American consumers spending more time at home are investing in home upgrades such as new washing machines. One company staying busy due to this trend is LG Electronics, which today announced a milestone of one million washing machines produced at LG’s new Tennessee manufacturing plant. This milestone is a tribute to the hundreds of men and women producing LG’s award-winning washers in the United States, people whose safety is LG’s number one priority.

“In addition to commemorating LG’s top-rated washing machines for American consumers, this milestone highlights LG’s proud role as a strong contributor to the local economy and leading employer in America,” said LG Electronics North America CEO Thomas Yoon.

The millionth washer – a new ENERGY STAR^® certified front-load model with smart features – rolled off the production line this week at the USD 360 million factory, believed to be the world’s most advanced, integrated washing machine production plant. The million-square-foot plant has “increased LG’s competitiveness in the U.S., increasing speed to market and responsiveness to changing market conditions,” according to Yoon.

Since the factory’s grand opening a little over a year ago, the company has been ramping up production of LG’s award-winning washing machines. LG front- and top-load washers are ranked number one according to a leading U.S. consumer magazine. LG also holds the number one spot in overall customer satisfaction across its home appliance portfolio that includes laundry and other major appliances according to the most recent American Customer Satisfaction Index® rankings.

As the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction in the United States, the ACSI uses data from approximately 250,000 customers to analyze customer satisfaction of 380 companies in 46 industries and 10 economic sectors. According to the latest ACSI report, LG is second to none in product quality and value.

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Ray tracing capable graphics card? Check!

High-efficiency liquid cooling system? Double check!

7nm process node CPU with overclocking. Wouldn’t be caught dead without it!

Reliable 800W modular power supply? As reliable as they come!

Minimum of 16GB fast DDR4 RAM? Done!

By this time, many gamers have devoted so much of their budget to the PC build itself that when it comes time to put fast pixels to the screen, they skimp on the display. And this is why they’re disappointed with the final result. A first-class gaming monitor with smooth, realistic graphics and fast, responsive control is essential for that fully immersive experience. Anything less and you really won’t see or enjoy all the benefits of that powerhouse PC you built or bought.

LG’s latest UltraGear monitor was specifically engineered to meet the expectations of today’s PC and console gamers. Following up last year’s first-ever 1 millisecond Gray-to-Gray (GTG) IPS gaming display (model 27GL850), the 27-inch 27GN950 has done it again, delivering the world’s first 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution IPS monitor with 1ms response time. The stunning 16:9 aspect ratio display also features gamer-centric presets and the latest connectivity options, making it simple to get the most out of your favorite games.

With LG’s Nano IPS display technology, there’s no compromise between speed and image quality and this results in visuals that look spectacular and feel more real. Its quickness makes gameplay more fluid and natural, giving users greater control in-game and a potential advantage over their adversaries. As one would expect from a monitor designed for gaming, the UltraGear delivers an ultra-responsive performance with low input lag, a high refresh rate (144Hz) and fast response times.

What’s more, the 27GN950 supports VESA^® Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology, which delivers nearly lossless 4K images in 10-bit color at 144Hz via a single DisplayPort cable. The monitor is VESA Display HDR^TM 600 certified¹ guarantees 98 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color space,² with accurate color reproduction and dynamic contrast that can be further fine-tuned through hardware calibration. With its immense speed, vivid, super-sharp picture quality and large 4K screen, the monitor brings every game to life and can support intense battle royale titles like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.

Importantly, LG UltraGear is NVIDIA G-SYNC^® Compatible, meaning gamers can experience graphics as they were meant to be. Designed to work with the GeForce gaming platform, the G-SYNC certified 27GN950 can adapt its refresh rate to the frame rate of the connected hardware for seamless images.

To deliver the most complete gaming experience, LG considered every possible angle, evidenced by the inclusion of RGB Sphere Lighting 2.0. A circular array of LEDs found on the back of the monitor, Sphere Lighting adds to the exciting atmosphere with two different modes: Sound Sync Mode, where the lights match on-screen explosions and gunfire, and Video Sync Mode, in which the LEDs change colors in response to the palette of the game. Combined with UltraGear’s lightning-fast IPS panel, the unique RGB Sphere Lighting 2.0 helps transport gamers into the heart of the action, no matter what type of genre they’re playing.

