2021 Tech Trends: Staying Healthy Inside and Outside the Home

People wearing LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier during a Yoga session to enjoy the clean and fresh air while protecting themselves.

[Check out the first episode of the 2021 Tech Trends series here.]

This installment of Beyond News’ 2021 Tech Trends series focuses on how LG’s products are helping people stay healthier wherever they go.

Staying healthy goes hand in hand with practicing good hygiene both inside and outside the home. And if CES 2021 is anything to go by, appliances and devices that promote better hygiene will be one of the major trends in consumer electronics this year and quite probably for the foreseeable future. Always responsive to the needs and concerns of its global customers, LG showcased several products and technologies at its virtual CES exhibit that are designed to boost hygiene and protect people’s well-being. Let’s take a look at some of the company’s latest health-centric innovations and how they can make life better.

A woman wearing LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier as she works on a laptop at a cafe to protect herself during uncertain times.

For anyone who feels that a conventional face mask just doesn’t do enough to keep them safe, or is too uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis, LG presents the revolutionary LG PuriCare™ Wearable Air Purifier. The innovative device uses two H13 HEPA filters to prevent up to 99 percent of harmful particles from entering the wearer’s respiratory system,1 and makes breathing easy (unlike your average face mask) with its DUAL Fans and the patented Respiratory Sensor, which syncs the fans with the user’s breathing cycle. And thanks to a design based on extensive facial analysis, the PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier also offers day-long comfort.

The four LG Purifier models ranging from the residential to handy portable model displayed in an open room with a large window overlooking the garden.

The LG PuriCare Wearable is just one of the company’s growing lineup of premium air-care solutions, which also includes residential models and a handy portable option that is great for cars, cafés or even a baby’s stroller! Fast becoming a must-have item in the home and office, air purifiers can rid the indoor environment of fine dust particles and other airborne matter that can be detrimental to one’s health.

PuriCare™ Pet working in a living room to keep air feeling fresh and germ-free as a cat and dog watch on.

LG PuriCare™ 360° Air Purifier boasts a distinctive 360-degree design and powerful fan that enables the device to send out fresh, filtered air in every direction and to all parts of the room. A great option for those who share their abode with furry friends, the LG PuriCare™ Pet eliminates pet-related odors up to 55 percent more effectively than the standard LG PuriCare 360° model.2 With its specialized Pet Mode, it can draw in pet hair, as well as dust and other microscopic particles as small as 0.01 micrometers in size thanks to HEPA Filter3, to help keep the home free of sneeze- and itch-inducing allergens.

A person working on their laptop uses PuriCare™ Mini Air Purifier on the desk to keep the working environment pleasant.

And then there is the PuriCare™ Mini Air Purifier, a model that provides supreme portability with a size and weight equivalent to that of a plastic, 500 milliliter bottle of water. Fitting easily on a desk, table or car seat, PuriCare Mini can refresh the user’s immediate environment for up to eight hours on a single charge and also collects dust from the air to ease allergy-related problems.4 What’s more, the Bluetooth-enabled device lets users monitor the quality of the air around them via the LG ThinQ app for smartphone.

A photo of the CordZeroThinQ A9 Kompressor+ on its charging stand in a living room.

In conjunction with effective air purification, a high-quality vacuum cleaner is essential to creating a healthy, hygienic place to live. Making its debut at CES 2021, LG’s latest cordless stick vacuum, the CordZeroThinQ A9 Kompressor+, comes with a brand-new charging station that automatically empties the vacuum’s dustbin. This outstanding feature saves users from a messy job and prevents dust from escaping back into the environment.

Another excellent feature of the new CordZero model is its ability to transform from vacuum to mop (and back again) with its easy-change cleaning attachments. With the Power Mop attached, LG’s multifunctional cleaning solution sucks in dust while wetting and cleaning the floor. Conveniently, water is automatically dispensed into the mop head to keep it from getting dry, thereby ensuring optimal results and minimizing fuss for the user.

LG Styler adding a touch of elegance to an open walk-in closet. 

LG even provides a way to remove germs and bacteria as well as allergens5 from clothes while simultaneously delivering that freshly dry-cleaned look without any expensive, time-consuming trips to an actual dry cleaner. Introducing the amazing LG Styler.

From jackets to dresses, from business shirts to pants and winter coats, LG Styler can refresh and revitalize all kinds of clothing as well as items like teddy bears and backpacks. The Styler uses LG’s TrueSteam® technology to ensure the hygiene of users’ garments, and moving hangers to shake out any unsightly wrinkles. It also has the Pants Press feature built into its door, which creates a sharp pants crease that helps users look good and frees them from the hassle of ironing.

