[Executive Corner] Product Design, the Start of the Consumer Experience
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By News Reporter
SEOUL, Dec. 10, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has announced a partnership with creative artist, multi-platinum musician, and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am, to launch a new line of audio products under the brand “
link hidden, please login to view.” The partnership aims to transform xboom into a culture-forward brand with an urban aesthetic, providing an all-new audio experience. In this partnership, LG has appointed will.i.am as LG xboom’s “Experiential Architect.” He will play a pivotal role in carving out a new space for xboom in the audio industry. Drawing inspiration from his pop culture and technological know-how, will.i.am will provide strategic counsel for LG xboom’s product development, design and brand marketing. By combining LG’s advanced technologies with will.i.am’s unique insights as a world-renowned music artist and tech entrepreneur, this partnership will infuse LG xboom products with fresh creative aspirations.
“Working with renowned tech and lifestyle innovator, LG, opens the door to groundbreaking and dynamic experiences that speak to a broader community of music enthusiasts,” said will.i.am. “By bringing our cutting-edge technology and distinctive creative visions together with LG xboom, we want to foster an iconic culture where people can explore their passion for music with others on a whole new level.”
The 2025 line of “xboom by will.i.am” products, including Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds will be unveiled at CES 2025. The xboom Buds will be the first product available in the market.
All “xboom by will.i.am” products bear the mark of will.i.am, who took part in creating LG xboom’s signature sound that boasts a rich bass with a balanced and warm tones. It comes in two distinct modes for listening: one mode provides stimulating sounds that gets you moving with powerful bass while a second mode offers a soothing sound with harmonious tones. The overarching design for LG xboom aims to elevate music enjoyment. Speakers incorporate clever embellishments such as easy-to-hold straps and colorfully interactive lighting that is in sync with the beat of the music being played. Earbuds are designed ergonomically with ear tips and ear hooks for a comfortable fit that also delivers the best sound experience.
“This launch marks the integration of our wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers into one audio brand, LG xboom,” said Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Media Entertainment Solution Company’s audio business division. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with will.i.am that will play a critical role in solidifying LG xboom’s new identity.”
All “xboom by will.i.am” products will be integrated with will.i.am’s RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-powered interactive audio experience, to introduce a new generation of listeners to infotainment. RAiDiO.FYI empowers listeners with unique abilities to immerse, personalize and have a two-way real-time conversation with their favorite topic-based STAiTiONS. This conversational media platform transforms radio as we know it into a new dimension, connecting consumers deeper with the music, talk radio and cultural content they love.
LG and will.i.am will celebrate this new partnership with product showcases and tech demonstrations at CES 2025 (January 7-10). To know more about “xboom by will.i.am”, please visit .
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By News Reporter
First Games From Famobi Now Available,
Providing Family-Friendly Fun and Excitement
SEOUL, Dec. 9, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has joined forces with Famobi, a German HTML game development studio, to introduce the first games playable with the LG Magic Remote. This collaboration aims to enhance the gaming experience by providing greater ease and enjoyment. The newly introduced games are optimized for seamless play with the LG Magic Remote, offering an interactive experience that enhances enjoyment and connection for family and friends.
As part of this collaboration, LG Smart TV users can now play “Cut the Rope,”1 a mind-bending puzzle game packed with fun, using their LG Magic Remote for effortless and precise moves without the need for extra gaming controllers. Additionally, LG has recently brought the popular mobile game “Thief Puzzle”2 to its smart TVs, enabling users to enjoy various puzzle jigsaw challenges customized for the LG Magic Remote.
Through numerous partnerships, LG consistently introduces new titles to its webOS platform, demonstrating its commitment to delivering compelling big-screen entertainment for family and friends to enjoy, with a steadily growing collection of 600 casual game titles.
LG has been expanding its offerings with exciting games from Play.Works, which boasts the largest Connected TV (CTV) games catalog in the world. This includes popular titles such as “Wheel of Fortune,” “Tetris®” and “PAC-MAN.” The newly launched “SpongeBob SquarePants Bounce”3 allows players to embark on an underwater adventure with the beloved SpongeBob character, all from the comfort of their home on the big screen of an LG Smart TV.
Furthermore, LG has teamed up with Simulmedia, known for pioneering a digital approach to TV advertising, to introduce PlayerWON. This in-game advertising solution seamlessly integrates high-quality, non-intrusive ads into gameplay. LG aims to support its game partner companies in achieving sustainable growth through a vibrant and evolving game ecosystem, offering engaging and interactive solutions that add to the gaming experience.
With its exceptional technological prowess and a wide array of content from leading partners in the entertainment industry, LG’s webOS platform continues to expand and evolve, providing users with an elevated entertainment experience. Stay tuned to LG Newsroom for the latest news.
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1 Available on LG Smart TVs running webOS 22 and above. The availability of the app on LG smart TVs may differ by TV model and country.
2 Available on LG Smart TVs running webOS 6.0 and above. The availability of the app on LG smart TVs may differ by TV model and country.