The stylish, ergonomic design of the new 27-inch UltraGear brings even more value to gaming sessions. Sleek and stable, the monitor’s futuristic stand can be tilted, raised, lowered, and pivoted, letting each user create a customized, comfortable gaming setup. Providing more viewing options, the pivot feature even enables users to change the screen orientation to portrait if they wish.

A brand that has earned the trust of gamers since its inception in 2016, LG UltraGear has upped the ante yet again with its new 27-inch model. The advanced 4K 1ms Nano IPS display is capable of revealing every detail of every scene in complete clarity at high speed, allowing users to immerse themselves in their favorite games.

(Images simulated to enhance features. May differ from actual use.)

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¹ Certified by VESA May 2020 based on VESA DisplayHDR CTS version 1.1.
² Tested by LG internal lab March 2020 based on CIE 1976.

Humans are adaptable creatures. In the toughest of circumstances, in the most inhospitable of environments, homo sapiens always find creative ways to overcome obstacles and make things work.

This human ability to adapt is being tested in new ways in the pandemic era. Business, school, home life – everything looks dramatically different to how it did just six months ago. One of the biggest challenges has been communication. Long distance communication by mail, telephone, email and messenger apps is still a part of our lives. But these tools and services were never designed to replace meetings. Now with face-to-face communication either strongly discouraged or shunned, these tools are seeing much more action.

Luckily, we live in an age of high-speed internet, social media and video conferencing to allow us to come together and stay connected while remaining apart. Many forward-thinking individuals and organizations have already adapted to the new way of communicating and are actively using a range of platforms to engage with stakeholders and keep the business running. A company that has always found ways to adapt in a changing world, LG has seamlessly shifted gears, moving many events and activities online as it stays connected with its audiences around the globe. Here are some examples:

K on Zoom

Zoom has really taken off in Brazil with usership skyrocketing from 10 million to 300 million over the past few months. LG in Brazil leveraged this for the launch of the new K series smartphones – models K41S, K51S and K61S – with presentations delivered by LG spokesperson Fabricio Habib attended virtually by 66 tech and lifestyle journalists divided into smaller separate groups over the course of 1.5 hours. LG’s Habib also participated in a live-streamed video chat on Brazilian YouTube channel, Rede Geek, a respected site for all things tech, especially mobile-related news.

The Argentina office of LG came up with its own unique approach to launching the new LG K50S smartphone in its home market. With traditional product launch events off the table for the time being, LG sent some of the country’s top content creators and influencers a special LG K series box containing the new smartphone, an information sheet, a link to an introductory video as well as some additional treats.

Photo Credit: SupraPixel

The LG K series box not only gave each recipient the chance to familiarize themselves with the features and functions of the new handsets, but to enjoy a curated experience complete with a carefully crafted playlist for their listening enjoyment, as well as instructions and everything needed to make a delicious dalgona coffee – selected for the Korean connection and the Argentinian love of coffee. A video presented by well-known local TV host Juan Marconi presented an entertaining overview of the K series and its features.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock, www.shutterstock.com

Podcasting Chilean Style

With podcasting catching on in Chile, LG teamed up with Emisor Podcasting to create an informative four-part series that sheds light on the sometimes confusing subject of tech. “¿Dónde queda el futuro?”, Spanish for “Where is the future?”. The series offers a layperson’s guide to some of the consumer technologies that are shaping our world, with special guests from around the industry.

In the first episode, LG brand managers Marisabel, Pamela, and Nicolás welcomed the communications manager for Google Chile, Alejandra Bonati, who talked about artificial intelligence and deep learning technology, and how Google is using them in myriad ways to make life easier. She also provided real-world examples of how consumers can benefit from these technologies, like using Google Lens to identify objects in your immediate environment, or asking Google Assistant to recommend the best meal delivery services.