LG's various appliances, from Styler to its refrigerator, that help consumers pursue a healthier and safer lifestyle.

Assisting consumers and their loved ones to stay healthy both inside and outside the home, the latest solutions from LG deliver impressive hygiene benefits and peace of mind. And during these trying times, those are two things that can really mean a lot.

Stay tuned for future installments of TECH TRENDS here at LG Beyond News.

# # #

1 Blocks 99.95 percent of harmful particles with 99.95 percent elimination rate H13 HEPA filters, removing micro particles such as dust, virus, bacteria and allergen. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for eliminating 97.3 percent of viruses and 93.5 percent of bacteria in 8mroom and 99.1 percent of pollen in 3m3 room with ambient temperature of 25°C (± 2°) and relative humidity of 50 (±10) percent. Product specifications may vary depending on regions and performance results may vary depending on environmental conditions and other external factors.
2 Test conducted by TÜV Rheinland comparing maximum suction of PuriCare Pet (model AS190DNPA) and standard PuriCare (model AS199DWA) in 8m3 lab at temperature of 23.0° C (± 5.0°) with a relative humidity of 55 percent (± 15 percent). Results may vary depending on environmental conditions and other external factors.
3 Test conducted by Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM). Based on internal testing methods using PuriCare 360° (AS281DAW) in a chamber of 30m3. Results demonstrated that, on average, LG PuriCare is at least 95 percent effective at deodorizing ammonia, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, toluene and formaldehyde. It is also 100 percent effective at removing toluene, and formaldehyde from an enclosed environment (KIMM standard test conditions: 4m2, substances used in test: SO2, NO2). Results may vary depending on environmental conditions and other external factors),
4 Test conducted by Intertek for clearing 99% of 0.3 particulate matter at the High Speed Mode(H) within 155 minutes in the space of 8m3. Results may vary on depending on the environment and use of the unit.
5 Test conducted by Korean Apparel Testing and Research Institute (KATRI). Steam Hygiene option sanitizes 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pneumococcal bacillus, for 6.4 kilograms load, the international standard test load. Also, 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).

LG Expands webOS Smart TV Platform to TV Brand Partners

LG Opens Popular Platform and Integrated Content Services to
Manufacturers to Deliver Better TV Experience to Even More Consumers

The large 'powered by webOS TV' logo with smaller logos of 26 brands joining the webOS TV ecosystem below

SEOUL, Feb. 24, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) announces the availability of its popular webOS TV platform ecosystem to other TV brand partners, disrupting the status quo in an industry known for its proprietary operating systems across different manufacturers. LG is now expanding its expertise beyond TV manufacturing to encompass webOS TV software platform development and adoption by other TV brands. This has the potential to reshape the TV business for both technology and content providers while significantly growing LG’s presence and prominence in the global home entertainment market.

As an integral component of LG’s preeminent home entertainment ecosystem, webOS has delivered exceptional ease of use for LG TV owners through its intuitive interface design since 2014. Licensees of webOS TV receive the familiar and highly acclaimed UX design along with a rich pool of features such as voice search and control, integrated AI algorithms and easy connectivity that have earned webOS positive industry and consumer accolades. With LG webOS TV, partners also get a diversity of content options including access to global streaming service apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and sports streaming service DAZN as well as LG Channels, the company’s free premium content streaming service.* Compatible TV models also include the dedicated Magic Motion remote controller.

Over twenty TV manufacturers from around the world have already committed to the webOS partnership, including brands such as RCA, Ayonz and Konka with more partners expected to join in the future. The webOS ecosystem is supported by technology partners such as Realtek, Nuance, Gracenote, CEVA and Universal Electronics, among many others.

“The webOS platform is one of the easiest and most convenient way to access millions of hours of movies and TV shows,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “By welcoming other manufacturers to join the webOS TV ecosystem, we are embarking on a new path that allows many new TV owners to experience the same great UX and features that are available on LG TVs. We look forward to bringing these new customers into the incredible world of webOS TV.”

# # #

* Content app availability vary by region.

Coming Together to Give Hope to Hospitals in Times of Crisis

Across the world, hospitals and healthcare facilities have been put to the ultimate test, pushed to their absolute limits. To help ease the burden on the Polish healthcare system, LG supported the 29th Annual Grand Finale fundraiser hosted by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC), the largest independent non-profit charity in Poland, to raise money that will be used to help care for the nation’s most vulnerable children.

A wide view of the Grand Finale TV studio which is filled with 80 LG monitors so that the company can effectively host its 29th Annual Grand Finale fundraiser.

