With everyone spending more time at home these days, as expected interest in improving one’s interior environment has soared. But what exactly makes a space more inviting, comfortable and usable? Interestingly, home appliances play a big role in renewing and revitalizing one’s living space and can make even the most humdrum of interiors look and feel new again.

Today, consumers want to put their own stamp on all aspects of their personal space. As a company always with an eye on the latest lifestyle trends, it should to no surprise that LG has a home living solutions for these times. LG’s Furniture Concept Appliances not only fit seamlessly with any kind of décor but are designed with the flow of daily life and the way we live now in mind.

With a wide selection of modern yet timeless colors and premium materials to choose from, LG’s Furniture Concept Appliances seamlessly blend technologically advanced home appliances with design elements more commonly found on luxury furniture pieces. A bold reimagining of what appliances can be, this new lineup includes French-door type InstaView™ Door-in-Door™ refrigerators, fridge and freezer, dishwashers, a microwave oven, water purifier, WashTower, and the Styler, with more products in the pipeline.¹

The idea for this collection originated from a desire to move past the concept of appliances as bulky, unstylish necessities, and arrive at a place where spatial, neutral, and stylistic integration are built into the DNA of each product without sacrificing functionality. LG Furniture Concept Appliances are the embodiment of this idea, able to coexist in harmony with any interior design aesthetic and, just as importantly, with the needs of today’s diverse lifestyles.

While each product is designed to effortlessly blend in with its immediate surroundings, the collection as a whole is capable of bringing harmony to the entire living space. Some of the products even offer replaceable front panels with different color and material options² so they will always match their environments regardless of which room they’re in.

With choice comes freedom and with Furniture Concept Appliances LG is providing consumers with the freedom to curate their space exactly as they want it. LG’s Color, Material & Finish (CMF) designers are responsible for the gorgeous colors found on LG’s award-winning home appliances. LG’s Design Management Center then went the extra mile, consulting with color experts at the Pantone Color Research Institute to present a color palette in Furniture Concept Appliances that is both classical and consistent with the latest trends in interior design.

The carefully selected materials selected for this premium lineup of appliances further exemplify the collection’s distinctiveness and refinement. FENIX, stainless steel and glass are combined in various ways to achieve a subtle sophistication and, as elements favored by many architects and interior designers, they can also help to unify the appliances with the indoor environment. Extremely durable and available in a variety of colors, FENIX is a new material with a super-matte surface and special coating technology. Developed by Arpa Industriale, an Italian maker of furniture and interior materials, FENIX is eco-friendly and soft to the touch,³ while the stainless steel and glass used for the products’ exteriors are finished with a high-density matte surface treatment that enhances the beauty of the appliances and their ability to melt unobtrusively into the home interior.

LG understands that good design is key to achieving balance in the home where so much of our time is now spent. This is why during the design process, the company not only considers the appearance and functionality of the product itself, but also how it will fit within the user’s space and their lifestyle. The LG Furniture Concept Appliances collection represents a new direction in home appliance design, one where convenience, style and spatial integration are seamlessly unified for a better life at home.

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¹ Product availability varies by region.
² Color and material may vary by region.
³ Source: www.arpaindustriale.com/en/products

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and fanfare and frivolities aside, the essence of this special occassion is to express true love, which can be accomplished without expensive restaurants or romantic getaways. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the special day at home, and with the LG ThinQ taking role as a lifestyle platform, it can help make your Valentine’s Day more memorable without sacrificing safety. It can help you express love in a variety of ways from the perfect meal to fun-filled activities with your loved ones.

Turn Your Home into Cupid’s Safe Bubble
With LG ThinQ, create the perfect environment for this special day is easier than you might think. The Routine feature on the LG ThinQ app  remembers your settings on different appliances to make cleaning easier every time.¹ Customize your own modes, such as a “Fresh Air Mode” which could start the robot vacuum cleaner and the LG air purifier simultaneously to keep dust to a minimum while cleaning. With LG Styler, you can freshen up that flattering dress or elegant suit from the back of the closet.² For everything else, use LG’s washing machine with steam that sanitizes while cleaning.³

Gifts of Love Hand-Picked from Home
Valentine’s Day is also about gift giving and you can even shop for LG products for your loved ones via the ThinQ app and avoid the mall altogether. For music lovers, there’s LG TONE Free earbuds or LG XBOOM GO Bluetooth speakers while a portable LG PuriCare^TM Mini Air Purifier might be ideal for those who spend much time in the car or for new mothers.