In following episodes, LG will cover streaming technology with Netflix and sustainability with its recycling partner, Chilerecicla, which has been helping LG to transform e-waste into raw materials for use in new products.

Taking a Wine Journey

In the United States, LG recently held a virtual event with renowned wine critic, James Suckling, via Zoom to introduce the new LG SIGNATURE Wine Cellar and the joys of discovering new wines. The event brought Suckling and LG SIGNATURE together with a select group of wine experts, writers and design professionals for a social distancing-compliant wine tasting. Prior to the event, each invitee was sent a selection of wines, hand-picked by Suckling himself. In real-time, the group were able to sample, enjoy and compare notes on each bottle from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

Misty Copeland, principal dancer at the famed American Ballet Theater, also joined the call and offered recommendations on suitable food pairings for each wine. The event proved that even if we can’t leave the house, it is still possible to raise a glass and enjoy the company of others.

The speed at which new ways of communicating have become a regular part of our lives is a testament to the adaptability of humans. Through many means and across many countries, LG is using this advantage to connect with consumers and fans to share its continuing story of innovation and ongoing mission to make life better.

Even in a pandemic.

By LG Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and USA Staff

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To some smartphone users, true productivity only comes with a pen. More precisely, an active pen.

An active pen – also known as stylus or digitizer – have been a part of portable computing for as long as digital displays have been around. Early pens weren’t “active” and were usually nothing more than a plastic stick. But as consumers quickly learned, capacitive styli weren’t only imprecise, they were limited in features. Early styli also couldn’t tell the difference between a pen and a resting palm which made for some awkward hand positioning. An active pen isn’t only more accurate, it can be designed to feel more like a real writing instrument and offer various features depending on the software and buttons.

LG VELVET is only the second device in LG’s smartphone lineup (in addition to the V60) to offer active pen support. This will come as great news to users who need to get stuff done on the move when pulling out a laptop or tablet isn’t a viable option. Such professionals could include doctors, architects, general contractors, designers, artists, or anyone who needs to take notes when there’s no desk.

Because LG VELVET is compatible with active pens that support Active Electrostatic (AES) digitizer technology, you can choose from among hundreds of third-party digital pens on the market today. And unlike the thin, plastic stylus that comes with some smartphones, LG VELVET owners can select a pen that fits their hand like a real writing instrument, providing hours of note taking and sketching comfort.

With LG VELVET, a compatible active pen and the pre-installed QMemo+ app, you can create and interact with handwritten and typed notes, sketches and drawings like never before, via a straightforward interface which maximizes note-taking accuracy, flexibility and efficiency.

LG VELVET with an active pen also makes it extremely simple to convert handwritten notes into calligraphy. Jot memos using six types of pens and 70 unique colors. If you like to sound of pen on paper, you can even turn on that sound effect. And for something more therapeutic, you can finish coloring that carrot while waiting for the bus.

What’s more, QMemo+ and active pens work equally well on both the phone and the optional Dual Screen so you can take advantage of QMemo+’s unparalleled accuracy on two displays at once. Take notes during chats or video calls without having to minimize either app, use the stylus within QMemo+  while reading a document or web browsing or jot down that important piece of information as it’s being presented during that emergency conference call.

Writing may not be as ubiquitous in the digital age but it’s still a valuable skill that won’t be going away anytime soon. With LG VELVET and a compatible active pen, you can step up your writing game into the 21^st century and beyond.

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Life in Australia, as in most other countries around the world, has proved very challenging these past few months. In addition to managing the effects of the pandemic, the South Pacific nation has also had to contend with debilitating drought and raging bushfires. It’s enough to make anyone want to hit the fast forward button to 2021.

Unprecedented though these times may be, these challenges haven’t stopped Aussies from pulling together and doing what it takes to make life better, every day. To honor the efforts of groups and individuals going beyond the call of duty during these tough times, LG initiated the LG Local Legends (#LGLocalLegends) campaign. From May to October 2020, this campaign recognizes those who are making a positive difference in their communities. In turn, LG Electronics Australia are rewarding the winners’ selflessness with something to make their own lives easier – convenient, connected, cutting-edge LG products.