Since 1993, the GOCC has been supporting and promoting healthcare in Poland by purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment for the nation’s hospitals and clinics, as well as establishing and running several medical and educational programs. The charity’s Grand Finale fundraiser on January 31 was packed to the brim with events, activities, concerts and sporting challenges that brought diverse communities together for non-stop fun and fund raising. By reaching out to regions with thriving Polish communities, the GOCC was also able to set up 79 international Collection Centres in locations such as Singapore, Bali, Mexico and as far away as a research station at the North Pole.

The in-studio LG monitors displaying the fundraiser's live stream.

LG kitted the Grand Finale TV studio out with 80 LG monitors, among them professional 4K LG UltraFine™ monitors with Ergo stands for use by studio volunteers during the grueling 27 hour long fundraiser that was televised nationally and streamed live on the Grand Finale website.

Two female fundraisers holding flowers and a picture of the donated LG Vivace washer dryer in the studio.

To raise awareness and encourage more people to get involved, LG Poland also donated a smart LG Vivace washer dryer with Allergy Care to the Grand Finale’s online charity auction. Featuring steam to disinfect clothes and eliminate germs, LG Vivace proved to be a highly sought after product, attracting a host of bidders. To bring even more viewers and donations to the table, LG and partners promoted the GOCC 2021 event continuously on their social media channels.

Volunteers at the 29th Annual Grand Finale fundraiser using the monitors provided by LG to support the online fundraising.Photo Credit: Lukasz Widziszowski

“With everything that has been going on and the social-distancing restrictions in place, this year we decided to focus on a digital fundraiser to introduce our kindhearted benefactors to donating online.” said GOCC spokesperson Olga Zawada. “Preliminary results totaled PLN 127,495,626 (USD 34.2 million), making it one of the highest preliminary amounts we’ve raised in our almost 30-year history, thanks in large part to online donations.” All proceeds from the auction were used to purchase potentially life-changing medical equipment for laryngology, otolaryngology and head diagnostics.

Jerzy Owsiak, Chairman of the Board at GOCC, saying a few words during the live stream.Photo Credit: Marcin Wichon

In an interview at the studio, Jerzy Owsiak, Chairman of the Board of the GOCC, personally thanked LG Poland for its contribution to the Grand Finale and LG’s entire Poland team is proud to have been able to support this noble initiative that shares LG’s goals – to make lives better.

By LG Poland Staff

# # #

In Korea, “MZ” Generation is a Real Thing

In the Korea press, readers will often run across the term MZ Generation. No, this isn’t a new K-Pop group but a forced pairing of two groups – Millennials and Gen Z – which the rest of the world views as separate and distinct demographic cohorts. Separating consumers into different generations is useful for researchers and social scientists, who measure and document differences in attitudes and behaviors.

Similar to how the term untact marketing was coined in South Korea to refer to connecting with consumers intimately but in a safer, more convenient and era-appropriate manner, MZ Generation is meant to more effectively describe the new consumer target that has quickly become the focus of many brands. Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997-2012) cohorts may be distinctly separate in age but there are many similarities in the two groups as well, and this is the point that Koreans seem to find more compelling. After all, according to the Pew Research Center, “generational cutoff points aren’t an exact science.”

Three pictures taken from LG's

Photo Credit: Life’s Good Film

What makes Millennials and Z Gen similar – and what Koreans find more relevant, it seems – are that both demographics are digitally fluent, come from diverse backgrounds, care about social justice and climate change, and tend to be more educated than previous generations. When entering adulthood, both have been impacted by economic downturns and uncertainty, such as the 2008 financial crisis and the current COVID-19 pandemic. On a deeper level, MZ share common characteristics in their relationship with brands – it’s all about transparency and authenticity. Both want brands to mirror their values and dynamically cater to their preferences. Such values and preferences can range from beauty/fashion brands featuring ‘real’ women of various colors/shapes/sizes in their campaigns (i.e. Dove), to food/beverage brands becoming more health-centric/using natural ingredients (i.e. Chipotle), to automotive brands making conscious efforts towards conserving the environment via expansion into renewable energy (i.e. Tesla), and so on. Note that all of the reference brands are some of MZ’s favorites.

 A 12-year-old girl discussing environmental issues with other inspiring young individuals, including Greta Thunberg, during a United Nations Committee event

Photo Credit: UNICEF

Where does this obsession with transparency and authenticity come from? It’s fair to assume that such values developed in the post-modern, digital world – as MZers have increasingly grown up with social media, often facing challenges of maintaining their online personas and real-world-selves, as well as discovering truths in seas of misinformation/fake news, they are in constant pursuit of discovering authentic and transparent initiatives.

