon Hong-ju, managing director at LG Electronics India, Ji Hyoung-sub, director of Home Appliances & Air Conditioners at LG Electronics India, as well as other senior executives, influential journalists and representatives of key trade partners.
(From left to right) Ji Hyoung-sub, director of Home Appliances & Air Conditioners at LG India, Jeon Hong-ju, managing director of LG India, Lee Hyun-uk, senior vice president and head of the Kitchen Solution business unit of LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution Company and Kim Jae-il, Pune manufacturing managing director of LG India
Here, attendees could witness the unveiling of side-by-side refrigerators manufactured in India and enjoy an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Also, the local manufacturing line has not gone unnoticed by the Government of India. In a letter addressed to LG India, Shri Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Commerce & Industry, praised the company for aligning so well with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and commended it for its strong contribution towards a ‘New India.’
LG is confident that with its skilled workforce and advanced technologies, the newest manufacturing line in Pune will contribute to the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative as it delivers its cutting-edge refrigerators to more consumers nationwide.
Stay tuned to learn more exciting stories from LG offices around the world, and make sure to subscribe to the LG Newsroom so that you’re the first to know what is coming up next for LG.
Contributed by LG India
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5 Tech Keywords You Should Know in 2023
At the start of every year, almost everybody in the tech world gathers in Las Vegas to show off their newest products, technologies and concepts at CES, the world’s biggest consumer electronics show. This year, participating companies were determined to demonstrate how their innovative products and solutions help solve some of Earth’s greatest challenges and change the lives of thousands, if not millions, for the better.
Inspired by its belief that the answer is always with the customer, LG showcased its most advanced customer-centered innovations that provide entirely new value and convenience to its customers. Here are the five tech keywords for 2023 which cover the areas of personalization, sustainability and virtual reality.
Me, Myself and I
With far more people inclined to seek a living space that fully matches their personality, leading consumer electronics companies are rethinking their product development approach in order to build appliances that not only possess excellent features, but also blend effortlessly into various home interiors.
With this new attitude also comes a greater demand for personalized viewing experiences, especially as people spend more time at home since the onset of the pandemic. That’s why every TV being released is now equipped with an operating system that employs all kinds of features that help individuals find their perfect show instantly with next to no effort on their part.
Future of Mobility
Major car makers are shifting their production to electric vehicles and joining top-tier tech software companies to reimagine what a car could and should do in the future. The growing importance of the in-vehicle experience is transforming the future of automobility.
LG’s Vehicle component Solutions Company is committed to enhancing the driving experience through its expertise and know-how of vehicle parts technologies, so that its customers can develop advanced car models that make the journey more entertaining, easier and, most importantly, safer.
Lifestyle Devices for Healthier Life
After living with the pandemic for so long, people are now more concerned with their health than ever before. Under these renewed circumstances, people desire lifestyle devices and solutions that can empower them to take control of their health care and wellbeing while lowering costs at home.
In line with this trend, lifestyle devices and solutions with digital health technologies will stand out for these growingly discerning customers, who are willing to pay more for products that seem to be made for their healthier lives.
Sustainable Living
For everyone who attended or followed this year’s CES, it was clear that sustainability was a major focus. More and more companies, regardless of size and industry, are ranking sustainability higher on their business agendas, which means more companies are inventing products and services with various eco-friendly and accessible features.
LG showcased the company’s ESG vision in an exclusive exhibit through the Better Life for All zone at CES 2023, introducing a comprehensive overview of LG’s sustainability efforts.
Be in It
With the metaverse still deemed to be the future for tech, especially in the gaming industry, more and more people want cutting-edge devices that can make images or sounds that appear far more lifelike than today.
Driven by growing expectations and demand for a greater sense of reality, more innovative products that help users feel fully immersed in the digital environment will be further thrust into the spotlight in 2023.
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Empowering a New Generation of HVAC Professionals in East Africa
Raja Durai, AC academy trainer & technical engineer at LG Electronics East Africa
Since easy installation and maintenance are both key to achieving the next-level product experiences today’s consumers demand, LG East Africa is investing in such areas to enhance the overall performance of its residential and commercial Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) solutions. As part of this, LG will train numerous local technicians and bring them up to speed with the company’s latest advanced appliances.
(From left to right) Kim Yong, general manager of LG Electronics Middle East and Africa, Dr. Reuben Kivindu from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Kim Sa-nyoung, managing director of LG Electronics East Africa
Through its partnership with the University of Nairobi (UoN), which was established in 2010, LG will train engineers, architects, contractors and other building professionals so that they can work with its latest HVAC innovations. These trainees will be drawn from a pool of LG distributors, dealers and companies dealing in HVAC services, which is significant considering the difficulty in finding employment in the region.
With the demand for energy-saving technology at an all-time high and the fact that most African countries are flooded with outdated air conditioners, this partnership aims to ensure future engineers and architects are in the know when it comes to the fast-evolving technologies and appliances that are set to dominate the market.
LG East Africa’s next phase of expanding its HVAC business is a total revamp of its B2B Academy and the rebranding of its showroom, directly targeting professionals working in construction while enhancing the technical skills of locals. Once this takes place, comprehensive training will be offered through practical demonstrations conducted in the showroom as well as via informative webinars and seminars. The first electronics company in the region to operate an academy that provides HVAC training, LG may even visit clients’ offices in person to conduct classes.
Greater awareness and top-class training are crucial if the local market is to be persuaded into adopting innovative technologies such as LG’s HVAC offerings. So, together with major industry players, LG East Africa will strengthen its B2B Academy to provide a platform for locals to sharpen their technical skills and gain knowledge on the company’s range of state-of-the-art air conditioners. Hundreds of trainees are expected to benefit from the courses offered by the B2B Academy, which cover everything from installation and troubleshooting to full service.
Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 (EAT), LG’s rebranded showroom gives everyone an opportunity to learn all about the company’s advanced HVAC innovations which are ideal for residential, retail, public and corporate spaces as well as hospitals, hotels and learning institutions.
Recently, LG East Africa also introduced its new cloud-based technology, TMS-BECON Cloud, to let customers monitor their LG air conditioners in real time and request troubleshooting from professionals based in Nairobi.
With energy costs soaring amid a global cost-of-living crisis, many consumers are switching off their outdated appliances and turning to more innovative ones in a bid to trim their energy bills. LG will continue to provide innovative air conditioning systems with inverter technology at the perfect price point, helping the world’s growing number of environmentally conscious consumers reduce their energy consumption and save money in the long term.
Contributed by LG Kenya
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