News Reporter

Delivering Efficient, Responsive Cloud-based Customer Service Solution With the Help of Amazon Connect and Genesys Cloud SEOUL, July 8, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) announced the opening of its new Cloud Call Center in the United States, elevating the company’s rapid digital transformation while further improving the quality and efficiency of its customer service. Following North America, LG plans to open Cloud Call Centers in a dozen additional countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Italy and Vietnam this year and in its home market of South Korea in early 2022. Implementation of the cloud-based system will create a better customer experience and more positive outcome. The system allows LG’s customer service representatives to work collaboratively and effectively from different locations, eliminating the need to be in the same physical space, reducing the likelihood of a quarantine situation. And with new speech to text (STT) capability that quickly and accurately converts voice calls into written text, customer service representatives can easily and quickly research and respond to reoccurring issues and repeat questions. If there is a backlog due to a high call volume, the Cloud Call Center suggests an alternative faster option, such as “talking” to a chatbot on LG’s customer service site or another social media platform. An accurate estimate of the wait time will be available in the near future. The system is powered by either Amazon Connect or Genesys Cloud. “LG’s new Cloud Call Center actively upgrades and refines our service delivery and helps us to ensure the best possible customer outcomes,” said Yoo Kyu-moon, executive director of the Customer Service Management Center at LG Electronics. “With more helpful options to choose from, LG customers can receive the support they need in the way they prefer to receive it.” # # # View the full article

SEOUL, July 7, 2021 — LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced its preliminary earnings results for the second quarter of 2021. LG reported tentative consolidated revenues of KRW 17.1 trillion, an increase of 48.4 percent from the same quarter the previous year and the highest quarterly revenue in the company’s history. Operating profit of KRW 1.1 trillion is expected to be 65.5 percent higher than the second quarter a year ago. With the official closure of the LG Mobile Communications Company at the end of the month, the unit’s earnings will not be reflected in this quarter’s earnings report and will be treated as discontinued operating losses. Earnings for the first quarter of 2021 will also be adjusted to reflect this change, to KRW 17.8 trillion in revenues and KRW 1.8 trillion in operating profit. These figures are the tentative consolidated earnings based on K-IFRS provided as a service to investors prior to LG Electronics’ final earnings results including net profit. Details regarding each division which will be announced officially later this month. # # # View the full article

Is it possible to experience “comfort” virtually? That’s what LG’s Home Appliance & Air Solution Company hopes with the opening of its new online showroom, LG HVAC Virtual Experience. Utilizing the latest in digital technology, this interactive online showroom lets visitors get to know LG’s diverse range of residential and commercial indoor environmental solutions from the comfort and safety of their homes. The showroom delivers an intuitive, virtual experience that lets visitors view the company’s latest solutions in a variety of virtual environments to learn about the benefits they provide, such as greater comfort, improved indoor air quality and seamless control, all important in helping customers make informed and important decisions for the family or employees. Upon entering LG HVAC Virtual Experience, visitors can choose from a range of business and living space categories: Residential Apartment, Residential Villa, Office General, Office High-Rise, Retail and Hotel. Customers can roam the 3D environments freely using their mouse or touchscreen. Menus offer additional information on every model, including specifications, features, product videos and case studies. Simple to use and navigate, LG’s new virtual platform is a great tool for consumers, industry professionals and partners looking to create healthier and more comfortable indoor spaces. What’s more, the virtual showroom allows visitors to see the behind-the-scenes details and technologies. Press the onscreen Airflow and Piping buttons to see how air travels in an air conditioner or air purifier and how pipes direct water and refrigerant through a system. Virtually switch operational modes and observe how airflow changes from one air conditioner to another. Beyond the technology and science, the showroom is also a great place to check out all the products’ stylish designs to see how they match various virtual interiors. LG HVAC Virtual Experience is an open, engaging online resource that will give visitors a thorough understanding of LG’s latest, optimized HVAC solutions for all kinds of spaces, helping them figure out which products are best suited to their specific needs. Visit LG Virtual HVAC Experience to discover the company’s latest indoor environmental comfort technologies on your PC or smartphone. # # # View the full article

Sports have always been a way to bring people together from around the world. And when it comes to soccer, saying that it is more than just a sport is an understatement in Brazil, which is often referred to as ‘o País do Futebol’ – the country of football. Understanding the value of soccer to connect with Brazilians, LG in Brazil is proud to again partner with São Paulo Futebol Clube (SPFC), continuing a nearly decade-long relationship. From 2001 to 2010, LG Brazil was the main jersey sponsor of the São Paulo team and the two organizations rekindled their partnership in time for the Paulista Championship final in May on its home pitch, Morumbi Stadium. The partnership with LG was a trophy-laden period for the club, with São Paulo winning important national and international football titles such as the World Championship and the Copa Libertadores da América in 2005. The club went on to becoming the champion of Brasileirão for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008, in addition to victories in the 2002 Super Championship and the 2005 Paulista Championship. The return of the LG logo on the SPFC jersey sparked nostalgia among fans, generating phenomenon buzz online with more than 60,000 organic reactions. On social media, LG supported the team along with its fans with more than 18,000 impressions on LinkedIn. In addition, the brand has attracted more than 70,000 new followers across its various social media pages, including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Also, the fan-created hashtag #ficaLG for “stay LG” had more than three thousand mentions and became a trending topic on Twitter Brazil. Fans were not the only ones excited about the reunion of LG Brazil and SPFC. Players were also happy to be reunited, especially before such an important match. The club claimed a 2-0 victory, bringing back its first Paulista title since 2005 and proving once again that this partnership is truly a match made in heaven. LG and the São Paulo club have a very successful history, which is still remembered fondly by LG fans. And it’s with that faith in sportsmanship that LG will continue to support the teams and players to make everyone’s life better in Brazil. Contributed by LG Brazil # # # View the full article

Today’s technology has influenced all aspects of the art process, from its creation to appreciation. For a work of art to be appreciated, it must impeccably present the exact color or effect the creator intended in order to evoke the desired emotion in viewers. Unifying artistic talent and cutting-edge technologies, LG in Spain and Madrid’s University School of Design Innovation and Technology (ESNE) recently opened a space for artists at the school to bring digital creations to life. From June 11 to 18, gifted young artists who graduated from ESNE were given the opportunity to showcase their avant-garde artwork on LG’s 2021 TVs at the first Digital Art Museum. After month of online-only living, LG Spain and ESNE partnered to open a live art gallery with LG TVs to provide art lovers with a better way to enjoy the university’s best works in person on LG’s state-of-art TVs. And being one of the first offline events in Spain, LG and ESNE implemented the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of visitors including temperature checks and setting a limit on the number of guests. “Terraferma” by María Leyba and Mikaela Martínez was created to raise awareness of the need for clothing sustainability in today’s fashion world. Every artwork displayed on LG TVs were rigorously selected by LG and ESNE based on their artistic value and how they harmonized with the unique features of LG’s pioneering TV technology. LG OLED evo, LG OLED, LG QNED Mini LED and LG NanoCell TVs were employed to display the students’ artwork in maximum detail and accuracy, which they handled with ease thanks to their ability to handle pure blacks, smooth dynamics, high contrast ratio and bright colors. “Deux” by Miguel Checa is a short film about discovering the limits of the universe. LG OLED TVs were specifically chosen for their ability to retain the artist’s originality through perfectly accurate colors. Every LG OLED TV displays perfect black and has been certified for 100 percent color fidelity from global product testing agency Intertek. New for 2021, LG OLED evo delivers even clearer and brighter image quality thanks to its upgraded image processing technology and next-generation TV panel with increased efficiency. On top of its exceptional picture quality, the 65-inch LG OLED evo features LG’s breathtaking Gallery Design with its 20mm slim bezels, setting a new standard in displays. “Fission Fantasy” by Alberto Luango is a colorful trip that pays tribute to different music genres. What’s more, the room’s aesthetic was complemented with the excellent use of vivid neon lighting which gave the art space a more futuristic look and feel, the well-matched backdrop to express LG’s newest OLED TV lineup. “Ánima” by Fátima Tamayo, a dark-inked film about the challenges of growing old. LG TVs have long been recognized in Spain for their outstanding visual performance. LG OLED TVs overwhelmed the competition by occupying the top 10 spots in a ranking of the best TVs by Spanish magazine OCU Compra Maestra which also gave LG OLED evo the highest score among 142 TV models, awarding it the title Mejor Del Análisis or Best of Analysis. LG has for long been a proponent of the melding of art and technology, evident in the sleek designs of its consumer electronics and appliances. The opportunity to participate in a project that shares this belief with tomorrow’s visionaries was meaningful to both LG and the young artists involved. Contributed by LG Spain # # # View the full article