If a brand promotes a CSR initiative in a developing country, MZ want to know about it. A brand pledges to become carbon neutral by 2025? They want to know about that as well. MZers are attracted to activities that reflect their values, especially in the context of the brands’ missions – a quality uniquely distinct from any prior generation.

 A collage displaying six photos promoting six different popular Instagram accounts

Photo Credit: Bloomberg

MZ also strive to become the best versions of themselves, expecting brands to play an active role in that journey. Whether by helping them live more sustainably by providing reusable packaging with their foods/beverages, or educating them on how to participate in social justice campaigns by providing resources on how to donate to particular causes, or building platforms via social media channels where MZ can have a voice and make creative contributions. Through such intentional initiatives, supporting MZ in terms of their self-improvement and yet providing them autonomy, brands can become the young generation’s ally and work together to make life truly good.

A picture promoting the LG Life's Good Music Collaboration with famous musician H.E.R., which shows the singer and the three contest winners recording a new song

In that vein, LG has launched the MZ Project aimed at handing the content and creative power over to the young generation, thereby empowering them to craft their own stories and personal brands – be it through music or film. As LG “encourages their diverse and limitless possibilities,” MZ is encouraged to continue their creative and positive contributions to the world, especially in times of such incredible uncertainty.

At the cusp of major milestones in life, MZers are still exploring and learning to understand the complicated nuances of the world – and to have a brand helping them engage with their peers/inspirations, as well as get closer to achieving their dreams, makes their lives a bit easier to navigate. And that’s exactly what LG wants to communicate to MZ – that no matter what they do and where they are, LG is there to support their creative endeavors and ensure that ultimately… Life’s Good.

A screenshot from the Life's Good campaign website’s home page.

By Jamie Waltzer, LG Brand Strategy Task

# # #

All-Virtual KBIS 2021 Makes Kitchen and Laundry Innovations Accessible

LG's kitchen appliances for the virtual KBIS 2021 displayed in a beautiful home kitchen.

It’s the time of year when the world of home appliances turns its full attention to one of the biggest consumer appliance exhibitions of them all, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). In line with every tradeshow in recent memory, this year’s edition of KBIS was held in an entirely virtual world last week, from February 9 to 11. LG Electronics was there to share its latest premium home and kitchen appliances to builders, interior designers and industry professional alike with its broad portfolio of differentiated brands – from its luxury Signature Kitchen Suite appliance line to its design and innovation-driven LG STUDIO offering, as well as iconic air care and vacuum cleaner products.

A photo featuring LG's luxury Signature Kitchen Suite and advanced home appliances including Styler and WashTower together in a modern house.

For the first time, LG STUDIO is adding laundry solutions to its portfolio with the unveiling of LG STUDIO WashTower and LG STUDIO Styler at KBIS 2021. LG STUDIO WashTower is an industry-first, single-unit, vertical laundry solution that takes up half the floor space, while the LG STUDIO Styler refreshes, deodorizes and sanitizes clothing with the gentle power of steam. Designed to work hard and look good, LG STUDIO models offer exclusive features such as expanded capacity and elevated finishes like Noble Steel. The LG STUDIO WashTower also captured the coveted “Design Bites” distinction which recognizes top innovations unveiled at the show.

A photo of this year's brand-new undercounter refrigerator which is open and filled with beverage cans and bottles.

Signature Kitchen Suite is LG’s brand driving innovation in the luxury, built-in kitchen appliance market. New for this year is the expansion of its award-winning line of wine column refrigerators with an advanced new undercounter model unveiled at KBIS 2021. LG’s exclusive Wine Cave™ Technology maintains the perfect conditions for storage, minimizing vibrations and temperature fluctuations while limiting light exposure and optimizing humidity. The companion Signature Sommelier™ app helps wine connoisseurs manage entire collections and is the first smart software that learns preferences and makes wine recommendations, including food and wine pairings, based on the wines stored in the user’s cellar.

A short video displaying part of a beautifully decorated home featuring the LG home and kitchen appliances showcased at KBIS 2021.

LG’s lasted innovations, including its InstaView® slide-in ranges and AirFry ProBake and Air Sous Vide cooking features, will be found in the LG Core Zone. First unveiled at CES® 2021, see these products come to life in artfully designed home renderings. See LG’s ultra-large capacity InstaView French Door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators with an expanded InstaView window and flat panel doors, all featuring the company’s exclusive slow-melting Craft Ice spheres along with cubed and crushed ice options.

See LG WashTower and Styler steam closets take laundry to the next level while LG PuriCare air purifiers and CordZero vacuums with all-new auto-empty charging station help make keeping a healthier home easier than ever.

