LG Joins Home Connectivity Alliance to Expand the Future of Smart Home Experience
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By News Reporter
Company Enhances Smart Home Connectivity With Open API
SEOUL, Dec. 17, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened the Application Programming Interface (API) of its smart home platform, LG ThinQ, enabling developers to easily create smart spaces with LG appliances.
Recently, LG launched the LG Smart Solution API Developer website (
link hidden, please login to view) to officially open up the LG ThinQ API. An API acts as a digital connector that allows different software to exchange functions seamlessly. Developers can utilize the open API to integrate various features from LG AI appliances into their programs or systems, enhancing their services. The LG ThinQ API is divided into two categories: the ThinQ API for individual users and the ThinQ Business API for corporate partners. The ThinQ API allows for remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.
For individual users, the ThinQ API supports the control and monitoring of AI appliances registered in the LG ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. By utilizing the ThinQ API, anyone can easily create a customized smart home that fits their lifestyle. For example, users of the global smart home platform Home Assistant can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, within their existing smart home environment. Home Assistant is a community-based open platform with about one million users worldwide who collaboratively develop various smart home functions such as device automation and feature expansion.
For enterprises, the ThinQ Business API supports partners operating office or residential buildings in integrating and managing various LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment like HVAC and signage, with their existing apps. For instance, large residential buildings can integrate LG appliances with their existing management apps for more convenient use. Residents can reserve the use of LG washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or administrators can detect abnormal conditions in the building using LG’s temperature and humidity sensors and quickly respond to issues through alert functions.
Meanwhile, LG has accelerated the integration of external products and services into the LG ThinQ platform by acquiring the smart home platform company Athom, known for its extensive IoT device connectivity. Athom’s smart home hub Homey currently connects over 50,000 types of appliances and IoT devices, and the Athom app store features around 1,000 apps that connect and control products and services from global brands like Philips and Aqara. LG plans to integrate Athom’s extensive open ecosystem and IoT device connectivity into the AI home hub LG ThinQ On, aiming to realize an AI home where generative AI better understands customers and provides optimal space solutions.
“With the official launch of ThinQ AI, we aim to deepen engagement with open-source community smart home power users in the open-source community and broaden our collaboration with B2B partners. This initiative will bolster our efforts to create smart home ecosystems powered by LG appliances, enhancing customer experiences across multiple touchpoints,” said Kim Kun-woo, vice president of LG’s Home Appliance Solution Company.
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* The main image is demonstrating potential use of the LG ThinQ API. Actual use may vary.
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By News Reporter
Strategic Restructuring to Enhance Synergy and Drive Growth in Key Business Areas
SEOUL, Nov. 21, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) today announced a series of organizational changes and executive appointments following the approval of its board of directors. This restructuring aims to accelerate the company’s mid- to long-term strategy, “Future Vision 2030,” by enhancing inter-organizational synergy and innovating its business portfolio.
The restructuring focuses on regrouping LG’s business operation units* to maximize the potential of existing businesses, strengthen platform-based service operations, accelerate B2B initiatives and secure new growth engines in promising sectors. These changes are designed to enhance efficiency through the strategic selection and concentration of capabilities, thereby creating greater synergy between businesses and bolstering future competitiveness.
To spearhead this transformation, LG has appointed skilled individuals with exceptional expertise, emphasizing the enhancement of the company’s long-term competitiveness through the development of high-performing organizations.
Key Changes in Business Structure
A new Company will be established to bolster the growth of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business, a crucial component of LG’s B2B acceleration strategy. The Overseas Sales & Marketing Company will now function as the overseas B2B control tower. Additionally, display-based operations – including TVs, monitors and signage – will be integrated to foster synergies and expand platform-based service businesses. New growth engines will be strategically relocated to Companies with greater business relevance, ensuring more stable support and creating synergies across business areas.
All four Companies will now incorporate “Solution” in their names, reflecting LG’s evolution into a Smart Life Solution provider that connects and enhances customer experiences across various environments, including homes, commercial spaces, mobility and virtual platforms.
Restructuring of Companies
LG has restructured its four Companies into the Home Appliance Solution (HS) Company, the Media Entertainment Solution (MS) Company, the Vehicle Solution (VS) Company and the Eco Solution (ES) Company. This reorganization redefines their roles and identities within LG.
The H&A Company will be renamed HS Company to align with its vision of “Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time.” To support this vision, LG will move the Platform Business Center – responsible for the planning, development and operation of LG ThinQ – directly under HS Company. This strategic realignment aims to establish HS Company as a leader in AI solutions across diverse spaces, including homes, commercial areas and vehicles, effectively addressing customer needs outside traditional home settings. Furthermore, HS Company will incorporate the Robot Business Division from the BS Company to integrate core robot technologies into its home robot solutions. Lyu Jae-cheol will continue to lead HS Company.