Transform Your Home into a Safe-Haven Bistro
Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a romantic candlelit dinner. While the idea of preparing and cleaning up after a four-course meal at home may not seem very romantic, LG ThinQ makes the entire process much easier and more convenient. As for what dish to prepare, LG ThinQ offers services compatible with recipe management apps such as Drop, Innit and SideChef that provide access to thousands of recipes to find an appropriate dish. Find the perfect recipe, click it and it’ll send the recipe to your LG oven, preheating it to the right temperature and setting it on adequate functions while you focus on preparing the ingredients. Even if you’re not a professional chef, the apps will provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you on your way to a deliciously easy cooking experience. Clean-up is also not an issue, as the ThinQ app lets you control and monitor your dishwasher and robot vacuum for a convenient and pleasant meal from start to finish.

Romance the Evening with Safe and Sound Entertainment
To wind down the perfect day, cuddle with your loved one for a movie and search classic romance films or rom-coms starring your favorite actors. Using the ThinQ AI in LG’s AI TVs and the platform-wide LG universal search function, simply ask the LG Magic Remote to “find a romantic comedy film” to track down content you’ll enjoy with incredible ease.⁴ If you’re in the mood for something more exciting, turn your living room into a dance floor or ballroom and let loose with your loved one by saying “play love-themed ballads” into the Magic Remote. Whether it be romantic, party, or maybe just some lo-fi beats, or ask the LG XBOOM GO Bluetooth speaker to find music that fits the atmosphere or play your favorite playlist with a simple voice command.

So this Valentine’s Day, add your own twist to create a satisfyingly romantic experience in the safety of your home. Learn more about LG smart products at www.LGThinQ.com.

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¹ LG ThinQ app compatible product models and available features may vary depending on region.
² Features and usage requirements may vary depending on fabric of clothing.
³ Certified by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF) for reducing 99.9 percent of house dust mite allergens and Esche-richia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Certified as an asthma and allergy friendly^® appliance by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
⁴ Services and features may vary depending on region and product models.

The YouTube Originals documentary Life In A Day 2020 received its offline debut this week on LG’s massive high definition digital billboard in New York’s iconic Times Square. The feature-length documentary, which premiered on YouTube over the weekend, is directed by Academy Award winner Kevin Macdonald and executive produced by the prolific Ridley Scott.

Life In A Day 2020 debuted on YouTube on February 6, when it also became available on the YouTube app on smart TVs including LG’s award-winning LG OLED TVs. The feature-length documentary is a collaboration between YouTube and LG Electronics and is composed entirely of selected contributions from people around the world who filmed their day on July 25, 2020.

Ten years after the original Life In A Day, YouTube and the filmmakers asked people all over the world to record their lives to tell the story of a single day on Earth. The filmmakers received more than 300,000 submissions, nearly four times the number of submissions to the previous film, which includes thousands of hours of footage from 192 different countries, in more than 65 languages.

Directed by Academy Award-winning director Kevin MacDonald (The Mauritanian, One Day in September, The Last King of Scotland), and executive produced by Ridley Scott (The Martian, Gladiator) and Kai Hsiung (Lords of Chaos), Life In A Day 2020 aims to showcase just how extraordinary life can be on an ordinary day.

“We are proud to collaborate with YouTube to feature this incredible and moving documentary live in Times Square on our LG digital billboard,’ said Peggy Ang, head of marketing at LG USA. “We hope visitors to Times Square will take a moment in their own daily life on February 8 to watch a part of Life In A Day and then enjoy its full impact at home with their families on an LG OLED TV.”

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LG Electronics is redefined consumer innovation once again, this time with the opening of Africa’s first-ever digital showroom. The LG “e-Showroom” unveiled in western Kenya’s Kisumu City allows customers to interact with and conveniently purchase home electronics and appliances in a safe space. The digital showroom is the first-of-its-kind for LG in Africa and integrates LG’s online brand shop with a physical browsing environment to enable online purchases through screens installed in the e-Showroom for delivery within 24 hours.