New TVs Boast Exclusive Quantum Dot NanoCell Color Technology for Authentic Color Reproduction and Maximum Viewer Immersion SEOUL, June 30, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) will begin rolling out its newest and most premium LCD TV lineup in markets worldwide starting in July. Thanks to LG’s state-of-the-art Quantum Dot NanoCell color and Mini LED backlight technologies, the 2021 TVs deliver a stunning viewing experience with deeper blacks, more accurate color reproduction with greater contrast and brightness.1 The lineup consists of 8K QNED99 and QNED95 series models along with 4K QNED90 series models in screen sizes ranging from a spacious 65 inches to a colossal 86 inches.2 Featuring the company’s very own Quantum Dot NanoCell color technology, LG QNED Mini LED ushers in a whole new era in LCD TV picture quality with rich and accurate colors for immersive viewing. Certified by international product testing agency Intertek for providing 100 percent color volume and color consistency, LG QNED Mini LED TVs also eliminate color distortion across a wide viewing angle, ensuring everyone in the room can enjoy the ultimate in LCD picture quality.3 The bigger the screen, the smaller the details need to be. LG QNED Mini LED TV packs smaller LEDs into the backlight compared to other similarly-sized TV screens, increasing brightness and dimming zones. For example, LG’s 86-inch 8K TV (model 86QNED99UPA) is backlit by approximately 30,000 LED lights arranged to create about 2,500 local dimming zones to deliver 10 times better contrast ratio than conventional LCD TVs. Deeper blacks and greater details within dark areas create a heightened sense of depth that makes images seem more realistic. LG’s commitment to a better tomorrow is evident in its newest TV products. LG QNED Mini LED TVs have received Eco-Product certification from SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA of Switzerland. This certification is only awarded to products that fulfill SGS requirements to standards that include low environmental impact or recyclability.4 “LG QNED Mini LED TV represents an evolutionary leap forward, leveraging LG’s unique color reproduction technology and mini LED backlighting to achieve the pinnacle of LCD picture quality,” said Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company. “Our newest lineup is testament to LG’s technological leadership in the premium TV market made possible by continuously improving and refining our innovative OLED and QNED Mini LED TVs.” LG QNED Mini LED TV will initially be available in North America followed by additional regions around the world in the weeks ahead. # # # 1 Measured against LG UHD TVs which do not employ NanoCell technology. 2 Availability of sizes may vary by market. 3 Certified by Intertek, LG’s QNED Mini LED TVs deliver a high color consistency recorded as 100 percent by CIE DE2000 across 18 color patterns with a viewing angle of ±30°. Certified by Intertek, LG’s QNED Mini LED TVs can express 100 percent of the DCI-P3 spectrum across a 3D color space that covers the TVs’ full luminance range. 4 QNED Mini LED TVs are recognized as Eco-Products according to SGS Eco-Product certification ECO/21/CEBEC/00016 and ECO/21/CEBEC/00017. View the full article

LG OLED TVs Offer Next-level Enjoyment as First with Dolby Vision for Gaming at 4K 120Hz Capability SEOUL, June 29, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) is proud to announce that it is the first TV manufacturer to offer the ability to support coveted Dolby Vision® HDR at 4K 120Hz for gaming on compatible platforms, reaffirming its commitment to providing the best big-screen gaming experience. With enhanced gaming capabilities and convenient, user-friendly controls, LG’s premium TVs are ready to deliver sublime next-gen gaming experiences. Firmware version 03.15.27, now rolling out, makes LG’s C1 and G1 series OLED TVs the first in the world capable of supporting incredible Dolby Vision® HDR at 4K 120Hz on compatible platforms. Additional premium models in LG’s 2021 TV lineup such as OLED Z1 series, QNED Mini LED QNED99 series and NanoCell NANO99 series TVs will also receive the update in July. Additional 2021 and 2020 TV models are also being tested for Dolby Vision gaming in either 60Hz or 120Hz. The firmware introduces another new feature to elevate the gaming experience to a new level of convenience. Available on all 2021 LG TVs equipped with Game Optimizer, Game Dashboard is a floating onscreen menu similar to the head-up display (HUD) found in many games. The feature lets users quickly see the TV’s settings and allows them to switch between different genres – Standard, FPS, RPG or RTS – without pausing the action. The dashboard also shows the status of other modes such as black stabilizer, low latency and variable refresh rate (VRR) are activated. To access more options, users can launch the Game Optimizer directly from the Game Dashboard. Recognized as the best TVs for gaming by trusted publications and avid gamers world over, LG OLED TVs boast features that make games of any genre look incredibly smooth and play fast. With minimal lag, LG TVs deliver amazing gameplay with a level of responsiveness that can help users climb to the top of the leaderboards in their favorite next-gen console and PC challenges. # # # View the full article

Video calling from the couch is coming to LG TV owners thanks to a firmware upgrade that optimizes the interface on LG TVs to access Portal TV from Facebook.* Rolling out worldwide on LG Smart TVs with webOS version 6.0, the firmware offers more convenience for LG TV owners when connecting and using Portal TV to keep in close contact with family, friends, even coworkers. LG TV users will benefit from Portal TV’s smooth integration that includes extremely easy setup and LG Magic Remote compatibility. Initial setup is hassle-free, requiring only plugging the Portal TV HDMI cable into the LG Smart TV. The Portal TV device will be detected immediately and display a pop-up notice on the screen, providing quick access from the webOS home screen or Home Dashboard. Video call functionality can be controlled directly from the LG Magic Remote, its four-directional keys acting as command keys allowing users to control it similarly as the dedicated Portal TV remote control. Photo Credit: Portal Once connected, users can make video calls to family and friends on Messenger and WhatsApp. Portal TV also supports Messenger Rooms, as well as Zoom, Workplace and GoToMeeting, which are useful when working from home. Portal TV also features Story Time, which brings stories to life during video calls with animations, music and AR effects. Photo Credit: Portal Portal’s Smart Camera automatically pans and zooms so users can talk and move freely. Smart Camera widens the view automatically when a new participant steps into the frame. Smart Sound enhances the speaker’s voice during video calls while minimizing background noise. Portal was created with privacy, safety and security in mind with clear and simple settings, so users stay in control. When not in use, LG TV owners can disable the camera and microphone on Portal with the sliding switch. A red light on the front of Portal TV indicates when the microphone and camera are turned off. Users can also use the included camera cover to block Portal TV’s camera when not in use. # # # * Portal TV from Facebook is a separate purchase from LG TV. View the full article