Any citizen, club or organization may be nominated, the common thread being that they have gone above and beyond to support their fellow Aussie, improving life in a meaningful way. Every week, a “Local Legend” deserving of the nation’s attention and thanks is announced at https://www.lg.com/au/LGlocallegends.

Let’s meet some of the LG Local Legends and learn about their exemplary acts of selfless giving and kindness.

JAMIE WOLF

In 2015, Jamie Wolf of Barnawartha, Victoria, witnessed first-hand the impact bushfires can have, watching helplessly while his family’s farm burned. In response, Jamie and his father launched a volunteer fence repair group, Fencing for Fires.

Fast forward to the devastating 2019-2020 bushfire season, and the father and son duo are now helping to re-fence farmlands across the states of Victoria and New South Wales. Funded by Jamie himself as well as cash and materials donated by members of the community, Fencing for Fires has enabled many farm owners to get back on track in the wake of the region’s latest round of disastrous bushfires. Commenting on his work, Jamie said, “My mission is to see the rebuilding through until there is no one left who needs our help and those affected by the fires have some sort of normality back in their lives.”

JENNIFER HUNT

Since 2010 Jennifer Hunt of Caulfield, Victoria has been running a not-for-profit organization, the Pet Medical Crisis Fund, to assist pensioners and low-income families with the burden of expensive veterinary bills. To date the charity has assisted 620 pet owners to keep their beloved furry friends in the best possible health.

During the pandemic, there has been a rise in the number of people requiring medical assistance for their pets, and the Pet Medical Crisis Fund has been there to help. In addition to covering pet medical bills for those unemployed, the foundation also provides support with safe access to care as a result of  social distancing restrictions.

Jennifer’s charity is also available to assist veterinarians if they need financial or other support.

PETER AND MELISSA MCGUINNESS

Peter and Melissa McGuinness of Gold Coast, Queensland are local heroes working to help Aussie youth stay safe on the roads through their not-for-profit, YOU CHOOSE – Youth Road Safety.

In 2012, the McGuinness’s 18-year-old son, Jordan, was driving under the influence when he hit a stationary vehicle, killing its four young occupants and losing his own life as well. The heartbreaking incident inspired the couple to help young drivers make better choices to prevent further unnecessary driving-related fatalities.

Today, the McGuinness’s run presentations for school groups, their programs championed by police officers, teachers, parents and health and safety organizations. But more importantly, they are welcomed by Australian youth. The couple’s efforts to turn their tragedy into a life-saving initiative is a story worth telling. “I’m determined to do everything I possibly can to help young people protect themselves, their families and their communities from the preventable misery of youth road trauma,” said Peter.

The LG Local Legends campaign is enabling LG Electronics Australia to forge closer connections with local consumers and to show its continuing support for those who share their commitment to making life better. To learn more about LG Local Legends, visit lg.com/au/LGlocallegends/legends and https://youtu.be/paFtcq5OV9U.

By LG Australia Staff

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These days, with more people working and studying from home, it’s no wonder the house seems messier and dirtier. But being stuck at home doesn’t mean there’s more time for housework. With no one to help lighten the workload and the umpteenth Zoom team call of the day, imagining this to be the “new normal” can be a disheartening thought.

The silver lining is that social distancing also means you’re less likely to get an unannounced visitor so if the weekend’s dishes are still in the sink, don’t sweat it. What you should be worried about is the dirt and dust that seems to be EVERYWHERE. Not only can dust make your home look and feel dirty, it can also impact your health in the form of particulates that clog your nose and lungs as well as bacteria that exist within them. One study found that the average shoe sole is covered with more than 400,000 bacteria, with 90 percent of those germs transferring directly to a clean tile floor on first contact.¹