The futuristic LG e-Showroom in Kisumu showcases many of the company’s latest innovative products such as market-leading OLED TVs, InstaView™ Door-in-Door^® refrigerators, LG TWIN Wash™ washing machines and DUALCOOL air conditioners, in an environment that puts the health of employees and consumers first. Visitors get access to LG products so that they can learn more about them and make a purchase without having to visit an actual retail store. Trained LG personnel are on hand to provide expert guidance on each product’s unique features in an environment where strict COVID-19 safety protocols are strictly observed.

Africa’s first e-Showroom in Kisumu, Kenya

Following the successful launch of the e-Showroom in Kisumu, a second location was opened in the heart of Kenya in Nanyuki at the end of 2020, just in time for the holidays. The LG e-Showrooms come at a time when Kenyans are embracing the benefits of online shopping, with over 73 percent saying e-shopping is a better value for money since the start of the pandemic. ^*

Second e-Showroom in Nanyuki, Kenya

“We are conscious of our customers’ evolving needs and are constantly reviewing our services to come up with new and creative ways of meeting these growing expectations,” said Kim Sa-nyoung, managing director of LG Electronics East Africa. “One of these ways was to create the LG e-Showroom and give customers an alternative way of purchasing our products while ensuring their safety at the same time.”

As the first to be launched in Africa, LG Kenya’s innovative digital solution brings LG products closer to the people without compromising their health. Through the e-Showrooms, potential and current LG customers can see a real-world example of how LG is making life better… and safer.

By LG Kenya Staff

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^* Source: Master Card Study (2020), https://newsroom.mastercard.com/mea/press-releases/73-of-consumers-in-middle-east-and-africa-are-shopping-more-online-since-the-start-of-pandemic-reveals-mastercard-study

Lightning-fast reactions, fantastic detail and that super-immersive feeling of being in the game – these are just a few features serious gamers have come to expect from their monitors. But a gaming display’s specs only tell half the story, the other half from the usage experience. So LG in Germany teamed up with five established YouTubers to test LG UltraGear™ gaming monitor’s knack for play… and work.

Instead of creating standardized product reviews solely focusing on what’s under the hood, LG’s new recruits integrated LG UltraGear model 27GN950^* into their streaming and gaming lives. Popular YouTuber Ungespielt creates engaging reaction videos to funny gaming content created by others. To test LG UltraGear’s true capabilities, he endured an 11-hour-long live stream playing the new World of Warcraft expansion pack, Shadowlands, demonstrating clearly just how fast the monitor reacts to gameplay and how detailed the world can be. Through the UltraGear monitor’s slim bezels and crystal-clear UHD 4K resolution, Ungespielt delivered to fans a truly stunning and immersive gaming experience, remarking at one point, “this monitor is wild!”

Another big influencer, German Let’s Play, is famous for content focusing on gameplay and storylines. The mysterious YouTuber (who has yet to reveal his face) heaped praise on the monitor’s superb 1ms response time while exploring Minecraft’s massive open world. Known for his honest approach, this YouTuber commented, “Nice, I already had an eye on this monitor. I’m so impressed, I even bought two more.”

Few things beat the experience of a new product being unveiled. Hamburg-based YouTuber M00sician created an unboxing video of the monitor highlighting its features and optimal setup. M00sician found the UltraGear monitor’s rotation function extremely smooth and easy to use, which isn’t at all surprising since the screen was designed to remain incredibly stable when making adjustments thanks to its sturdy stand and ergonomic design.

LG UltraGear monitors aren’t designed simply for gaming, they’re just as ideal for creative types. With a professional graphic drawing tablet, gamer-turned-artist Honeyball shows how LG UltraGear perfectly fits her lifestyle, enabling her to draw without the limitations set by conventional monitors. Thanks to its 27-inch Nano IPS display, the artist is able to focus on her digital creations and nothing else. That’s immersion.

“I really didn’t understand how much a monitor could change my life before UltraGear,” said Honeyball. “This monitor perfectly reflects the colors I use on my drawing tablet to make my designs and artwork so much more vivid and alive.”

