[On the Job] Creating the Sound of Life’s Good

In this installment of On the Job, we meet with UX sound designers from the Strategy UX Governance Team at LG Corporate Design Center’s UX Lab to learn how they use sound to enhance the usability and accessibility of LG products.

How do you know when a load of laundry is finished? Most likely, it’s because of a melody played by the washing machine – something simple but catchy that instantly tells you your clothes are ready to unload. But it’s not just washers. Most electrical devices, from laptops to TVs and refrigerators, employ tunes or sounds to provide helpful feedback that enhances the user experience.

Jeong Byoung-zoo and Chung Soo-yon, senior sound designers at LG UX Governance Team working at the office with their headsets on

As people have become so accustomed to their appliances and gadgets using sound to communicate all kinds of information, the importance of sound design where products are concerned is often overlooked. However, the process of developing these sounds is not as simple as the experts responsible make it appear. Each melody or alert sound must convey a clear message, be pleasant (or at least not irritating) to the ear and match with the product making it. At LG, this task falls to the highly skilled user experience (UX) sound designers from the UX Governance Team.

While their work also concentrates on verifying the results of previous research and the usability of user interface (UI) or UX across all LG products and services, developing UX sound is one of the team’s most important tasks.

Chung Soo-yon, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team, explaining her work as a sound designer
Chung Soo-yon, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team

“We spend more than half of our working hour with headsets on since it’s our job to adjust and optimize UX sound, as well as to learn about the newest trends in the industry,” said Chung Soo-yon, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team.

Musical score sheets and synthesizers are also must-haves for the team’s UX sound designers, enabling them to easily record any melodies that come to mind and allowing other designers in the team to collaborate and refine each tune or sound.

An illustration depicting essentials for UX sound designers at LG including a headset, musical score sheets and synthesizers

Most home appliances emit sounds using buzzers rather than speakers, so UX sound designers have to ‘translate’ the melody they have created to work with a buzzer. This is when a note frequency chart comes in handy. The chart lists the twelve notes of the chromatic scale and their corresponding frequencies in hertz across different octaves. This helps the designers to find the standard frequency value of each note and convert their melody to a simple yet catchy tune.

Jeong Byoung-zoo, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team, working on his laptop
Jeong Byoung-zoo, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team

“UX sound designers here possess the ability to recognize a product and the brand it belongs to just by hearing the sounds it makes,” said Jeong Byoung-zoo, senior sound designer at the UX Governance Team. “Even when watching a TV show or a movie, my ears are the first things to tell me when there’s an LG product in a scene.”

Among the many kinds of UX sound developed by the UX Governance Team, the sound that a device emits when powered on or off is considered one of the most important. Played more frequently than practically any other UX sound, not only does it notify the user when their device is switching on or shutting down, but it also represents the identity of both the product and brand. From the second half of 2021, LG has applied a set of standard sounds to its products to deliver a consistent brand image to its customers. This set of sounds could be described as the very own language of LG appliances and solutions.

Chung Soo-yon, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team using a synthesizer

By applying the appropriate tone to the UX sound it creates, LG UX Governance Team aims to help make products more convenient to use while also communicating a friendly brand image. The recently introduced LG ThinQ UP appliances consider the unique needs and tastes of each user, providing them with a variety of alert sounds and melodies to choose from. For example, users who have a light-sleeping baby in the house or just prefer something subtle can select alert sounds that are gentle and short in length. Conversely, users who like to make a statement (and don’t have little ones to worry about) can choose a lively melody that fits their personality or expresses a desired mood.

Jeong Byoung-zoo, senior sound designer at LG UX Governance Team, using a synthesizer

UX sound can enhance accessibility and usability, help forge a stronger sense of brand identity and foster brand affinity among customers. Deserving more recognition than they typically receive, the dedicated experts at LG UX Governance Team will continue to refine the sounds and tunes they lovingly – and painstakingly – design for the company’s wide range of premium appliances and living solutions.

To learn more about how teams across LG are working to build better user experiences, stay tuned to Beyond News for the next episode in the On the Job series.

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Helping ‘Swipe Out Hunger’ on College Campuses across the USA

LG's collaboration with Swipe Out Hunger being displayed on a billboard at Times Square, New York

Research shows that one in three U.S. college students experiences food insecurity with many students on- and off-campus relying upon their campus food pantries to provide much-needed resources throughout the school year.

A close-up photo of a billboard in Times Square, New York displaying a collaboration of LG with Swipe Out Hunger

To help provide healthy meals to more than 500,000 college students struggling with food insecurity, LG USA has joined forces with Swipe Out Hunger, the leading nonprofit addressing student hunger in the country. Together, the organizations are helping to raise awareness about student food insecurity and ensure that food pantries on campuses across the United States have refrigeration to store healthy foods.