Music has a unique power to lift spirits and improve moods and that influence is strongest when performers and audiences come together in person. So it’s no surprise that fans of classical and jazz music in Germany were excited by the return of the annual Rheingau Musik Festival, one of Europe’s largest and longest-running music festivals, after a year off. And LG is just as excited that its LG SIGNATURE premium brand will be sponsoring the 2021 iteration of the popular event, presenting three of the festival’s headline acts this year. A showcase of the world’s top classical and jazz performers, the Rheingau Musik Festival is more than ready to entertain music loving attendees while keeping them safe. Running from June 26 to September 5 at 22 venues throughout the greater Rhine-Main region, the 34th edition of the festival boasts more than 190 live concerts and is expected to attract over 110,000 attendees. The German music festival hopes to bring joy and happiness to its attendees after many months of social distancing. Along with the incredible talent on stage and the beautiful scenery of the Rhine-Main region – not to mention the delectable, local wines – festival-goers will also have the opportunity to experience LG SIGNATURE’s exquisitely designed products, which will be on display at select concert venues. Before the conclusion of Rheingau Musik Festival 2021, the world’s largest 8K OLED TV as well as the beautiful and sleek LG SIGNATURE refrigerator and wine cellar, will have graced The Kurhaus Wiesbaden convention center in the spa town of Wiesbaden, Kloster Eberbach, a former Cistercian monastery established in 1136. Analogous to the world-class musicians that the famed German event attracts every year, the LG’s premium lifestyle brand aspires to demonstrate its dedication to artistry, precision and first-class performance. Three noteworthy virtuosos performing at this year’s festival embody LG SIGNATURE’s philosophy and commitment to excellence: South Korean violinist Bomsori Kim, Georgian pianist Khatia Buniatishvili and Spanish violoncellist Pablo Ferrández. LG is proud to introduce to the festival audience this trio of critically-acclaimed artists, each of whom has a well-earned reputation for captivating audiences with their brilliant musicianship, passion and inimitable style. Recognized for seamlessly blending art and technology in its products and supporting the best in art and culture, LG SIGNATURE continues to embrace and support art and culture worldwide. LG SIGNATURE is honored to be partnered with renowned cultural institutions including the American Ballet Theater, Russia’s Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts and the La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy and was recently named international corporate partner of London’s famed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. # # # View the full article

In the fifth episode of the AI Experience series, we look closer at the importance of contextual understanding in the advancement of AI. For more on this topic, visit www.AIXexchange.com. Developers and potential partners interested in LG’s ThinQ Platform should check out thinq.developer.lge.com. From AI speaker that recommend movie and TV shows matched to our personal tastes, AI is helping to make daily life more convenient in numerous ways. But we’ve all had that experience when Siri or Alexa responds with the wrong information or doesn’t understand the question. For AI to improve, it needs to better understand context. “These limitations have inspired the call for a new phase of AI, which will create a more collaborative partnership between humans and machines,” said David Foster, head of Lyft Transit, Bikes and Scooters. “Contextual AI is technology embedded, understands human context and is capable of interacting with humans.” When the “Age of Contextual AI” arrives, human-AI relationship will take a giant leap forward. Machines and services that can understand context in terms of physical space, the end user’s personality and style of communication – as well as myriad other factors that we take for granted, but are central to our ability to comprehend how society and personal interactions work – will become more like partners and more integrated than ever into the way we live. Let’s take a look at five different areas that, if successfully navigated, will go a long way toward ensuring that the concept of contextual AI comes to its full fruition. Spaces Different kinds of spaces come with different sets of rules – some written and some unwritten. Based on those rules, we might dress and act in a certain way and also interpret what someone is saying, or what is going on around us, through a space-specific lens. One could argue that the pandemic has made environmental context even more difficult to discern for AI, with our homes now doubling as offices, classrooms, gyms, movie theaters, etc. This shift raises the importance of creating AI that can not only partially determine meaning or motive through reference to the specific type of space, but also from the nature of the interactions taking place within that space. “We have to assume that AI is going to operate in a heterogeneous world with a lot of non AI-friendly consumers and devices or vehicles,” said Foster. “So the ability to be adaptive, predictive and context-aware is going to be key.” When AI systems designed for different spaces and areas of our lives eventually converge, there will be serious implications around the exchange of personal data, including the way it is shared, when it is shared and for what purpose. To prevent or reduce risk, it is crucial to include end users in the development process, and to have both developers and policymakers work collaboratively to consider and uncover as many of the consequences as possible of a more integrated and contextually-aware AI network. Values With any new technology comes new moral considerations. Given the speed at which AI is developing, it is challenging for humans to evaluate whether each action is being performed in a responsible or ethical manner. Therefore, the task of imbuing AI with a set of values that informs its behavior has become particularly pressing. While it is ultimately the developers who will ensure that core human values are built into AI systems, the task of choosing what those values are should be not be the domain of any one group. A broad collective that encompasses the full diversity of the modern human experience should be enlisted for this task, as this will help to establish a value set that is more representative of society as a whole and not geared to the interests or beliefs of any single segment. Purpose To engineer an AI that understands context, including distinctly human principles and patterns of behavior, demands the collection and analysis of significantly more user data. Increasing concerns around privacy in the digital age will undoubtedly result in users opting out of providing potentially sensitive personal information, which will unfortunately hinder AI from reaching its full potential, and individual AI solutions from rendering full value. By transparently declaring and detailing the purpose and need for the collection of each data point, companies developing AI can help foster trust in their technologies and in their ethics as a business. If users can see the need for granting access to certain data and a clear benefit from doing so – such as the collection of home appliance usage data to help them achieve a greener, more cost-effective household – they will be more likely to share that information and to perceive the company as an ally in helping them reach their goals. Creativity AI is already being used in the creative sphere in a variety of interesting ways, from helping to write pop ballads to suggesting creative ideas in filmmaking when IBM’s AI platform, Watson, created the first-ever AI-made movie trailer for 20th Century Fox’s horror film, Morgan. * While such usages represent considerable advancements in AI’s capabilities, experts question the extent to which the technology can develop its own sense of creativity. “You can give AI a bunch of training data that says, ‘I consider this beautiful. I don’t consider this beautiful,’” says Arvind Krishna, senior vice president of hybrid cloud and director of IBM Research. “Now, if you ask it to create something beautiful from scratch, I think that’s certainly a more distant and challenging frontier.” However, the idea that AI will one day be able to develop its own sense of creativity is essential to the unlocking of its full potential – specifically, the ability to go beyond the input data to develop new ideas and come to new contextual understandings that will enrich our lives and allow us to accelerate towards a brighter future. Personality Non-verbal cues such as a speaker’s facial expressions, tone of voice and body language play an important role in interpersonal communication and are factors that AI will need to be able to recognize if it is to provide better, more advanced services. However, because non-verbal cues can differ from person to person, the challenge of designing AI systems that can perceive such differences and respond accordingly, is considerable. With the development of contextual understanding, AI will become more natural to interact with and more reliable in its ability to provide the information – or perform the tasks – we require of it. As it learns to infer meaning from the situation and surroundings, and the communication style of the end user, artificial intelligence will come closer than ever to being a genuine partner to humankind. # # # * https://www.ibm.com/watson/advantage-reports/future-of-artificial-intelligence/ai-creativity.html View the full article

With Brazil still being devastated by COVID-19, businesses in the country are looking at the current situation not as a short-term change but a long-term direction. So instead of taking temporary steps to bide time until social distancing is lifted, the Brazil operation of LG Electronics took the step of opening a new facility that enables them to connect with customers while delivering an immersive experience with LG products without violating social distancing rules. The LG Business Solutions Center (BSC) in the Barra Funda district on the west side of São Paulo was designed to provide an opportunity to interact with LG’s products in different commercial “zones” such as a Hotel, Hospital, Education, Retail, Meeting Room and Airport all from the safety and comfort of a private showroom. From commercial air conditions to digital signage to transparent OLED displays, the LG BSC is the one-stop location for all things B2B. Covering 3,000 square meters, the LG Business Solution Center is thought to be the largest showroom of its kind in Latin America. The LG Business Solution Center also serves as a learning center with an area reserved for training repair staff air conditioning professionals with practical and theoretical instructions on how to repair residential and commercial units. The space can also be reserved for private workshops, seminars and presentations for customers, partners as well as employees. But what really sets LG BSC apart from other showrooms is that the products interact with one another because many of LG’s B2B products are also smart and connectable. The showroom also features a space specially developed for the Connected Home utilizing LG ThinQ, the company’s smart devices brand with artificial intelligence. “The LG Business Solution Center is one of our biggest projects in the country and is designed to drive the brand’s business with a broad portfolio and services ecosystem,” said Julio Baek, president of LG Electronics Brazil. “Investing in a space where our partners and consumers can experience our products and solutions reinforces LG’s focus on innovation and technology.” Contributed by LG Brazil # # # View the full article