To see more of LG at KBIS, go to www.lgvirtualshowroom.com/enter/core.

A screenshot of the online gateway to LG's virtual showroom with photos of kitchen displays featuring the LG appliances available during KBIS 2021.

# # #

5 Tech Keywords You Need to Know in 2021

The world endured drastic changes last year with everyone doing their best to adjust to the new environment. One thing businesses, families and society in general had in common was the greater reliance on technology to get them through this crisis. Innovation and the advancement of technology never ceases but the pandemic has accelerated this evolution. Below are five hot topic keywords culled from leading research institution’s trend reports that are likely to dominate and heavily influence our lives in 2021:

The title image of the graphic news article with five keywords and short summaries shown below.

An overall look of the story related to 5 Tech Keywords of 2021 with photos of LG's future talk and Reah Keem, the virtual influencer of LG.
#virtual #VirtualInfluencer

The page explaining the present and future of AI technology.
#AI #AIXExchange

The page introducing LG's robotics with photos of various CLOi robots used for different purposes.
#LGCLOi #Robots #GuideBot #ServeBot #ChefBot #BaristaBot #UVrobot

A set of LG's hygiene-related products are introduced to suggest ways to live safe and healthy.
#LGPuriCare #LGPuriCareWearableAirPurifier #LGCordZero
#LGPuriCare360AirPurifier #LGdishwasher #LGStylerAn image explaining how LG's electronic devices help people work from home more efficiently and enjoy their time at home more.
#LGgram #LGUltraWide #LGUltraGear #LGUltraFine #LGTransparentOLED #LGOLEDSignage

The page with three different types of images including the exterior and interior design of a car, explaining LG's vehicle-related technologies.
#mobility #LGOLEDAutomotiveDisplay #LGMagnaJointVenture
#LGHyundaiIONIQConceptCabin

# # #

The Shape of Reality is Changing: PwC “Seeing Is believing” Report (2019), https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/technology/ publications/assets/how-virtual-reality-and-augmented-reality.pdf
Robotics: IFR “Service Robots” Record (2020), https://ifr.org/news/service-robots-record-sales-worldwide-up-32
Hygiene: Study conducted by University of Arizona, https://www.ciriscience.org/a_96-Study-Reveals-High-Bacteria-Levels-on-Footwear
Evolution of Home: PwC “US Remote Work” Survey (2021), https://www.pwc.com/us/en/library/covid-19/us-remote-work-survey.html/
Mobility: IHS Markit “Car of the Future” Infographic (2019), https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/pdf/1219/414806070-1019-YJ-AUT-CarOfTheFuture-Infographic-LoRes.pdf

LG Kicks Off Global Rollout of 2021 TV Lineup Headlined by Unrivalled OLED TVs

Delivering Outstanding Viewing Experiences, LG’s Expanded Range
Includes New QNED Mini LED TVs and Upgraded NanoCell TVs

Five different OLED TV models from the LG 2021 TV lineup showcased in a dark room to really show off their sleek modern designs and self-lit panels that produce sharp and realistic pictures

SEOUL, Feb. 16, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) announces the global rollout of its 2021 TVs with products that give consumers more choice than ever before with an expanded lineup that features new OLED, QNED Mini LED and NanoCell TVs. Guaranteed to deliver an exceptional home entertainment experience, the comprehensive collection offers a wider range of screen sizes from the most compact 43 inches to a new-to-market 83 inches and a mesmerizing 88 inches so there’s a perfect LG TV for any size room or user needs.

LG’s 2021 OLED TVs (series Z1, G1, C1, B1, A1) boast self-lit panels that produce ultra-sharp, ultra-realistic picture quality and smooth, natural motion, as well as strikingly slim designs that complement any décor. All models in the G1 series feature the new OLED evo technology, the next step in the evolution of OLED TVs that delivers better luminosity for higher brightness and punchy images with amazing clarity, detail and realism. The C1 series, LG’s most popular OLED TV range, offers the most screen size options to accommodate diverse user needs and spaces, starting with the space-friendly 48-inch all the way up to the expansive 83-inch. For customers looking for more a more price-competitive entry into the world of OLED, LG B1 and A1 series may be exactly what they’re looking for.

An exciting addition for 2021, QNED Mini LED TVs take LCD TV picture quality to the next level. Available in an array of 8K (models QNED99, QNED95) and 4K (models QNED90, QNED85) and 4K options, these models employ LG’s Quantum Dot NanoCell technology and Mini LED backlighting to achieve deeper blacks, more vibrant, accurate colors and greater contrast than conventional LCD televisions.