Campus refrigerators provide access to nutritious foods that help students stay focused on their studies and maintain active lifestyles, according to Swipe Out Hunger’s Executive Director Jaime Hansen. The refrigerators have ‘grab and go’ meals, beverages and cooking staples, as well as access to fresh proteins and produce.

Four people posing with a refrigerator donated by LG

However, Swipe Out Hunger notes that 29 percent of its campus pantry partners do not have refrigeration, and a third of them cited lack of funding as the reason why there is no refrigeration on campus. To address this problem, LG provided 120 refrigerator-freezers to 60 campuses across the United States in Swipe Out Hunger’s network. In addition to providing refrigeration for food pantries, these Energy Star® certified LG refrigerators help conserve energy, thus supporting the sustainability goals of many colleges and universities.

A close-up photo of a billboard in Times Square, New York, displaying a bunch of vegetables with a phrase

LG is also stocking these fridges with healthy and nutritious food for the campuses’ communities, as well as providing grants for additional 40 colleges and universities to upgrade their current campus refrigerators. In total, this alliance will serve meals to 500,000 college students across the nation.

“LG’s collaboration with Swipe Out Hunger will transform the nutrition and availability of food for students experiencing hunger today and in the future,” says Hansen. “Access to fresh, nutritious food options will help students achieve their higher education goals.”

“This will allow us to add perishable items to our food pantry, something that wasn’t included before,” said Charlyne Yue, M.S., Senior Associate Director of Student Affairs at Southwestern Law School, who shared her appreciation of the support from LG and Swipe Out Hunger. “Thanks to their generosity, our students experiencing food insecurity will be able to focus on studying rather than worrying about their next meal.”

A close-up photo of a billboard in Times Square, New York displaying a collaboration of LG with Swipe Out Hunger and a QR code

In light of the post-pandemic demand for campus pantries across the country, LG is inviting others to help fight food insecurity on U.S. college campuses. In March, the company’s electronic billboard in Times Square, New York City included a call-to-action through a QR Code where people can join LG in supporting the good work of Swipe Out Hunger.

“Working with Swipe Out Hunger aligns with LG’s global ESG mission of a Better Life for All. Beyond providing refrigerators to campus food pantries for much-needed fresh food storage, LG is proud to support Swipe Out Hunger’s mission to end college student hunger,” said John Taylor, senior vice president of LG USA.

For those interested in supporting these efforts, please visit swipehunger.org/lg/.

Contributed by LG USA

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LG CEO Advocates Busan for World Expo 2030 in Latin America

World Expos, which were born in 1851 in London with the Great Exhibition, are a global gathering of diverse nations designed to address pressing challenges of our time. Held every five years, this colossus event has become one of the most important global platforms effectively bridging governments, companies, international organizations and citizens.

In September 2022, South Korea’s port city of Busan officially submitted its formal bid to host World Expo under the theme, “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.” We’ll find out which city has been elected to host later this year, after each bid received by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is analyzed and voted on by its 171 Member States.

In preparation for the BIE conducting a due diligence visit to Busan next month, CEO William Cho acted as a special envoy for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea as he visited several Central and South American countries including Brazil and Chile. CEO Cho received considerable positive response from governments of both countries regarding support for Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2023.

LG CEO William Cho and Brazilian Senator Rodrigo Pacheco posing with the book of Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2030.(From left to right) LG CEO William Cho and Brazilian Senator Rodrigo Pacheco

Beginning his Latin American trip in Brazil on March 13, Mr. Cho met members of the National Congress of Brazil, including Senator Rodrigo Pacheco, to discuss the unique characteristics of beautiful Busan that make it the best candidate to host World Expo 2023. CEO Cho even invited about 70 key figures, including 15 Brazilian congressmen, to the Korean Embassy in Brazil to share the significance and willingness of South Korea to host World Expo 2023 in Busan.

“Busan is an eco-friendly smart city boasting some of the most innovative technologies to better mankind,” said CEO Cho.

The next day, CEO Cho continued his trip by visiting Chile, where he met with Undersecretary of International Economic Relations Claudi Sanhueaz and General Director of Bilateral Economic Affairs at the Chilean Undersecretariat of International Economic Affairs Sebastián Gómez, asking for their consideration and support of Busan’s bid.

LG CEO William Cho speaking onstage about Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2023 during his trip to Latin America.

During his talks with local leaders, CEO Cho spotlighted Korea’s status as a state-of-the-art powerhouse and Busan’s as a transportation and logistics hub for East Asia, as well as a city overflowing with rich culture, entertainment and global tourism infrastructure.

While touring key markets around the world, the CEO prioritizes meetings with local government officials to discuss ways to expand LG’s cooperation with local companies. This was no different during CEO Cho’s travels across Central and South America, where he visited local subsidiaries and major production sites to talk with local employees and review business operations and strategies.

