Why choose chocolate or vanilla when you can have them both?
That’s the route LG Electronics has taken with its platform of smart appliances, which are now formally schooled in the ways of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
According to the company, its line of more than 100 Wi-Fi-enabled SmartThinQ majaps —including fridges, ranges, dishwashers, laundry pairs, ACs, air purifiers and vacs — is now formally conversant with both leading virtual assistants, as well as its own web-based ThinQ platform, in pursuit of LG’s open-connectivity strategy.
See: LG Appliances Speak Plainly With Google Assistant
“We’ve made it simpler than ever to create a smart-home experience that helps consumers better manage their busy lives,” noted LG marketing VP David VanderWaal. “Whether they prefer to use our SmartThinQ mobile app or voice commands with either Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, LG lets the consumer choose what’s right for them when it comes to controlling their smart home.”
And demand for remote and virtual assistance is growing. According to a nationwide smart-home survey conducted this month for LG, more than half of consumers (51 percent) feel that they would become better cooks if they had a smart kitchen. LG’s smart kitchen appliances also address more practical matters: ovens can be preheated or shut off remotely when owners are out of reach; freezers can be ordered to make extra ice ahead of a dinner party; and mobile notifications can be sent out if a refrigerator door has been left open.
Outside of the kitchen, LG use cases include:
- checking laundry cycle status or shutting the machines off entirely from any location;
- activating its Hom-Bot robotic vacuum or PuriCare air purifier remotely; and
- adjusting the AC’s settings before arriving home or while binge-watching on the couch.The 36-inch Signature range received “Best of the Best” honors
In other LG news, the company recently received five 2018 Red Dot product design awards for its luxury Signature Kitchen Suite. The ultra-premium line was awarded top “Best of the Best” honors for its 36-inch and 48-inch dual-fuel ultra-premium ranges, and was lauded with Red Dot Awards for its integrated column refrigerator, integrated column freezer, and built-in French door fridge.
See: LG Launches Luxury Signature Brand
The Signature selections were chosen from among 6,300 entries from 59 countries in the design competition, which is judged by a jury of 40 international experts and dates back to 1955. An award ceremony will be held in Essen, Germany, on July 9.
“The experts have spoken with leading design authorities recognizing Signature Kitchen Suite appliances both for their high functionality and high degrees of aesthetic design quality across our portfolio,” said Zach Elkin, general manager of the Signature Kitchen Suite.