LG QNED Mini LED TV sets a new standard for the LCD TV category, enabling users to enjoy excellent HDR image quality and a far more immersive viewing experience, thanks to the combined power of the new NanoCell Plus technology and quantum dot to deliver improved red and green while the blue wavelength is emitted from the LED.

Of the entire LG 2021 TV lineup, the new NanoCell 8K and 4K TV offerings provide the greatest number of options with a large selection of 8K (models NANO99, NANO 95) and 4K range (models NANO90, NANO85, NANO80, NANO77, NANO75) units to choose from. All models feature LG NanoCell display technology, employing nanoparticles to filter out color impurities, resulting in lifelike images that draw the viewer deeper into their favorite movies, sports and shows.

Beyond superb picture quality, all of LG’s premium 2021 TVs offer an immersive home entertainment experience through compatibility with the latest standards and content formats, and brand-new features and functions that add differentiated value. With support for Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos®, HDR10 PRO and Filmmaker Mode™, this year’s TVs make the latest movies, TV series and documentaries come to life through picture and sound of the highest quality.

What’s more, the international product testing agency Intertek has certified LG OLED TVs as having 100 percent color fidelity, which takes viewer immersion to a new level.1 And for viewers’ ultimate comfort, LG OLED TVs are also easy on the eyes, thanks to the low blue light certification from TÜV Rheinland and flicker-free certification from Underwriters Laboratories.

Improving on the premium gaming experience LG TVs have become known for, the new Game Optimizer automatically applies the best picture settings according to the type of game the user is playing: first-person shooter, role-playing or real-time strategy. And sports fans will find it easier than ever to keep up with their favorite leagues and teams on LG TV with Sports Alert, while OLED Motion Pro displays every exhilarating moment and key play in incredible clarity. With Bluetooth Surround Ready, LG TVs can wirelessly connect to multiple Bluetooth speakers to deliver powerful, nuanced audio that faithfully recreates every sound on the field to recreate the feeling of being at the stadium.

Every model in the 2021 LG TV lineup supports the advanced HDMI 2.1 feature, enhanced audio return channel (eARC), which simplifies the process of connecting the TV to a sound system while also optimizing the audio. Also supported is automatic low latency mode (ALLM), which delivers seamless gaming and lag-free viewing. Select LG TV models support a variety of other HDMI 2.1 features as well.

Featured in the majority of this year’s TVs is LG’s latest intelligent processor, α (Alpha) 9 Gen 4 AI.2 Integrating improved deep learning, the upgraded processor boosts upscaling performance to make content of any quality look sharp and detailed on the new TVs’ high-resolution screens. The α9 Gen 4 further optimizes visual output, making precise adjustments in accordance with the amount of light in each scene, the genre of content playing and ambient conditions in the viewing environment.

Picture quality is further improved with LG AI Picture Pro which recognizes the objects onscreen and processes them independently to bring three-dimensionality and depth to every scene. Additionally, AI Sound Pro up-mixes two-channel audio to virtual 5.1.2 surround while Auto Volume Leveling ensures a consistent volume when switching between channels or streaming apps.

The user experience offered by LG’s newest TVs is now more convenient than ever thanks to webOS 6.0, the latest version of the company’s intuitive smart TV platform. Revamped and refined for 2021, the new webOS user interface provides faster access to apps as well as simpler content discovery with finely-tuned personalized recommendations. And a redesigned Magic Remote has dedicated hot keys for popular content providers, allowing users to jump to their favorite services with just a quick push of a button.

Select TV series, models and sizes will begin rolling out to participating retailers in the first quarter continuing throughout the year with specific dates and lineups announced locally.

# # #

1 Third-party testing conducted by Intertek reported color fidelity of the display to be 100 percent, based on CIE dE 2000 color difference metric calculated for 125 color patches distributed across the entire color volume. Color difference (Delta-E) value was less than 2 for each of the 125 color patches.
2 Processor featured in the following LG TV series: OLED Z1, OLED G1, OLED C1, QNED Mini LED QNED99, QNED Mini LED QNED95, NanoCell Nano99, NanoCell Nano95 series.

Completing Your Space With Concept Appliances

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.

A photo of LG's Furniture Concept Appliances giving a modern and luxurious look to a kitchen.

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 LG Furniture Concept Appliance range featuring premium materials and colors combined with advanced technology.

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.

A photo featuring the simple yet exquisite LG Styler, washing machine and dryer.

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.

A photo of an expansive kitchen boating luxurious LG Furniture Concept Appliances to enhance the atmosphere of the modern space.

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.

# # #

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

Your Guide to a Safe (Yet Still Romantic) Valentine’s Day

An illustration of a home showing how to spend Valentine's Day with LG's various 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.