Headquartered in South Korea, LG first expressed its strong commitment to supporting Busan’s bid by setting up a dedicated task force led by the CEO himself. Since then, the company has been actively engaged in numerous activities promoting Korea’s second city for World Expo 2030, home and abroad. But this isn’t CEO Cho’s first promotional campaign overseas, as he promoted the bid during trips to Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire and Ethiopia last November.

The giant LG billboard in front of Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel promoting Busan’s bid to host World Expo 2023.

The company has also screened promotional videos of Busan on various LG displays and billboards across the world. In Korea, these videos have been aired at international airports in Gimpo and Gimhae as well as the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel in bustling Gangnam. Elsewhere, this video series has graced LG’s world-famous outdoor displays in New York City’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus, among many others.

The company hopes its promotional efforts will help Busan’s World Expo 2030 bid be successful and will continue to leverage its vast global network of 140 subsidiaries to promote Korea’s popular coastal city as the ideal host of World Expo 2030.

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[LG SIGNATURE Inspirations] Your Next Travel Destination, Recommended by LG SIGNATURE

For the last few years, the pandemic has stopped us from visiting the amazing places and cultures this world has to offer. Thankfully, the era of staycations is coming to an end as travel continues to make a comeback. Last year, over 900 million tourists traveled abroad and this year, tourism is expected to reach 80 to 95 percent of pre-pandemic levels – according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

For those planning a trip overseas, LG SIGNATURE highly recommends two cities that reflect the brand’s embrace of art and tech while delivering unique value to visitors. By visiting these beautiful, distinct metropolises, LG SIGNATURE hopes people can rediscover the amazing possibilities of life so that they can look forward to the future.

Everlasting Inspiration: Rome

A bird's eye-view of Rome with a phrase

Among the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world, magnificent Rome and its splendid ancient treasures and historic heritage are beyond compare. Located in the middle of the Italian peninsula, Rome was affectionately called the ‘Eternal City’ by the Romans because, no matter what the future held for them, they believed that the city would always remain standing. In truth, there’s no better place to embark on a journey of cultural and historical exploration than the storied streets of Rome which hold a timeless beauty uniquely developed, exquisitely characterized and perpetually sustained.

LG SIGNATURE InstaView refrigerators installed at a spacious and prestigious dining room

Representing the impeccable harmony between meticulous craftsmanship and technological advancement, this glorious city never fails to inspire visitors from around the world with its influential architecture, iconic fine arts and historic legacy. Anyone lucky enough to step foot here will find themselves in a state of wonderment thanks to the expertly preserved ancient relics and masterpieces scattered across the city.

A bird's eye-view of Rome, Italy

Taking a stroll in such a historic setting is as educational and eye-opening as touring some of the world’s greatest museums. There’s only one place to soak up thousands of years of history in the city that Julius Caesar, Spartacus and Augustus all once called home.

Photo of Pantheon at Rome, ItalyPhoto credit: Deensel (Flickr)

Once a temple built to honor the Roman gods, the grandest Pantheon now stands as a beautiful Catholic church and a reminder of the remarkable architectural prowess of one of history’s most formidable empires, and how they were able to redefine the meaning of beauty through advanced Roman technology that was way ahead of its time. The use of high-quality concrete, flawless attention to detail and perfect proportionality has beautifully preserved the 2000-year-old Pantheon, the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

Photo of Trevi fountain at Rome, ItalyPhoto credit: David Lebech (Flickr)

Behind the marvelous beauty it symbolizes, Trevi Fountain, Rome’s most famous water feature, also embodies the innovative technology of ancient times which for 400 years helped bring the city clean water from a spring 13 miles away.

The image depicting the interior of La Scala opera house

It is the ethos of art and technology that serves as the never-ending source of inspiration Rome possesses, and in a deep appreciation to the city’s embrace of such values, LG SIGNATURE has collaborated with world-renowned La Scala opera house in a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation and inspiration.

The City of Sprint and Spirit: New York City

Our second destination is undeniably the most invigorating city on the planet, bustling with people throughout the year. The modern center of the world’s economy and a symbol of prosperity and timeless aesthetics, New York City thrives with life and passion. The city that never sleeps continues to enchant and inspire millions of people through an incredible melting pot of human potential and possibility.

A bird's-eye view of New York city with a phrase

In New York City, one immediately encounters a world of endless movement, diversity and empowerment along with an array of iconic landmarks to admire, from the Statue of Liberty and the concrete jungle to the trove of museums, theaters and art galleries. Rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, the electric atmosphere of New York City will forever stimulate creativity and inspire innovation for people from all walks of life.