For much of the last decade, digital transformation, also known as DX, has become a top business agenda for companies across all industries. But what exactly is digital transformation and why should consumers care? Hopefully after reading this, you’ll have a better idea of what DX is and why LG has made this a priority going forward. In simplest terms, DX is an organization’s effort to accelerate its existing business model through the integration of advanced technologies. As a company centered around the concept of providing the best consumer electronics, appliances and services to make life better for everyone, LG Electronics is fully committed to digitizing its business model and modernizing its operations. This is why in 2019 we revamped our Cloud Center into the Digital Transformation Technology (DXT) Center to drive next-generation businesses such as big data, service platforms and LG ThinQ. As one of the key drivers of our digital transformation, LG ThinQ is much more than an artificial intelligence interface for LG home appliances. LG’s AI solution seamlessly combines new technologies and machines across its wide range of offerings, such as smart TVs, refrigerators, air purifiers and even vacuum cleaners. In 2018 alone, LG Electronics sold more than 70 million smart TVs and 5 million ThinQ-related home appliances across the world. While the popularity of these smart products was great news for LG, the sudden high level of activation were taking a toll on our servers and infrastructure. It was clear that LG had to fully digitalize, working closely with key partners to implement IoT solutions because although LG is proud of its strong manufacturing legacy, it was obvious that this transformation would require the know-how of different kinds of experts. Since the launch of LG Cloud, LG experienced a dramatic change in two key areas: cost reduction and the way we work. To increase efficiency, we focused on creating a serverless cloud environment that didn’t require large server racks that took up valuable space or needed regular maintenance. We wanted a system which service providers could manage everything themselves while ensuring it ran safely and securely 24/7. What we ended up with was a system that enabled LG to save up to 80 percent on development costs. Launching new services can be incredibly expensive and an organization’s development department would have to be certain that an investment was worth the money before committing. For businesses, the high initial costs of a new IT infrastructure project can kill an idea even before it gets off the ground. The way in which our employees are working has also changed for the better. Being able to work from the cloud gives employees space to have discussions with product development teams from the very beginning of a project. This makes working together much easier, especially on projects that involve many moving parts. Aligned with LG’s commitment to achieving a better life for all, the DTX Center will continue working tirelessly to implement even more new and innovative ways of working that bring more convenience to not only its consumers, but its valued employees as well. By Dr. Kim Dong-wook, DTX Center Head # # # View the full article

Utilizing VUNO’s AI Algorithm, LG’s X-ray Acquisition Software Reduces Analysis Time by Detecting Abnormalities in Images SEOUL, June 22, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled an improved X-ray acquisition software for the company’s Digital X-Ray Detector (DXD) line of medical imaging device products. The DXD software, developed in collaboration with VUNO, is LG’s first healthcare solution to utilize artificial intelligence. Paired with LG DXD, the advanced software provides a more convenient, more time-efficient way to generate and analyze X-ray images. Designed for large hospitals as well as private clinics*, LG’s DXD with X-ray acquisition software leverages advanced AI to help busy medical staff swiftly spot abnormalities in chest X-rays, reducing reading time by automatically flagging suspicious readings on the displayed image. Featuring VUNO’s clinically proven AI algorithm, LG DXD enables medical professionals to view original X-rays and AI-analyzed images at the same time, ideal for diagnosing pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia or lung cancer. LG DXD can analyze X-rays for interstitial opacity, consolidation, pneumothorax, pleural effusion and nodule/mass then inform the medical provider of any abnormalities and provide an abnormality score with a colored heat map or contour that marks any lesions detected. LG is enhancing its range of high-quality medical solutions with the debut of a 14 x 17-inch wireless DXD with oxide panel that delivers high-resolution, low-dose images. The implementation of oxide and thicker cesium-iodide (CsI) scintillator and improved software means greater detective quantum efficiency (DQE) resulting in approximately 50 percent less radiation dosage. And with an IP68 rating, the new DXD is safe to use in dusty or wet conditions, while the eight hour battery life means easy portability and long usage times. “LG Digital X-Ray Detector is now even more powerful with the integration of VUNO’s AI technology,” said Jang Ik-hwan, senior vice president and head of the IT business unit of LG Electronics Business Solutions Company. “Our improved diagnostic tool will enable medical facilities to reduce incidences of misdiagnosis, provide faster analysis and assist healthcare professionals in detecting thoracic diseases early.” LG’s latest DXD medical solutions will be available starting in North America, followed by key markets in Europe and Asia. # # # * Relevant medical device certifications pending in relevant markets. View the full article

Over the past 16 months, the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of live events and the closure of museums, galleries and other cultural institutions all over the world. With the absence of ticket sales and admission fees, corporate sponsorships have been the lifeline for many arts-related organizations. With social distancing still ongoing in the UK, LG SIGNATURE and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) entered into a partnership as the RPO prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in September. As international corporate partner, LG SIGNATURE will offer exclusive RPO digital content to its customers, including the livestream of a concert featuring performances by celebrated cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and bass-baritone, Sir Bryn Terfel Jones, CBE. The RPO’s new music director, the acclaimed conductor Vasily Petrenko, will take on the role of LG SIGNATURE’s brand ambassador. RPO and LG SIGNATURE fans alike can expect to experience a bold and adventurous partnership as the relationship gets underway. Through the partnership, LG SIGNATURE will support the RPO’s social programs in the UK aimed at creating stronger, more inclusive communities through the arts. LG SIGNATURE and the RPO share a common belief that the arts have a profound ability to uplift and help people and cultures come together in both good times and bad. The two also share the goal of improving people’s lives through their respective creative efforts. Since its launch in 2016, LG SIGNATURE has been a patron of the arts partnering with and supporting established cultural institutions such as the American Ballet Theater (ABT), Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Russia and Italy’s exquisite La Scala opera house. LG SIGNATURE recognizes and appreciates the contribution of the arts and the role it plays in encouraging the hopes and dreams of artists everywhere. Supporting the work of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra allows LG to contribute in its own small way to making life better for everyone the organization touches. # # # View the full article

LG East Africa managing director Kim Sa-nyoung and SJAK President Chris Mbaisi Sports promote greater diversity by bringing cultures and people together and its profound impact is felt in many spheres of life. But since the start of the pandemic, most of the world has not been able to enjoy the fruits and joys of this favorite pastime. As countries slowly begin reopening for business and return to life as usual, LG East Africa partnered with the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) to recognize and reward outstanding sporting talent in Kenya. Tyler Okari Ongwae, Photo Credit: Kenya Basketball Federation The LG Sports Personality of the Month Award, a year-long collaboration, gives LG and SJAK the opportunity to put a spotlight on the most exceptional Kenyan sportsmen and sportswomen for their achievements. A winner is selected by a panel of SJAK members from eight different media outlets in Kenya every month. Five athletes in the fields of tennis, basketball, boxing and marathon running have already been recognized this year with LG Sports Personality of the Month Awards. Angela Okutoyi, Photo Credit: Tennis Kenya Winners to date include tennis star Angela Okutoyi and basketball player Tylor Okari Ongwae who were both awarded LG Instaview refrigerators in recognition of their amazing achievements on their respective courts. Boxer Elly Ajowi received an LG NanoCell TV while Ruth Chepng’etich, who recently set the world record for the half marathon, received an LG AI DD washing machine for her contribution to the sport. Earlier this week marathoner Titus Ekiru was named the latest winner which included the prize of an LG SolarDOM oven. “This award has really motivated me to do well in my next race in Tokyo so I can hopefully bring back another medal for Kenya,” said Chepng’etich. Ruth Chepng’etich This isn’t the first time LG has worked with SJAK, having previously coordinated on the nation’s Footballer of the Month award. According to SJAK president Chris Mbaisi, the LG Sports Personality of the Month Award is already motivating both up-and-coming and established athletes alike at a time when the sports world has had little to be optimistic about. Elly Ajowi Boxer Ajowi applauded LG and SJAK for creating the much-appreciated award program and said the recognition would inspire other boxers to be the best that they can be in the sport. Throughout these creative partnerships, LG is demonstrating its commitment to social sustainability. Collaborations such as the LG Sports Personality of the Month Award underline the crucial role the private sector can play in championing the development of local talent who could one day go for gold and bring pride to a whole nation. Contributed by LG East Africa # # # View the full article