3 Available on LG Smart TVs running webOS 1.0 and above. The availability of the app on LG smart TVs may differ by TV model and country.
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By News Reporter
Discover a World of Art on LG Smart TVs With Artlume’s Rich Collection of
15,000 Artworks, From Iconic Classics to Unique AI Creations
SEOUL, Nov. 28, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) has announced a new partnership with Artlume, a pioneering digital art and AI platform, to bring inspiring art experiences to the comfort of home through LG Smart TVs. LG TV owners will be the first to enjoy this extensive catalogue on the big screen. With a shared vision to make art accessible at scale, this new collaboration transforms over 200 million LG Smart TVs worldwide into virtual art galleries, offering a broad selection of artworks that enrich the ambiance of living spaces.
Available globally on LG TVs running webOS 6.0 (2020 TV models) and above, Artlume’s expansive collection includes classic masterpieces, contemporary photography, AI art and works from renowned institutions like the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Ashmolean Museum. With over 15,000 artworks available to explore and stream, users can curate personalized playlists via the mobile app to display their favorite art on their LG Smart TVs.
Artlume’s user-friendly features allow instant changes to displayed artworks for enhanced creative control. The platform also integrates AI art generation, empowering users to create and publish unique art with simple word prompts, which can then be proudly shared through the screen.
“LG is the perfect partner for us, aligned with our goal to bring love, beauty and passion to people’s lives through the universal language of art,” said Patrick Ashworth, founder & CEO of Artlume. “We are committed to leaving a profound positive impact on humanity by educating future generations, supporting mental health through the beauty of art, and sharing museum art with the world.”
“LG is dedicated to transforming how people experience art,” said Chris Jo, senior vice president of platform business at LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. “Through this partnership with Artlume, we are bringing a wide array of incredible art to LG Smart TVs, enriching living spaces.”
As LG expands its collaborations with leading partners in the arts segment, users are invited to explore a diverse range of artistic expressions from around the globe, all from the comfort of home.
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By News Reporter
“While IR is traditionally understood as Investor Relations, I view it as Insight Relations.” LG CEO William Cho has often expressed this sentiment, and I wholeheartedly share his point of view. Over the last 25 years, I have dedicated considerable time to understanding the intricacies of the world’s capital markets, including a stint as an analyst in the IT and tech industry. My experiences have shown me that the active exchange of information and knowledge between companies and investors is essential for mutual success. Today, I take great joy and satisfaction in seeing our company make a significant impact in the market and among investors by presenting our latest business strategies. Being part of this new leap forward is truly gratifying.
Last year, we announced a major business transformation, unveiling our vision to become a “Smart Life Solution Company” that connects customer experiences across home, commercial spaces, mobility and even the metaverse. To achieve this, we have set ourselves the “Triple Seven” target: seeking to reach seven percent average growth rate, seven percent operating profit and an enterprise multiple (EV/EBITDA) of seven, all by 2030. We also plan to invest over KRW 50 trillion for qualitative growth by the beginning of the next decade.
Naturally, the attention of Korean and global investors and analysts began to focus on our enterprise value. Numerous questions were raised regarding the foundation and substance of our “Smart Life Solutions,” our growth potential and whether the announced changes were valuable enough to warrant the long-term investment of assets. As an analyst who has witnessed LG’s various transformations and efforts over the years, the initial market reaction was entirely understandable.
Building on “responsibility” and “authentic communication,” which have been upheld as core values of investor relations (IR) for decades, we have expanded the involvement and role of top management, thereby enhancing trust in our corporate activities. We have also significantly improved policies aimed at increasing shareholder value. In addition, we are expanding efforts to contribute to the healthy development of capital markets from a macro perspective.
Communication Leadership
As the shift in business direction marks a critical turning point with regard to the company’s future blueprint, it was only natural for those leading the changes to step forward and take on the role of “communicators.” Accordingly, starting with the
link hidden, please login to view, our CEO, CFO and other top executives have engaged in open and candid communications at key IR events, such as the general shareholders’ meeting, corporate briefings for global investors and . Beginning this year, the regular earnings conference calls, which were previously led by IR and business unit management, are now overseen directly by the CFO. Active Policy Changes to Improve Shareholder Value
In addition, we announced a new three-year dividend policy (covering fiscal years 2024 to 2026) earlier this year aimed at enhancing shareholder value. This policy includes changes such as adjusting the dividend record date, changing the dividend cycle, setting a minimum base dividend and increasing the dividend payout ratio.
In August, we became the first among the affiliates of Korea’s top 10 conglomerates to announce a value-up participation disclosure aimed at enhancing corporate value. On October 22, we ,” a master plan to boost shareholder value and normalize the company’s valuation. To enhance predictability for investors, we will continue with the base (minimum) dividend of KRW 1,000 per share and semi-annual dividends, which both began this year, while also considering quarterly dividends in the future.