Any YouTuber would agree that the unsung hero of content creation is the editor. Tim Jacken has mastered this skill by utilizing LG UltraGear’s high resolution for editing on Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Photoshop. Delivering unmatched color accuracy with 10-bit color, LG’s cutting-edge monitor supports Jacken as he works on high-resolution images and videos. Jacken says he is able to concentrate more on his work and less on the monitor due to UltraGear’s ability to adjust to any height or angle.

Already a respected member of the gaming community, LG UltraGear continues to impress with its high quality features that sets it apart and keeps gamers’ expectations high. The German YouTube community is proof positive of this, based on the comments section of these YouTube videos.

By LG Germany Staff

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* Energy efficiency class B (energy efficiency scale A+++ to D).

Smooth, sleek, elegant, and refined.

Such might be used to describe a beautifully designed gown, a modern work of art or even a limited-edition luxury sports car. But in this case, the words describe LG VELVET^TM 5G, a smartphone that boasts flowing lines, pleasing symmetry and undeniably artful touches. To mark the local launch of the exquisite device, the LG team in Canada turned to the world of fashion to help it put on an appropriately stylish event.

Filmed using LG VELVET and broadcast on LG Canada’s Instagram Live channel, the chic event brought together the best of couture, culture and technology but no actual in-person audience members due to social distancing guidelines. After the virtual product showcase demonstrating LG VELVET’s excellent cameras and user-friendly features, LG revealed an inspired by the modern yet timeless design of the smartphone and 90’s hip hop fashion.

   George Sully              Hayley Elsaesser                         Beurd                 

In collaboration with George Sully, Hayley Elsaesser and Beurd – edgy local streetwear brands that have develop a loyal following both in Canada and internationally – the collection proved as distinctive and as innovative as LG’s 5G device. Hosted by popular Canadian rapper Sean Leon, the singer shared his in-depth knowledge of streetwear trends while also commenting on LG’s stylish handset.

Each of the three fashion labels put its own signature spin on the pieces designed for the fashion-forward LG VELVET Collection. Notable items include a tie-dye tracksuit from Beurd, a charming and playful LG VELVET-themed print by Hayley Elsaesser and a waterproof backpack from George Sully. Some of the pieces even feature large, clear pockets ideal for securing and displaying the phone on the go!

During the online event, LG took the opportunity to give back to the community in what has been a very challenging time for many Canadians. Every time a fan on Instagram Live liked and shared a post of one of the pieces from the collection, LG made a donation to a local charity designated by that designer.

The event generated tens of millions of impressions and resulted in extensive buzz across a wide range of media, from Canadian pop culture site Complex to the country’s most widely-read newspaper, The Globe and Mail. And with its stunning 3D Arc Design, rear “Raindrop” camera array, large display, long-lasting battery and excellent feature set, LG’s 5G-ready device has garnered plenty of coverage itself since the launch.

Dean Daley of smartphone news and reviews website Mobile Syrup said that LG VELVET has the “best-looking and most elegant shooter setup available on any handset.” Quebec-based editor Genevieve Corriveau of Geekbecois was similarly impressed, stating “LG has succeeded where several other manufacturers have failed, delivering a device with a flawless design.”

A highly creative and engaging response to the ongoing restrictions on in-person gatherings, LG Canada’s creative online event introduced Canadians to the stylish LG VELVET, while the trendsetting clothing collaboration with local streetwear brands highlighted the innovative and open spirit that LG is known for.

By LG Canada Staff

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Last year, “virtual” became a part of our reality like never before. Meetings, classes, family reunions, celebrations and even graduations suddenly all became virtual and today, it feels almost normal.

Now virtual humans are becoming an example of how extended reality (XR), or the blending of the virtual and the real, are entering our daily digital lives. As the next evolutionary step forward from purely voice recognition-based AI systems, virtual humans bring a more “personal” element to human-AI interactions. As a company rushing head first into the AI challenge, LG enlisted the help of its very own virtual influencer, Reah Keem, at CES 2021.

At LG’s press event during the first all-digital CES 2021, Reah’s natural, nuanced presentation, distinctive personality and honest charm impressed audiences. Keep reading to find out more about this virtual star, who she is, what she’s thinking and what she has planned for the future.

Q: Hi Reah! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, happy to have a chance to introduce myself to everyone. I am an artist living in the beautiful, dynamic city of Seoul and making music and having real conversations with people.