Photo Credit: The Focal Project (Flickr) In the world of technology, intellectual property (IP) is one of the most valuable assets of a company. Patents, the legal proof of IP, can cost a company hundreds of millions of dollars in R&D over many years and many man- and women-hours of work. But earning a patent is just the first step. A patent holder must also be willing to protect it from unauthorized use, often at great expense of money and time. Given that IP is the life’s work of many of its engineers and scientists, LG has adopted an aggressive strategy to protect the inventions and discoveries of its employees. LG has a long and storied history in scientific innovation, none probably as notable as its innovations in 4G/LTE and 5G wireless technologies. In fact, LG has one of the strongest patent portfolios when it comes to 4G/LTE and 5G, with more than 25,000 patents worldwide. And even with LG’s announcement to exit the mobile business, its wireless patents will continue to contribute to LG in the form of revenue and future innovation. Protecting IP is important because companies have a responsibility to the employees who expect their companies to do whatever it takes to keep their innovation from being commoditized by unscrupulous players. Photo Credit: Ivan Radic (Flickr) Fortunately, LG’s fight to protect its patents in the courts has largely been successful. In 2017, LG took legal action against U.S. smartphone manufacturer BLU for violating five of LG’s LTE standard essential patents (SEP). The matter was successfully concluded a few months later with BLU signing an agreement to license LG’s technologies. In another case, a regional court in Germany ruled earlier this month that Chinese consumer electronics brand TCL had infringed one of LG’s LTE patents, consistent with the two earlier decisions which were also judged in LG’s favor. This ruling is significant for LG because it means that all manufacturers’ LTE devices are in fact utilizing LG-patented technology. LG has also had to defend its IP against European phone manufacturer Wiko from unlawful use without a license. In 2018, LG filed three separate suits against Wiko for infringing LG’s LTE SEPs and all were decided in LG’s favor a year later but appealed by Wiko. Ultimately, two of the original rulings were upheld with the third case expected to be decided later this year. The patents in the Wiko case differ from the patents in the TCL case, proof that the breadth and strength of LG’s LTE SEP portfolio is second to none. What these cases demonstrate is that protecting one’s intellectual property is vitally important for any technology company to survive in today’s competitive environment. Future technologies such as 6G are even more critical because of the importance of fast connectivity in tomorrow’s world. LG is already putting into place the pieces to continue to be a wireless leader, including the establishment of the LG-KAIST 6G Research Center in cooperation with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and partnering with Keysight Technologies, a global wireless communication test instrumentation equipment manufacturer. The election of LG principal research engineer Dr. Lee Ki-dong to a chairperson role in the Next G Alliance will also help to advance LG’s leadership in 6G. # # # View the full article

In this fourth episode of AI Experience, we deep dive into how UX is evolving to better address users’ needs. Go to www.AIXexchange.com to learn even more from AI experts and leaders in various fields such as design, anthropology, policy, consumer and employee advocacy. Developers and potential partners are encouraged to explore the ThinQ Platform at thinq.developer.lge.com to experience what’s possible with LG. From smart homes to virtual assistants to the first-ever image of a black hole, recent advances in AI are changing how we live and expanding our understanding of the universe around us. And we’ve only just scratched the surface. But for AI to scale the heights we think it will ultimately be capable of, it is important that those developing the technology today get the user experience right. Delivering enjoyable experiences through human-centric design, especially in the arena of consumer AI products and services, will create the necessary buy-in and help fuel the technology’s growth enroute to achieving its full potential. The term user experience refers to the overall experience a device, system or piece of software provides its user. The easier, more intuitive and pleasing the experience, the more likely it is that the user will recommend the technology in question to others, which typically drives popularity and increases uptake. For AI, as for many other products and services, convenience and efficiency are the cornerstones of a quality user experience. “For AI to be consumable, for it to be usable, for it to be something that consumers can trust, design is actually the deal maker in that process,” said Sri Shivananda, senior vice president and CTO of PayPal. “Good design makes the product convenient and makes the customer want to engage more, come back more and be loyal to the product as well.” Let’s take a look at five components that are material to the construction and provision of a better AI user experience: feedback and articulation, intuitive design, purpose, presence and interface. Feedback and Articulation To create more and better AI features and functionalities, both passive data collection and active user feedback are required. One of the most recognizable forms of active user feedback is the “like” button found on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. AI algorithms record this data and use it to discern users’ preferences – and customize their feed accordingly – and to determine what is popular and trending across the platform and to help the platforms’ developers create new features that are relevant to their user base. “I think AI will be used to help aggregate many different inputs that a human might make into a vehicle for mobility,” said David Foster, head of Lyft Transit, Bikes and Scooters, highlighting the value of AI in collecting and analyzing a variety of feedback. “Combine those with inputs that the vehicle itself is sensing around road conditions and traffic hazards, and then turn those into meaningful outputs that either give feedback to the humans through a different piece of output technology or direct the vehicle or another vehicle to take a different action.” Intuitive Design In basic terms, an intuitive design is one that is easy to use, where the method of control and operation seems obvious and completely natural to the vast majority of users. Integrating AI into products and services presents designers with a relatively new challenge, especially given AI’s unique ability to learn and adapt. Providing the space to do just that, while still delivering convenience to the user at all times, requires a fine balance. Yet, consumers have shown an understanding that AI applications need time to learn. This, to some extent, affords designers the opportunity to work towards more intuitive designs without the burden of having to attain perfection at the outset. According to Alexandra Zafiroglu, deputy director at Australia’s 3A Institute (3AI), the solutions that we build “do not have to be perfect the first time that we put them out, but they have to be learning over time and providing value over time like a puppy.” Purpose A clearly defined purpose is essential to the success and effectiveness of any human-centric, commercial AI solution. And that purpose must be based on an in-depth understanding of customers’ needs and of the context within which those needs have arisen. Additionally, the transparent communication of purpose can be beneficial in building trust between the manufacturer or provider and the end user. By clarifying intention and offering some insight into the design process (such as the time and consideration given to possible unintended consequences) and the measures put in place to prevent misuse, companies can show consumers their commitment to protecting their data security and to the ethical development of AI. Presence AI can provide value through active user engagement, such as voice-activated virtual assistants, and through passive means, such as the automation of smart home systems. Deciding which is the appropriate mode of control or management for each available feature or function is the cornerstone of successful AI design. But for every decision that developers have to make, there must first be a thorough examination of the potential consequences of their choices. This decision-making process is a part of the broader human-centric design conversation, which demands that the consumer is viewed and valued as a complete person, rather than merely a source of revenue or data. Respect for the user as an individual must be factored into every decision, whether it is concerning the user experience or the very foundation of the technology itself. Helena Leurent, director general of Consumers International, suggests that companies invite experts from different fields to share their knowledge and viewpoints, as this will help them to not only build successful AI systems, but to foster trust that any choices made are in the users’ best interests. Interface The interface of an AI product or service acts as a bridge between artificial and human intelligence, allowing the one to communicate with the other. Unsurprisingly, consumers have thus far shown a preference for AI that feels more natural and instinctive to use and interact with. This is by no means an easy feat for designers to achieve and involves many questions that must be answered, such as, is it better to employ a touch screen or physical buttons? Should an avatar or human voice be used to give personality to the technology? Does virtual or augmented reality provide the best conditions for relating to and engaging with AI? And of course, knowing and understanding people’s preferences and needs is also a crucial part of the equation. Whatever design decisions are made, an interface should ultimately feel as natural as possible to as many users as possible and be suitable for use within a diverse range of scenarios. It should also be engineered with an eye on potential future integrations as AI continues to evolve and gain new capabilities. Following human-centric design means better AI user experiences for everyone – from the consumers who use and benefit from the technology on a daily basis to the developers seeking to improve and expand on their creations and the technical support teams charged with remedying any issues that might emerge. With its ability to learn and adapt to the needs of the user, AI is already ushering in an era of unprecedented personalization and unique value. The continued refinement of the user experience will help attract more and more consumers to AI solutions and assist in securing the long-term growth of the technology itself. # # # View the full article