Classic night view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the financial district from Brooklyn Bridge ParkPhoto credit: sama093 (Flickr)

Driven by the dynamics of art and technology, NYC’s Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see landmark emblematic of energetic movement. It also marks one of the biggest architectural accomplishments of the 19th century, thanks to engineering breakthroughs that allowed it to span across the East River and connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Since its construction 140 years ago, the colossus bridge has been captivating visitors with an unsurpassable spectacle of sweeping landscapes.

The photo of the top of Empire State Building at sunsetPhoto credit: Thomas Hawk (Flickr)

The Empire State building is another extraordinary site, the 102-story-tall skyscraper that best encapsulates NYC’s reputation for pushing the boundaries by holding the record of the world’s tallest building from 1931 to 1970. At its observation deck, one can’t help but admire the city’s incomparable skyline.

Rome and New York all emphasize the harmony achieved as a result of embracing art and tech. With these destination recommendations, LG SIGNATURE hopes it can complete its mission of empowering inspiration, movement and harmony. Stay tuned to Beyond News to see how LG SIGNATURE continues to inspire people by marrying the best of aesthetics and craftsmanship.

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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.

The view of the renowned Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023

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.

Two models introducing LG's wireless TV at Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023

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.

Two models posing with LG SIGNATURE appliances displayed at the renowned Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023

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.

LG SIGNATURE appliances displayed at the renowned Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023

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.

The renowned Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023, has finally returned to the region after a four-year hiatus

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.

LG peronnel posing with LG Built-in Package at Middle East and Africa (MEA) tech event, LG Showcase 2023

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

The picture of LG Therma V™ R290 Monobloc S and the Hydro Box located outside of the home

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

 LG’s new Therma V™ R290 Monobloc is displayed in LG’s booth at the ISH 2023

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

LG WashTower™ is located in the laundry room beside the narrow shelf.

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

LG Executives, Vietnam government officials and others at the opening ceremony of LG R&D Subsidiary in Vietnam

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

The world’s largest OLED TV on display with the new LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K and LG OLED 8K TVs at the 2023 TV showcase event.

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.

The world’s largest OLED TV mounted on a wall and displaying the phrase ‘Celebrating 10 years of LG OLED’ at the 2023 showcase event.

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 wall-mounted 2023 LG OLED evo TV displaying brilliant colorful artwork resembling flowers at the 2023 showcase.

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 wall-mounted 2023 LG OLED evo TV displaying ‘Fortuna’s Wheel’ by Doug Foster which uses different shades of brown.

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.

Someone navigating through the webOS interface using LG Magic Remote.

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.

LG OLED TV’s Personalized Picture Wizard feature displaying 6 different pictures of flowers to help users pick their ideal picture settings.

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 2023 QNED 8K evo TV and QNED TV displaying the colorful images of a peacock’s tail and a butterfly at the 2023 TV showcase.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.

A driver touching the in-vehicle screen displaying a self-driving mode

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

A driver tightly holding on to the steering wheel

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

A driver touching the in-vehicle screen displaying various icons

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

A driver looking at the hologram map

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

Many cars with wifi signals on the top driving on the road

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.

A person driving a car at sunset

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

The picture of LG Multi V 5 and its certification from Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Performance Award.

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

LG Labs-themed corner prepared at LG's booth during CES 2023

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 logo of five CICs: pluspot, brid.zzz, hover gym, excicle and Monshoecl

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 zoneProfessional 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.’

An image of the brid.zzz wireless earbuds

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.

A photo of a woman using the brid.zzz wireless earbuds during her sleep

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.

An image of a man using the brid.zzz wireless earbuds with his eyes closed

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

A corner of LG's booth showcasing pluspot's products during CES 2023

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.

A promotional image of pluspot by LG Labs with children using the product with a helmet on

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.

A corner of LG's booth with pluspot's products during CES 2023 where a staff is explaining features of the product to a visitor

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

An image of a product from hover gym, a space-saving fitness solution

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 zoneProfessional 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 zoneProfessional 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.

A photo showing a display on excicle

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.

A corner of LG's booth decorated with Monshoecl products during CES 2023

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.

A corner of LG's booth decorated with Monshoecl products during CES 2023 where a visitor is trying on the shoe virtually with her smartphone

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.

A digital image of Monshoecl spelled out on a red tile wall

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.

A lifestyle image of LG PuriCare Aero Furniture in Crème Rose against a modern, color-popping living room backdrop.

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.

LG PuriCare Aero Furniture task team Yoon Ju-hyup, Paik Seung-ho and Oh Hyun-sook.(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.

A lifestyle image of LG PuriCare Aero Furniture in Crème Grey against a soothing mint-green backdrop.

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.”

Several LG PuriCare Aero Furniture appliances in various colors and table-top shapes.

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.

LG PuriCare Aero Furniture in Crème Grey with a special-edition camouflage table-top in a bedroom.

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.

A woman sitting on the living room sofa while using LG PuriCare Aero Furniture in Crème Grey as a table for her mug and book.

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. 

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