The HE Company will change its name to MS Company to align with its goal of becoming a media and entertainment platform powerhouse. It will integrate the Information Display business and Information Technology business from the BS Company with its TV business to create synergies in hardware and platform operations. Park Hyoung-sei will continue to lead the MS Company, driving its transformation into a media and entertainment platform.
The MS Company will accelerate the expansion of platform-based service business areas by broadening the application of webOS, which was primarily used in smart TVs, to monitors, signage and in-vehicle infotainment systems. webOS will evolve into an integrated content and services platform for both indoor and outdoor use, enhancing competitiveness through synergy and improved business structure.
The VS Company will clarify its role by changing its name from Vehicle component Solutions Company to Vehicle Solution Company, emphasizing its commitment to providing innovative solutions across the entire automotive ecosystem. Eun Seok-hyun will continue to lead the company.
The ES Company has been newly established. The HVAC business, previously part of the H&A Company and a significant contributor to LG’s B2B growth, will now operate as a standalone entity under the ES Company. Lee Jae-sung, the current head of the Air Solution Business Division, will lead the ES Company, ensuring continuity in the HVAC business and maintaining its strategic direction.
Given the project-based nature of the HVAC business and the specific characteristics of the market and its customers, LG has determined that operating it as an independent Company will maximize future competitiveness and growth potential. With the establishment of the ES Company, LG aims to position itself as a global leader in comprehensive air solutions.
Additionally, the ES Company will assume responsibility for the electric vehicle charging business from the BS Company and play a pivotal role in driving B2B growth within the clean tech sector, one of LG’s key future growth engines.
Meanwhile, to enhance the competitiveness of overseas B2B operations, LG will establish the B2B Business Capability Enhancement Division under the Overseas Sales & Marketing Company.
The Chief Strategy Office (CSO), acting as LG’s future strategy control tower, will also oversee AI acceleration and respond to global AI developments. The Chief Digital Office, previously responsible for digital transformation, will be reorganized into the DX Center and transferred directly under the CSO. The DX Center will focus on driving business performance through generative AI technologies and will be led by Cho Jung-bum.
The executive appointments emphasize the selection of diverse talents with proven expertise in sales, services and R&D. Jung Pil-won, currently leading the TV Overseas Sales & Marketing Group, has been appointed as the MEA Region Representative, recognizing his extensive experience in overseas sales management and his deep understanding of the Middle Eastern and African markets. Additionally, Kim Jung-ho, Kim Yoo-seon and Choi Jung-won, who head the subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia, Poland and Malaysia respectively, have been promoted to executive positions in acknowledgment of their significant contributions to business growth.
All appointments are effective December 1, with promotions taking effect on January 1.
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* LG’s major business operation units are called “Companies.”
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By pingber
All of a sudden, the row of inputs showed up at the bottom of the home screen on my C1. I’ve tried every setting but can’t seem to get rid of them. I used to just call them up as needed (input button on remote) but now they’re there permanently. Any ideas?
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By News Reporter
In its pursuit of automotive solutions that prioritize safety and reliability, LG has achieved several impressive milestones in the automotive security space. In August, the company’s Vehicle to Everything (V2X) solution for Volkswagen
link hidden, please login to view. This certification confirms that LG’s VW Transceiver Module and V2X technology offer comprehensive protection against unauthorized access or interference and comply with global IT security standards.
At the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) conference in Berlin, Germany, from October 21-24, LG introduced its latest innovations in future mobility: “Soft V2X” and “Smart Roadside Units (RSU).” This integrated traffic safety solution leverages V2X technology to collect and anonymize data, such as the location, direction and speed of pedestrians and vehicles. This data is shared and analyzed in real-time via the Soft V2X Cloud and various devices equipped with Soft V2X software, allowing for timely alerts to users regarding potential dangers. In addition, Soft V2X collaborates with Smart RSUs to provide essential safety information like traffic conditions, potential hazards and signals timings. The software is engineered for compatibility with a range of autonomous vehicles and delivery robots, opening up possibilities for future mobility applications.
LG is leading the development of Soft V2X and Smart RSU, utilizing the results of these validations as a foundation to evolve toward Harmonized V2X. LG is continuously strengthening and maintaining its leadership by proposing the technological direction and validating every step of the way. Through these advancements, LG engaged with global companies at the conference, encouraging them to join in this strategic journey. The company outlined the steps toward Harmonized V2X, emphasizing its practicality and efficiency. Many global companies resonated with this vision, positioning the commercialization of V2N services as a top priority on the 5GAA roadmap.
During the conference, LG offered attendees a firsthand experience of its integrated safety solutions in real-world conditions by inviting them to ride in vehicles and shuttles along a 5.6-kilometer stretch of road in Berlin equipped with various V2X technologies. A video demonstration illustrated the numerous use cases and technologies involved.
The demonstration showcased how the system enhances road safety. For example, if a pedestrian, cyclist and driver all use the Soft V2X app, the applications can detect each other and share anonymized information. This allows the driver to receive alerts to slow down if a pedestrian or cyclist is approaching a crosswalk (or jaywalking) at high speed. The app also provides real-time updates about approaching emergency vehicles or construction work, enabling the driver to adjust their route for a more efficient journey. Even in situations where a pedestrian is not using the app, the vehicle’s application can still receive data from surrounding Smart RSUs to notify the driver.