LG Electronics was honored by the U.S. Green Building Council with the 2021 USGBC Leadership Award for the company’s LEED Platinum Certified LG North American headquarters campus in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The USD 300 million project is a showcase for environmentally friendly design, having achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum New Construction certification, the highest-level rating that distinguishes buildings that promote employee well-being, are energy and water efficient, and preserve open space and ecosystems. LG increased green space on the 27-acre site by 50 percent, maintained woodlands and wetlands and planted more than 1,500 new trees native to New Jersey. Incorporating the company’s own green-building technologies, the facility features highly efficient LG HVAC technologies to maximize energy conservation and an 7,900 square meter rooftop array of LG solar modules to generate clean electricity on-site and help reduce carbon emissions. Other award-winning technologies and systems from LG – including digital signage displays and smart appliances – also are integrated throughout the property. The campus is one of only 10 new construction buildings in the state of New Jersey and one of 894 projects in the United States to earn the coveted LEED Platinum distinction. The 32,516 square meter building’s design has been applauded by conservation groups for protecting the iconic vistas and integrity of the nearby Palisades Park, a national natural and historic landmark. As one of the newest, most state-of-the-art office facilities in the region, the LG campus can be considered a post-COVID-19 model for companies looking to move from urban centers to more suburbs, into more affordable space closer to where their employees live. The spacious floor plans will allow LG’s employees to spread out in the open-plan office environment. Direct connections with the outdoors are emphasized. The architectural design of the building, which contrasts a well-crafted, high-tech machine with nature, distinguishes it in the local market. Designed by global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK in collaboration with LG, the project has also garnered attention for its innovative and thoughtful design including multiple sustainability awards from regional chapters of the American Institute of Architects. Ken Drucker, HOK’s design principal, said, “The resilient design of the building supports the health and well-being of LG staff while also respecting and supporting the invaluable Palisades ecosystem and wider community.” Presented at the USGBC Live virtual event, the 2021 USGBC Leadership Awards recognize the best of USGBC’s 10,000 member organizations, a network of committed professionals with more than 106,000 LEED commercial projects in more than 180 countries and territories around the world. The efforts of the honorees such as LG stand out as exceptional examples of sustainability leadership among a strong and growing network of projects, companies and individuals. Contributed by LG USA # # # View the full article

LG Selected to Lead Next G Alliance’s Applications Working Group SEOUL, June 15, 2021 – LG Electronics (LG) announces the election of Dr. Lee Ki-dong, principal research engineer at the Research and Standards Lab in LG USA, as chairperson of the Applications Working Group of the Next G Alliance until 2023, the industry initiative of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) to advance mobile technology leadership in 6G for the next decade and beyond in North America. Setting the stage for the eventual commercialization of 6G, the Next G Alliance, a collaboration of about 50 leading information and communications companies all working toward the common objective of advancing 6G technology, will influence and encompass the full lifecycle of research and development, manufacturing, standardization and market readiness. Within the Next G Alliance, the Applications Working Group is responsible for identification, assessment and steering the landscape of 6G technology use case scenarios, coordinating with other Next G Alliance groups to advance the 6G roadmap in North America. Spearheading LG’s leadership in the Next G Alliance is Dr. Lee, who has been actively involved for over 20 years in research and standardization of mobile and satellite communications systems in various organizations, including IEEE and 3GPP. He previously served as Vice Chairman at as 3GPP System Architecture Working Group 1 from 2015 to 2019 and extended his specialty to the automotive industry. Dr. Lee received his Ph.D. in Operations Research, Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). “The work of the Next G Alliance is paving the way for 6G, and the Applications Working Group will play a key role in defining the future of telecommunications,” said Dr. Lee. “LG has a long and storied history as a leader in the wireless technology space and it’s an honor to be able to represent LG in this important initiative.” As a pioneer in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) innovations, LG sees the importance of 6G for the future of mobility. A mobile system that transmits information at high speed via ultra-responsive, ultra-reliable and ultra-low latency connection is essential to the success of next-generation autonomous vehicles. Low latency is critical when cars are travelling at high speeds and communication from vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to infrastructure or vehicle to pedestrian through 6G can help prevent accidents for a safer driving experience. LG Electronics has been active in 6G research for some time, launching the LG-KAIST 6G Research Center in South Korea in 2019 as well as partnering with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science to study emerging 6G technologies. Earlier this year, LG and KAIST brought on board Keysight Technologies Inc., a global manufacturer of wireless telecommunication testing and measuring equipment, to take the collaboration to the next level. # # # View the full article

During social distancing, running continues to be one of the most popular ways to stay in shape. But running with others has been more challenging. To bring the feeling of running a marathon to the lives of Jordanians, LG Electronics organized one of the region’s most popular events without putting any runner’s health at risk. LG Dead Sea Half Marathon 2019 In partnership with the Jordanian Association for Charitable Marathons, LG Electronics sponsored the LG Dead Sea Half Marathon Virtual Race. Since 1993, the annual Dead Sea Marathon has been held in Jordan at 418 meters below sea level, giving it the fitting motto, “From The Lowest Point on Earth, WE RUN ANYWHERE.” From May 28 to June 6, this year’s marathon was held virtually to ensure the safety of the runners. For eight days runners could track their progress on the Run Jordan VR smartphone app. Once the race started, the action was all on the app itself. Runners were able to run and compete with each other for the first time in over a year. Those willing to challenge themselves selected one of three goals: 5km, 10km and 21km. During the race runners were able to track their own goals using their smartphones. Regardless of records and numbers, all runners who completed the race were awarded with medals for their effort because the most important objective was participation. “It’s been one of our greatest achievements supporting the LG Dead Sea Half Marathon Virtual Race,” said Lina Al-Kurd, director general of the Jordanian Association for Marathons. “With the help of LG we were able to mobilize our global community to run a marathon from anywhere around the world. We look forward to racing side-by-side again soon.” “Even during these difficult times LG has kept faith in the spirit of sports and in our partnership with the Jordanian Association for Charitable Marathons,” said Jeong Young-hak, managing director of LG Electronics Jordan. “We will continue to support the local community and encourage them to live life to the fullest until we can return to normality.” LG will continue to support local communities in new and inventive ways until we can come together again in good health, and this year’s virtual marathon shows the unlimited possibilities with LG. Contributed by LG Jordan # # # View the full article