An illustration featuring LG Puricare, an LG washing machine and a woman putting her date clothes inside LG Styler at 9am.

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

An illustration of someone buying a pair of LG Tone Free earbuds for a Valentine's Day gift at 2pm via the LG ThinQ smartphone app.

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 PuriCareTM Mini Air Purifier might be ideal for those who spend much time in the car or for new mothers.

An illustration of a couple having a fancy dinner at home at 6pm with the help of LG's diverse and advanced home appliances.

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.

An illustration of a couple watching a romantic movie together on LG's AI TV at 7.30pm during their Valentine's Day date.

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.

# # #

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.

YouTube Originals Documentary “Life In A Day 2020” Shown in Iconic Times Square

LG's enormous high-definition digital billboard in Time Square, New York, playing the YouTube Originals documentary 'Life in a Day.'

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.

A screenshot of the 'Life in a Day' YouTube page showing the channel's various uploaded videos.

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.

A family pause while walking through Times Square to watch the documentary on LG's giant commercial display.

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.

A family watching the documentary on LG's giant screen in New York City's Times Square.

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.

A photo of LG's expansive digital billboard in Time Squares featuring a clip from the YouTube Originals series, 'Life in a 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.”

# # #

A Showroom for Africa in the Era of Social Distancing

A customer browsing products on a screen at Africa's first-ever digital showroom.

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.

Kim Sa-nyoung, managing director of LG Electronics East Africa, explaining the features of LG's washing machine as COVID-19 safety protocols are strictly observed.

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.

A photo of Africa's first e-Showroom in Kisumu, Kenya, featuring various LG products.
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. *

A photo of LG's second e-Showroom of Kenya in Nanyuki, featuring various LG products.
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.”

A photo of trained LG personnel there to explain the unique features of the company's products to visitors of the showroom.

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

# # #

* 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

Wunderbar! Challenging Gamers and Creators to Immerse Themselves

The complete gaming setup boasting an LG UltraGear™ gaming monitor which is displaying a futuristic shooting title, a controller for console play, speakers, headphones and a keyboard.

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.

Famous German YouTuber Ungespielt introducing LG UltraGear™ gaming monitor and its many benefits to viewers during a video.

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!”

An image using the gameplay of a futuristic action title to compare the more conventional IPS 5ms monitor speed with that of LG UltraGear's rapid IPS 1ms GtG.

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.”

Hamburg-based YouTuber M00sician looks full of excitement right before revealing the LG UltraGear™ Gaming Monitor during his unboxing video.

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.

YouTuber Honeyball using an LG UltraGear monitor and sketching software to draw a picture of a character wearing a hoodie.

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.”

YouTuber Tim Jacken adjusting the height of his LG UltraGear monitor to position it in the perfect place for maximum productivity.

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.

Front and rear view of LG UltraGear™ displaying a futuristic action game.

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

# # #

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

Footballers Inspire and Improve Educational Opportunities at Mount Kilimanjaro

Members of FC Cambounet pose for a group photo at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Education is not a privilege; it is a birth right,” says former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

But for millions of children around the world, this simply isn’t the case. Educational technology is hard to come by in some of the world’s poorest regions and this is amplified during this time of distance learning. Technology can have an overwhelming impact on learning and 87 percent of teachers and head teachers believe it has a positive influence on a student’s ability to learn.*

So in the small French village of Cambounet-Sur-le-Sor, LG and the local football team, FC Cambounet, are trying to make a difference through their humanitarian project, Education for Kilimanjaro, with the aim of getting children in Africa a better education with better technology. After claiming victory in the 2019 Tarn Cup, FC Cambounet footballers took their well-earned trophy across five continents, to the neediest people on their journeys. Donated equipment included computers, notebooks, books, pens and games, among others.

A teacher and students of a Tanzanian elementary school holding up FC Cambounet's trophy and the LG CineBeam projector donated to them to provide a better educational environment.

The champion footballers wanted to leverage their win by sharing their passion for football and helping locals they met during their world tour, a project that links their passion to their value of sharing. For example, on their first trip, the team donated items of basic necessities and served soup on Christmas to children in the favelas of Brazil.

FC Cambounet being greeted at an elementary school in the village of Mbokomu, Tanzania, where they donated educational, technological and sporting equipment.

Last month, the team made its way to Tanzania in east Africa. In collaboration with organizations Education for Kilimanjaro and Human’ISA XX, the group arranged a visit to an elementary school in the village of Mbokomu, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak on the African continent in the northern part of Tanzania. Here, the footballers donated educational, technological and sporting equipment, among the donated educational equipment being LG’s most advanced CineBeam LED projector so the students of Mbokomu could benefit from the same technology used in the best schools in France.