With LG CordZero A9 Stick Vacuum, you can start ridding your home of dust and other unwanted guests that settle on your floor. By switching from vacuum to mop – and back again – with ease, LG’s vacuum/mop combo allows you to remove dust from all types of floors as well as sofas and chairs. With its interchangeable nozzles, every corner of the room – including tall ceilings – is within easy reach. A 5-Step Filtration System filters 99.99 percent of particulates measuring as small as 0.5-4.2㎛ in size ² to reduce the presence of dust mites, dog and cat allergen to achieve better home hygiene for your nearest and dearest.³

With LG CordZero ThinQ R9 robotic vacuum at your assistance, anyone can achieve optimal hygiene whether you’re working at home or office. The intelligent robot is equipped with deep learning technology and 3D DUAL Eye^TM technology that utilizes a 3D View Sensor^TM and a 3D Laser Sensor^TM to read the environment and categorize obstacles to perfectly map out any room for accurate navigation.

Though you’ll never be able to get rid of dust and germs completely, you can take steps to minimize your family’s exposure to them. With regular, thorough cleaning with help from LG products, you’ll improve the air quality in your home, keeping yourself and your family healthier.

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¹ Study conducted by University of Arizona, https://www.ciriscience.org/a_96-Study-Reveals-High-Bacteria-Levels-on-Footwear.

²   Based on filtration efficiency testing on the basis of IEC 62885-2:2016, 5.11 performed by SLG- Prüf- und Zertifizierungs GmbH. Results may vary in real use conditions.

³  Using Slim Head on hard floor, certified by the British Allergy Foundation.

Most of us have a favorite piece of clothing that we couldn’t bear to part with. It might be a pair of jeans that is extremely comfortable, a classic jacket that has never gone out of style, maybe a concert t-shirt that brings back fond memories. Regardless of the item or the reason for keeping it around, if you want to make it last, you have to look after it.

To celebrate the garments that make us feel great whenever we put them on, LG hosted an Instagram campaign, Care for Your Favorites, in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. The goals of the campaign were to highlight the gentle yet thorough care offered by LG’s innovative washing machines and to start a conversation about the importance of sustainability.

Instagram users in these countries were encouraged to share pictures of themselves wearing a favorite item of clothing and to share tips on how they kept it looking great year after year. To help spread the word on Instagram, LG engaged 22 lifestyle influencers from across the region, all known for their strong sense of personal style and advocacy for sustainable living.

As expected, closely following the manufacturer’s care instructions on the label was the most popular advice given. Washing favorite items separately was also popular, while others recommended that any buttons or zippers be done up prior to washing. Linda Lundqvist, one of LG’s Instagram ambassadors for the campaign, shared her unique secret to longer-lasting clothes – a recipe she’d perfected for home-made, natural laundry detergent!

In keeping with the theme of sustainability, prizes for the best tips will take the form of gift vouchers that can be used at select vintage clothing boutiques or at Laundry Society, a brand that develops eco-friendly laundry products. In addition to creating a forum for consumers throughout the region to share clothing care tips with one another, LG in Nordic succeeded in starting an honest, open dialogue about the topic of living sustainably.

LG uses technology to help clothes last longer and its state-of-the-art washing machines are equipped with features that give them the ability to handle different types of garments and fabrics with the utmost of care. Its washer with Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive^TM (AI DD) draws on a vast repository of laundry data to ensure the optimal cycle for each load. And many LG machines come with the Steam Refresh and Steam wash cycles to get clothes hygienically clean and smelling fresh while using less water and detergent.

“I’m thrilled to have been a part of LG’s campaign as the underlying message of sustainability really resonates with me,” said Maria Sundberg Holm, a popular Swedish Instagrammer known for her relaxed fashion and decorating style. “It also made me realize that if I take good care of my favorite piece of clothing – a summer dress given to me by my mother – I will be able to pass it onto my own daughter when she’s grown up.”

Photo Credit: imagetoday, www.imagetoday.co.kr

Through advanced laundry solutions like the washing machine with AI DD, LG is helping people everywhere to achieve a better, more sustainable lifestyle and, of course, keep old and new favorites looking and smelling great. By looking after the clothes we love, be it a skirt, shirt or even cargo pants, we get to wear and enjoy them longer.

And that’s good for both consumers and the environment.

By LG Nordic Staff

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