Photo Credit: The Daily Times Over the past three decades, the Nigerian film industry has built up a remarkable reputation for not only producing some of the most exciting films in the region but also for inspiring new film industries across the entire Africa continent on its way to becoming the world’s second largest film producer.1 Nollywood, as it’s better known, is one of the best ways to showcase and experience the diverse cultures of Nigeria and Africa. With the rise of the African cinema industry, more Nigerians and fellow Africans have been able to discover and appreciate blockbuster films that feel much closer to home. A recent study even showed that Nigerians are spending much of their free time getting together with friends and family to watch domestic films instead of foreign imports.2 As one of the world’s most familiar consumer electronics and home appliance brands, LG Electronics is investing in African consumers’ love of great entertainment and its power to bring people and cultures together by partnering with big screen superstars Richard Mofe-Damijo and Rita Dominic who were named LG Brand Ambassadors. As the celebrity spokesperson for LG OLED TVs, Mofe-Damijo is involved in events and social engagement activities to introduce consumers to the advantages of LG OLED TV technology. As the new face for LG home appliances, Dominic will be featured in advertising campaigns as well as participate in product launches and social media influencer activities on behalf of the company. Richard Mofe-Damijo, better known as RMD, is a Nigerian actor, writer, producer and lawyer who even represented the country’s Delta State as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. In 2005, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a leading role and later went on to receive the ceremony’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. A beloved actress, producer and the co-founder of The Audrey Silva Company, Rita Dominic got her first starring role in Nollywood hit A Time to Kill, and has starred in over 100 Nollywood movies since, earning several prestigious awards in the process. Rita is the only actress to have won AMVCA’s Best Actress award in both the drama and comedy categories and remains the only West African actress to have won at Kenya’s Kalasha Awards. Undisputedly one of Africa’s finest leading ladies, CNN has described her as a “silver screen icon” capable of “embodying a range of colorful characters.” “Richard Mofe-Damijo’s undeniable style resonates with the essence of our OLED TVs, while Rita Dominic is a woman of the people, hugely popular because of her graceful poise and powerful brand identity. This is why we wanted both as our newest ambassadors,” said Kim Dong-youn, managing director of LG Electronics West Africa. “The brand’s state-of-the-art living solutions seamlessly combine the best designs with the most advanced technologies to achieve ultimate performances,” said Dominic. “They’re never willing to settle for second-best particularly in a time when most people around the world are either working or learning from home.” Much like how films and the cinema experience not only bring people together but also connect on a deeper emotional level, LG Electronics is committed to making life better for consumers around the globe with its various innovations that have been endorsed by inspiring ambassadors that consumers can resonate with. Contributed by LG Nigeria # # # 1 https://www.pwc.com/ng/en/publications/spotlight-the-nigerian-film-industry.html 2 https://www.academia.edu/41894744/Language_and_identity_Nigerian_video_films_and_diasporic_communities View the full article

Popular Videos from Highbrow Expand Education Options for Children on LG TVs SEOUL, June 7, 2021 — LG Electronics (LG) and Highbrow, the popular ad-free video-on-demand education platform for children, is coming to LG TV customers in 145 countries via the LG Content Store. LG’s Smart TVs running webOS versions 4.0 and higher will be the first to provide children up to 11 years of age, parents and educators with Highbrow’s wide selection of age-appropriate educational content to suit the needs of every young learner. The Highbrow app delivers an engaging assortment of educational videos that have been carefully hand-curated and matched to each learner’s age and interest using proprietary technology for a personalized viewing experience. Highbrow makes recommendations from its library of more than 10,000 videos covering topics ranging from science, humanities, mathematics, music, art, languages and more. To deliver its fresh and engaging content, Highbrow works with over 200 global creators including Pinkfong, best known for its megahit Baby Shark song and video. As a globally trusted online learning platform, Highbrow is already being used in more than a hundred schools around the world. With distance learning still dominating students’ lives, TVs have become the go-to education tool in many countries. With already more than a dozen education apps, LG TVs with webOS gives young learners access to a wide selection of educational content while the improved web browser delivers a convenient user experience for all ages. With the screen mirroring features of LG TVs, content from compatible smartphones, tablets and PCs can be replicated on the TV screen using LG Magic Tap on Android or Airplay for Apple devices. Magic Tap also allows compatible smartphones to connect via NFC to LG’s Magic Remote on 2021 LG TVs, enabling learners to hear the TV’s audio through headphones or earbuds for more privacy and immersiveness. Because protecting the eyes of viewers during learning is just as important as delivering outstanding picture quality, the displays in all 2021 LG OLED TVs are certified as flicker-free and discomfort glare-free by UL.* And because LG OLED TVs are TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe® certified, parents can be assured that the health of their little ones’ eyes is not at risk. # # # * Flicker-free feature optimized with default setting. View the full article

Tomorrow, June 5, is World Environment Day. The United Nations created this day in 1972 in recognition of the need for there to be a coordinated global focus to begin to make conserving the environment and our natural resources a priority. While World Environment Day and Earth Day (April 22) may have similar goals and objectives, they have different origins and initiatives. To celebrate this year’s World Environment Day, let’s look at the role of plastic in today’s world and what LG is doing to lessen its environmental impact. Plastic is an intrinsic part of modern life, found in almost every consumer product that isn’t crafted by hand. The issue with plastic is when it has outlived its usefulness, most of it ends up contributing to the increasing global problem of plastic pollution. In 2019 alone, more than 130 million metric tons of single-use plastics were discarded, with much of that thrown into landfills, burned or dumped into the world’s waterways.1 Photo Credit: WWF Produced primarily from fossil fuel-based chemicals, plastics can release harmful toxins throughout their lifecycle, damaging the environment and presenting a significant health risk at the same time. Without significant changes in production, consumption and waste management, the amount of plastic material entering the world’s oceans each year will increase to almost 30 million metric tons by 2040.2 System-wide changes in our relationship with plastic are long overdue. But for this to happen, governments, corporations and consumers will all have to play their part. LG Electronics is already on board. LG’s 18 OLED TV models for 2021 require fewer components than conventional LCD TVs thanks to their unique backlight-less structure, meaning less plastic is required in the manufacturing process. For example, LG’s 65-inch model 65G1 OLED TV requires just 30 percent of the plastic used in the same-size LCD TV (model 65UP75). With a lineup featuring more OLED than LCD models, LG expects to reduce its plastic usage by approximately 10,000 tons this year. LG is also increasing its use of recycled and recyclable materials, such as more metal in the outer casings of 2021 OLED TV models. And unlike LCD, OLED panels don’t require harmful materials such as cadmium and indium, making OLED the natural choice for environmentally-conscious customers. Even at the end of their lifecycle, LG OLED TVs offer excellent resource efficiency and a high recycling rate compared to LCD TVs, which are more complex and more resource-intensive to manufacture. What’s more, LG is planning to expand the use of recycled plastics in certain models of 2021 LCD TVs such as QNED Mini LED, using up to 750 tons of recycled plastic this year alone. The increased use of recycled materials extends to LG’s 2021 soundbars as well. The exterior cases of all 2021 soundbar models are manufactured with attractive yet durable recycled plastics.3 By the end of the year the company expects to have reduced approximately 300 tons of plastic waste from landfills, repurposing them in LG soundbars. Certain soundbars will also incorporate Global Recycled Standard certified polyester jersey fabric made from recycled PET bottles, resulting in the removal of 1.5 million half-liter PET bottles from the trash this year alone.4 Furthermore, LG has adopted cleaner and greener packaging for its entire soundbar lineup by using recycled, molded pulp and significantly reducing the use of EPS (polystyrene) foam and plastics. And by designing soundbar boxes in the shape of the letter L, LG was able to create a smaller footprint when shipping, saving on fuel and reducing emissions. The unique packaging enables a typical delivery truck to accommodate 58 percent more boxes.5 And because the L-shape reduces the empty space between boxes, less fillers are required, meaning less trash in the owner’s garbage bin. LG’s OLED TV and soundbar are the first OLED TV and audio products to receive SGS Eco-Product recognition from SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA of Switzerland.6 Full video: LG Global Youtube channel By doing its part to help reduce the problem of plastic pollution, LG is honoring its commitment to the planet and consumers and helping to pave the way to a more sustainable future. # # # 1 Plastic Waste Makers Index, Minderoo Foundation, https://www.minderoo.org/plastic-waste-makers-index 2 https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news-room/press-releases-and-statements/2020/07/23/research-finds-plastic-flows-into-the-ocean-expected-to-triple-by-2040 3 Recycled plastic used in LG soundbar models SP11RA, SP9YA, SP8YA, SP7Y, SPD7Y, SP2, G1 evaluated per UL 2809 Environmental Claim Validation Procedure (ECVP) for Recycled Content. 4 Models SP7Y, SP2/2W, G1. 5 Based on model SP8YA. 6 SGS Eco-Product certification received for 2021 LG OLED TV models Z1,G1,C1,B1, A1 and 2021 LG soundbar models SP11RA, SP9YA , SP8YA, SP7Y, SPD7Y , G1, QP5. View the full article