Growth with the Market
Most people reading this article are likely well aware that companies, investors and the market are interconnected in an organic relationship. LG Electronics aims for healthy, mutual growth with the capital market. To this end, we have developed an IR Activity Management System that quantitatively analyzes IR activities for publicly listed companies and are sharing our operational know-how both internally and externally. Additionally, we have been collaborating with the Korea Investor Relations Service (KIRS) for several years, giving lectures on the direction of IR activities related to ESG (environmental, social and governance) and consistently contributing to the development of the capital market.
Personally, as an analyst, I take great pride in sharing the knowledge and expertise I have accumulated from working at various companies and, through this, contributing to the positive cycle of market development alongside my colleagues.
Earlier this month, we were honored with the Financial Services Commission Chairman’s Award (Grand Prize), the highest award in the corporate category, at the 2024 Korea IR Awards hosted by the KIRS.* The award holds great significance as it acknowledges our contributions to maintaining systematic and sincere communications with the market, as well as our efforts to secure a stable investment base as recognized by capital market authorities and various experts.
Going forward, we will continue our commitment to proactive and genuine communication across all business activities to further build investor trust. I, too, will continue to strive to establish LG as an “Insight Leader” that drives healthy, mutual growth for the market, companies and investors alike.
By Park Won-jae, vice president and head of IR Division at LG Electronics
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* Hosted by KIRS under the Korea Exchange since 2001, the Korea IR Awards are presented annually to companies and individuals who have contributed to the healthy development of capital markets through effectively IR activities. Companies and individuals recommended by analysts and institutional investors are selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a professional review panel and a selection committee.
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By News Reporter
As smart home and electrification technologies emerge as key trends in the home appliance sector, we are seeing an industry-wide shift away from simple product sales to a more service-oriented business model.
Smart home technology simplifies the management of complex devices through a range of helpful automation features. By utilizing insights gained from home appliances and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, the latest smart home tech can better understand customer’s lifestyles and needs. This, in turn, enables the delivery of proactive, tailored services that reduce the burden of household chores. As the technology advances, we move closer to the realization of what LG calls the Zero Labor Home.
*This image is designed to aid understanding of a smart home solution that connects and controls devices within the home (Image Source: Feepik)
Smart home solutions have become a major focus not only for appliance manufacturers but also for IoT, telecommunications, construction and big tech companies. The introduction of smart home standards or protocols, such as Matter,1 is enhancing connectivity between appliances, IoT devices and home systems. Moreover, generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ambient computing2 technologies are making it possible for users to control devices and services through voice commands alone, saving them time and making life at home far more convenient.
*This image was created to aid understanding
One of the leaders in this space, LG recently introduced its latest AI Home solution, offering users the ability to control their home appliances and IoT devices through conversational voice commands. FURON, LG’s generative AI agent and the brain of the AI Home, is able to learn and remember users’ preferences for various devices and apply the appropriate settings in the given situation. Furthermore, LG AI Home connects seamlessly with appliances and IoT devices from a growing number of global brands and integrates flawlessly with various types of apps through ThinQ ON, LG’s AI home hub. The company is continuing to expand its AI Home ecosystem to offer users a broader range of smart home solutions and services.
The transition from fossil fuel to electricity-powered products is a significant global trend – one that is expected to accelerate due to the enforcement of international regulations aimed at mitigating global warming. Boilers are rapidly being replaced by heat pump heating systems, gas ranges by induction cooktops and gas dryers by heat pump dryers. Against this backdrop, LG is actively strengthening its research and development (R&D) programs to discover more efficient and reliable heat pump technologies. These efforts include the recent completion of the company’s “global R&D triangle” to create specialized solutions for cold climates, and the hosting of the Global Heat Pump Consortium, which was founded by LG in collaboration with international universities.
*This image was created to aid understanding
Moving forward, electrification technology will evolve into smart home energy solutions that optimize energy generation, storage and usage within the home. Ultimately, this evolution will give rise to living environments whose occupants can enjoy convenient cooking, heating and cooling – and a dependable supply of hot water – while simultaneously reducing household energy consumption and environmental impacts.
Known for its expertise in smart life solutions, LG has always emphasized the importance of innovation. LG’s core technologies, including the linear compressor (refrigerators), Direct Drive motor and TrueSteam technology (washing machines, Styler), and dual rotary and scroll compressors (air conditioners), have played a crucial role in the company’s rise to leadership in the global home appliance market. Looking ahead, the role of LG’s R&D division will be even more vital in discovering new electrification and smart home technologies. Through a commitment to excellence and a spirit of inquiry, LG will continue to lead the way to a better future.
By Oh Sai-kee, Head of LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution R&D Center
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1 A smart home and IoT device connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). Matter enables seamless interoperability between smart devices and platforms from diverse ecosystems.
2 Ambient computing refers to technology that is able operate invisibly in the background, blending into the environment and working automatically without users noticing its presence. Also referred to as “invisible computing” or “disappearing computing”.
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