Q: You recently gave a presentation at CES 2021, how did you feel about debuting on the global stage with so many people watching you from all around the world?

It was an honor to be invited and I really enjoyed the experience. It was my privilege to introduce LG’s advanced CLOi robots and talk about all the things they’re capable of. And, of course, I also got to introduce me – Reah Keem – to the world, which was a little nerve-racking but amazing at the same time!

Q: Can you tell our readers when you developed your online presence?

I started my Instagram account in May 2020. I wanted people could get to know me – from my music to my daily life, to my tastes in fashion and other things. I’m a bit overwhelmed that over 6,000 people are already following me but at the same time, I’m glad to have every one of them along for the journey. Also, last summer, I released my very first song, Comino Drive. The song is about the beautiful, clear-blue beaches of Malta. It’s all based on my own imagination and videos and images, as sadly I had to cancel a planned tour with my friends due to the pandemic.

Q: It says on your Instagram account (@reahkeem) that you’re looking for a voice.

The voice you heard at the press conference is an evolution of my journey to a final destination. My voice will continue to evolve as I evolve, I’m looking for my own unique voice by exploring different sounds, listening to others and learning. I hope you’ll stay tuned while I discover my own voice, and my own identity.

Q: What are your plans for 2021?

I want to expand my creative output beyond just music and hope to collaborate with forward-thinking and socially-conscious individuals and brands in the visual arts and the fashion world. I see 2021 as a great opportunity to grow and deliver a message of inclusivity and hope for people everywhere in the world.

To see where the talented, ambitious, young influencer’s journey takes her next, follow Reah on Instagram.

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Homelessness is a serious issue that continues to exist in almost every society exasperated by the unique circumstances of 2020, rendering more people unable to provide shelter for themselves and their loved ones. Thankfully, there are organizations and individuals who selflessly dedicate their time, skills and resources to help. In Athens alone where 18,500 people are without a fixed abode, the Greece office of LG teamed up with a local not-for-profit to make a positive difference.

As part of its Life Is Good When You Participate platform which encompasses a broad range of community-focused initiatives, LG supports the good work of Ithaca, an Athens-based organization that assists homeless individuals maintain their personal hygiene. LG has supported Ithaca since its establishment in 2016, donating washing machines and dryers for the organization’s mobile laundry van.

Ithaca’s van contains two washing machines and two dryers that operate simultaneously with all water and electricity expenses covered by Ithaca’s corporate and private sponsors. Individuals in need of the service can simply bring their clothes to one of the van’s scheduled stops in the Attica and Piraeus areas then return to pick them up at a scheduled time. Carefully tending to the laundry and always ready to offer a friendly smile and words of comfort, Ithaca’s employees and community volunteers are warmly welcomed wherever they go.

In December, LG Greece extended its homeless assistance program with a donation of five washers and five dryers to the Multipurpose Homeless Center of the Municipality of Athens. Created during the pandemic to afford protection to the city’s growing homeless population, the center can accommodate up to 150 residents and is expected to become a permanent shelter after the pandemic ends.

The advanced appliances with their efficient and reduced wash cycle times enable the center to provide all its guests with the physical and emotional benefits of hygienically-clean, fresh-looking clothes. Ithaca applauded the partnership of LG, noting that its involvement is a much-needed boost for the well-being of the homeless community.

“LG shares our vision and desire to assist the homeless and was the first company to put its hand up to help,” said Dimitra Kountourioti, Ithaca’s director of operations. “Thanks to its contribution we’ve managed to carry out important initiatives and reach more people in need. We are very happy for LG’s support and cooperation, which continues to enhance our efforts and the lives of those we strive to help.”

“It is important that we in the corporate community participate in and give back to society,” said Georgia Stavropoulou, senior marketing manager at LG Greece. “We are proud to play our part and hope that our efforts will raise awareness of this important issue and inspire others to get involved.”

With assistance from LG’s appliances, Ithaca has so far helped more than 6,400 individuals in need and washed approximately 83,000 kilograms of clothes over the course of some 16,000 wash cycles. Ithaca’s tireless work has also created two new jobs, both filled by Athenians who had previously benefited from Ithaca’s service.

Showing that a little help can make a big difference in the lives of those who are struggling, LG in Greece continues to support worthy causes and lend a hand when needed.

By LG Greece Staff

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