Tanzanian school children greeting two members of FC Cambounet outside their school.

“Our trip was a resounding success, helping the children of Tanzania is something we’ll never forget,” said teammate Pierre Trantoul. “Thanks to LG donating one of its advanced projectors, we were able to support a class of underprivileged students by making the learning process so much more fun and interesting.”

A Tanzanian teacher places the school's new LG CineBeam projector on her desk beside FC Cambounet's trophy.

The entire journey from the south of France to the east African nation was documented by France’s biggest television channel, TF1, for its program Grands Reportages which reports on the remarkable exploits of French citizens around the world. But the story doesn’t end there, as this journey was just one of many to come for both a group of champion athletes and the LG team in France, who are always in search of ways to make lives better through technology and innovation.

By LG France Staff

# # #

* Source: Bett Innovation Index (2018), http://www.edtech.events/bett-innovation-index

2021 Tech Trends: Robot Revolution at Your Service

The LG CLOi robot designed to assist humans in public spaces standing face-to-face with a man in a building lobby.

Only a few years ago, outside of sprawling factories, robots were the realm of science fiction. Today, automatons are making their way into our daily lives, in no short part due to social distancing requirements, as robots don’t need to breathe. It may not be far off in the future when robot-led services become essential to keeping the world moving while human overlords remain at a safe distance!

At CES 2021, LG’s CLOi family of robots led by GuideBot, ServeBot, ChefBot and UV robot demonstrated capabilities that go beyond welding car sheet metal and playing chess. These high-tech robots are intended to be deployed in public spaces such as restaurants, hospitals and office buildings to assistant humans without requiring human-to-human interaction.

LG CLOi ServeBot

LG CLOi ServeBot bringing pasta and pizza to diners at a restaurant on the left, and it exiting an elevator by itself on the right.

LG CLOi ServeBot comes in two helpful variants – drawer and shelf – to deliver goods inside hotels, hospitals and restaurants. Whether it’s transporting medicine and drugs from one hospital floor to another or navigating tables at a posh Italian restaurant with plates of pasta, this smart robot can take multiple instructions at once to deliver stuff in the correct order following the most efficient route possible.

LG CLOi ServeBot working at a convenience store at LG Sciencepark as an employee fills it up with snacks for delivery.

LG CLOi ServeBots are hard at work in a convenience store located on the LG Sciencepark research campus to deliver snacks and beverages to employees in nearby offices, even on different floors accessible only by elevators. Items being delivered are kept secure under lock and key which can only be unlocked once the robot reaches its destination.

LG CLOi ChefBot and GuideBot

LG CLOi ChefBot is shown cooking on the left, while LG CLOi GuideBot helps two women find their way around a public building on the right.

LG CLOi ChefBot is a six-axis multi joint robot that can prepare delicious noodle-based dishes for customers at restaurants with machine-like consistency.

LG CLOi GuideBot was designed as an approachable information desk for destinations such as airports, shopping malls and exhibition halls. The helpful guide boasts an expansive touchscreen that houses a variety of information to help people get where they’re going easily.

LG CLOi UV Robot

LG CLOi UV Robot cleaning and disinfecting a gym so that its members can continue working out safely.

The 1.6 meter tall LG CLOi UV (ultraviolet C) robot turned plenty of heads at CES 2021. With large UV lamps on its front and back, this mobile hygiene machine has been proven to disinfect 99.9 percent* of colon bacillus within a distance of 50 centimeters.*

A close-up of LG CLOi UV Robot working in a home.

Through its human motion sensor, this robot can be operated via mobile app to minimize human operators’ exposure to ultraviolet light. LG’s UV robot will make its way first in the U.S. later this year.

LG CLOi BaristaBot

LG CLOi BaristaBot making coffee to lend a helping hand during prolonged social distancing.

LG CLOi BaristaBot is offering its future-inspired expertise at select cafes in Seoul, South Korea to lend a helping hand during a time of prolonged social distancing. Designed with the ability to consistently deliver a delicious serving of coffee, this supercharged barista utilizes its vast database of type of beans, water temperature and brewing time to create a perfect cup every time.

A picture of the three different LG CLOi robots gathered with the phrase 'we create values' overlapping.

LG’s CLOi is presenting humans with a world where interacting with robots, even on an emotional level, isn’t only possible, but desirable as well. And who doesn’t want more time to focus on the things that really matter and make life so good?

Stay tuned for future installments of TECH TRENDS here at LG Beyond News.

# # #

* Test performed by Korea Conformity Laboratories in July 2020.

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to receive LG Newsroom announcements by email