The mobility landscape has been completely reshaped over the last few years with landmark achievements being made in electrification, connectivity and autonomous driving.1 With next-generation electric vehicles and intelligent driving fast approaching, LG Electronics also has been hard at work developing future-enabling technologies to accelerate the electric vehicle industry to the next level. Below, we take a look at some of those trends and LG’s response to them. Telematics, or vehicle connectivity, is poised to explode on the back of 5G and advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, the system that transmits information at high speed via high-bandwidth, low-latency connection. LG’s In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system, which leverages the combined strengths of webOS Auto and Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform (MCVP), can collect and transmit a wide variety of information such as driver status, door status and app usage seamlessly. LG Electronics is dedicated to developing highly competitive infotainment innovations including AVN, display systems, telematics and monitoring systems that account for more than 50 percent of the company’s total sales. Infotainment systems provide drivers and passengers with helpful information, such as directions and weather forecasts, on top of in-vehicle entertainment that lets them listen to podcasts, make hands-free calls and check messages. The fast-growing global vehicle infotainment market is projected to increase from USD 24.3 billion in 2019 to USD 54.8 billion in 2027 (CAGR of 10.7 percent).2 And with the increase in demand for more safety and security solutions, in-vehicle communication features and technologies will only become more important. According to the Boston Consulting Group, the market for partially and fully autonomous cars will make up approximately 25 percent of new-vehicle sales by 2035.3 With the advancement in self-driving vehicles, one of the biggest concerns for car companies is safety which may explain why the global driving assist market is expected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2019 to USD 10.7 billion in 2027 (CAGR of 23.9 percent).4 LG Electronics is also actively developing components for driver assistance, such as the LG-designed ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) which utilizes a front camera to collect traffic information so drivers can make better decisions and roads can be made safer. ADAS can also recognize and respond to surrounding environments – even through busy intersections. According to IHS Markit, global sales of electric vehicles hit 10 million units in 2020 and is expected to exceed 20 million units in 2022 and 40 million vehicles in 2025. Along with the growth of electric vehicles, relevant components such as motors and inverters are naturally expected to grow as well. LG Electronics is working closely with Magna to develop cutting-edge technologies for components of electric vehicles. Under a new joint venture to launch next month, LG Magna e-Powertrain will produce EV components that benefit from Magna’s strength in electric powertrain systems and world-class automotive manufacturing as well as LG’s expertise in developing components for e-motors and inverters. To respond to the rapidly changing automotive industry, LG is pursuing a strategy of strategic alliances and partnerships to develop industry-leading innovations for global automakers. In addition to LG Magna e-Powertain, LG and Luxoft created Alluto to drive the commercialization of production-ready digital cockpit, infotainment and ride-hailing systems based on LG’s webOS Auto platform. And in 2018, LG brought on board leading automotive lighting and headlight systems provider ZKW Group in a deal worth more than EUR 1.1 billion. With vehicles of tomorrow just a few years away from becoming commonplace, LG is well positioned to be a leading provider of technologies for future mobility. # # # 1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/the-future-of-mobility-is-at-our-doorstep# 2 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/in-car-vehicle-infotainment-ici-systems-market-538.html 3 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2015/automotive-consumer-insight-revolution-drivers-seat-road-autonomous-vehicles 4 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/highway-driving-assist.asp View the full article

In part three of the AI Experience series, we discuss the importance of transparency in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Trust is the foundation of any good relationship. It is what allows us to feel confident that we can rely upon someone, or something, without reservation. When it comes to our relationships with government institutions, companies and other individuals, what’s crucial in developing trust is knowing that any personal information they know about us remains confidential. This is especially important in creating public acceptance of AI. Trust takes years to build, seconds to break. Data breaches and the misuse of sensitive information in the name of business has eroded consumers’ trust in AI solutions as the nascent industry attempts to find its footing.* In a recent study published by Capgemini, 75 percent of respondents surveyed said they wanted more transparency from services powered by AI and 76 percent felt there should be more regulation on how companies use AI. It goes without saying that the challenge for AI developers is how to secure and further improve consumers’ trust, not only in the technology itself, but in their own intentions, motivations and policies. According to Dr. Christina J. Colclough who advocates for global workers’ rights in the digital age, AI developers have an obligation to “introduce or enable trust in these systems.” The way to do that, she says, “is by having demands for transparency, fairness, and auditability, so that humans don’t feel that they are controlled by this algorithmic system, which knows more about me than I do.” Transparency in AI can be broken down into five key areas – explainability, communication, purpose, data privacy and interface, all which we’ll take a closer look at below. Explainability With machines now making more and more decisions that affect human lives, it’s important to be able to understand the process by which such decisions are reached. For this to happen, AI developers must be more open about their systems so that consumers and regulators can have a better understanding of what’s going on under the hood. This will allow users and other key stakeholders to decide whether or not they think the recommendations or findings of AI-based systems come from processes that reliably prioritize fairness and accuracy. “We need to build explainability into the process,” said Sri Shivananda, senior vice president and CTO of PayPal. “A customer should be able to see why something happened on a product or an experience and platforms need to be able to explain why any choice was made.” Communication End users will place more trust in AI – and have more realistic expectations for the technology – when they have a better understanding how it works, making clear, accessible communications essential. AI developers have a responsibility to accurately portray how their products do what they do, being upfront about any and all uses of personal data and addressing potential concerns customers might have in a straight-forward, factual manner. “You have to have an honest, authentic conversation with your consumers so that they know exactly what’s going on,” said Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO of the McIntosh Group, who sees simpler, more forthright communications as being critical to the wider adoption of AI. Purpose A clearly defined purpose is also essential, both for the AI system in question and any personal information the user must provide to take advantage of its features. This is so users can be sure their data and habits aren’t being used for unapproved reasons or to provide recommendations or functionalities that serve commercial interests rather than their own. A full disclosure of purpose helps consumers assess if they’re comfortable or not sharing their information, allowing them to determine whether it is being used to enhance the capabilities of AI, or merely as a means to gather data about their behaviors and preferences for marketing purposes. Developers must also enact effective oversight to ensure that the AI systems and services they develop continue to operate on the premise of providing value to the customer. Data Privacy For over a decade now consumers have provided their personal data in exchange for access to apps and online services, and more recently, to make use of AI solutions. So, probably many aren’t fully aware of the potential consequences of having their information stolen by bad actors. In fact, in a recent survey by PwC, 55 percent of respondents said they would continue to use or buy services from companies even after a breach. “I think the majority of ordinary citizens and ordinary workers cannot even imagine the power and potential of these technologies,” said Dr. Colclough. “We don’t know what the threats to our privacy and human rights are.” As AI systems become more prevalent in all areas of daily life, the opportunity for sensitive information to be compromised increases. Companies will need to invest ever more resources in data security if they are to foster trust and ensure the future success of AI technology. But, equally, investment is also needed to educate consumers about the inherent risks of sharing their personal information. Interface Making user-AI interactions as intuitive and seamless as possible will help companies boost the uptake of their intelligent offerings. A system that can read and interpret one’s behaviors and predict actions ahead of time could potentially be viewed as more invasive than helpful, preventing people from sharing accurate data or enabling all recognition and learning features. The development of interfaces that can speak and comprehend conversational language and recognize needs without being asked will introduce a human-machine relationship that is more personal and natural, helping to bring about the next level of the AI experience. # # # * https://www.edelman.com/news-awards/trust-technology-continues-erode-2020 View the full article