In Berlin, Kim Hak-seong, leader of Advanced V2X Task at LG Electronics, presented “Steps Forward for V2X Evolution,” focusing on pilot projects making school and kindergarten zones safer in South Korea.
LG is also ensuring global compliance for seamless market integration. The company is well-designed to meet global standards, enabling seamless, sustainable and scalable market expansion. It complies with European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards for the European region, as well as Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards for the North American region.
As a founding member of the 5GAA, LG collaborates with leading global automakers, telecommunications companies and automotive component manufacturers to develop autonomous driving and traffic safety technologies.
With Soft V2X and Smart RSU technologies as cornerstones for future connected mobility V2X solutions, LG is continuously pursuing the next step, known as Hybrid V2X. This involves integrating V2X direct communication with V2X network communication to improve various aspects such as coverage extension, high reliability, scalable architecture, versatile devices and various vertical industries.
To extend its lead in the global market, LG continues to introduce new and improved traffic safety and autonomous driving solutions, including Soft V2X. This underlines the company’s commitment to realizing innovative solutions that not only bolster people’s safety today but also bring future mobility closer to fruition.
Stay tuned to the to learn about the countless ways its latest technologies are changing the world for the better.
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By News Reporter
Collaboration Spans On-Device AI, Future Mobility and More
SEOUL, Nov. 12, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) and Tenstorrent are pleased to announce an expanded collaboration, building on their initial chiplet project to develop System-on-Chips (SoCs) and systems for the global market. Through this partnership, LG aims to enhance its design and development capabilities for AI chips tailored to its products and services, aligning with its vision of “Affectionate Intelligence.” LG is dedicated to advancing AI-driven innovation, with a focus on enhancing its AI-powered home appliances and smart home solutions, as well as expanding its capabilities in future mobility and commercial applications.
Recognizing the critical role of high-performance AI semiconductors in implementing AI technology, LG plans to strengthen its in-house development capabilities while collaborating with leading global companies, including Tenstorrent, to boost its AI competitiveness.
Tenstorrent is renowned for its ability to design world-class high-performance computing (HPC) semiconductors using its RISC-V* IP (Ascalon) and AI IP (Tensix). Their IP is engineered to scale from milliwatts to megawatts, delivering exceptional efficiency and performance.
Recently, LG CEO William Cho met with Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller at the LG Twin Towers in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss strategic collaboration. The meeting was attended by key executives from each company, including LG’s CTO Kim Byoung-hoon and the head of the SoC Center, as well as Tenstorrent’s CCO David Bennett and VP of Automotive.
During their discussions, the two companies explored opportunities to leverage their intellectual properties, design assets and technologies, aiming to create synergies across various business areas including AI home appliances, smart home solutions, future mobility, and video processing solutions for the data center market. Both CEOs emphasized the importance of enhancing capabilities in next-generation system semiconductors, including RISC-V and chiplets, to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Additionally, Tenstorrent and LG are considering the establishment of a long-term internship program as part of their collaboration.
LG is committed to advancing its AI-related software and algorithm technologies to provide customers with products, platforms and services based on generative AI. This includes the development of AI chips to secure competitiveness in on-device AI technology.
“Tenstorrent is bringing the industry’s best AI and RISC-V technology to this collaboration,” said William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics. “We aim to deliver a new customer experience through our unique Affectionate Intelligence, focusing on personalized, caring and attentive solutions that better understand our customers and can provide tangible value.”
“LG has a strong SoC development organization and Tenstorrent is excited to continue to partner with them,” said Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent. “Customers are looking for customizable solutions – our AI and RISC-V technology enables LG to own their silicon future.”
Meanwhile, LG has established a dedicated SoC R&D center specializing in system semiconductor design and development. The SoC Center excels in the design, development and verification of these chips, focusing on advancing high-performance SoCs using the chiplet technology. Chiplet technology integrates multiple chips into a single package and is gaining attention due to the rising demand for high-performance, low-power AI semiconductors.
The system chips used in LG’s key products have all been developed under the leadership of the SoC Center. LG’s proprietary AI chip for home appliances, “DQ-C,” and the “LG α (Alpha) 11 AI Processor” for OLED TVs have significantly strengthened the company’s leadership in the global AI appliance and premium TV markets.
As AI becomes increasingly pivotal in the industry, the importance of system chip design capabilities is growing across all business areas. LG is continuously enhancing its system semiconductor design capabilities and linking them with AI-related software and algorithm technologies to proactively prepare for the future. Ultimately, the goal is to provide Affectionate Intelligence solutions in all everyday spaces, offering a differentiated customer experience.
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* RISC-V is an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA) based on reduced instruction set computing (RISC) principles, allowing for flexible and customizable processor designs.
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