Making a Difference to Beat Plastic Pollution
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By News Reporter
At LG Electronics, Better Life for All is more than a corporate vision or tagline – it’s a guiding principle that shapes everything we create. Central to our inclusive vision is a belief in universal design: the philosophy of crafting products and experiences to deliver convenience and comfort for everyone, regardless of age, gender or physical ability.
Committed to this philosophy, LG aims to go beyond functional innovation to provide unique lifestyle solutions that truly put people first. A deep understanding of our customers and the diverse environments in which they live is essential to this endeavor, which is why listening to the voice of the customer is such an integral part of our design process.
We have established systems to directly integrate real user feedback, especially from those with limited mobility – and seniors and children – into the product development stage. This includes operating an advisory group of people with disabilities and conducting in-depth usability testing. Both of these elements have proven instrumental in helping us to identify and minimize even the smallest points of user discomfort.
Designing with Empathy, Delivering with Purpose
Design at LG has always been about more than aesthetics. It’s about innovating with empathy to ensure usability, ease and enjoyment for all. For us, universal design is not just an outcome, but a mindset shared by all our teams – one that infuses human-centeredness into every decision, no matter how minor or inconsequential it may seem to someone looking in from the outside. From the first concept sketch to the final product experience, we view every touchpoint as an opportunity to make someone’s daily life simpler, safer and more enjoyable.
This approach requires us to design with people rather than for them. It challenges our teams to think beyond convention, to question what “easy to use” truly means and to continuously refine our technology to better meet and adapt to real human needs. When empathy is woven into the design process itself, innovation follows naturally. That is how we translate inclusivity from principle to practice.
Turning Philosophy into Practice: The Comfort Kit
Putting this philosophy into action, we launched the Comfort Kit – a series of affixable assistive kits designed to allow anyone to use our products easily, regardless of their gender, age or physical condition.
Some examples:
Easy Handle: Enables users with limited hand mobility to open washers and dryers with minimal effort.
Easy Ball: Helps those with reduced finger dexterity to manipulate control dials with ease.
Easy Hanger: Allows people using wheelchairs, or those who are shorter than average, to interact comfortably with the LG Styler.
Rotating Shelf: Improves refrigerator usability by making it easier to access hard-to-reach items. We have presented inclusive design solutions that improve the usability of existing products, becoming the first in the home appliance industry to introduce 14 accessibility-enhancing kits. These Comfort Kit series, designed to remove the “one-size-fits-some” barrier that many customers have long faced, are also sustainably manufactured – reflecting our commitment to protecting the planet.
Recognition Beyond Design
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. Globally, we are recognized as a model company for inclusive design.
We’ve shared our accessibility technologies and design philosophy at forums such as the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, where the Comfort Kit series was welcomed by both consumers and organizations advocating for underrepresented communities.
We also showcased this work at important global exhibitions such as IFA and CES. Our dedication to good design earned us the “Design Awards Grand Slam” – winning top honors at all three major global design awards, Red Dot, iF, and IDEA.
These accolades matter to us, but more importantly, they reflect our deep conviction that inclusive design is not just a feature – it’s a responsibility.
Designing for a Better Tomorrow
For us at LG, realizing the Better Life for All vision means creating unique products and experiences that feel right for everyone, and can be enjoyed by anyone. We will continue to advance accessibility so that all customers can take advantage of everything that our products and services have to offer. No caveats or compromises, only convenience and comfort.
By Sooyeon Kim, head of HS & ES Design Lab at LG Electronics
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By News Reporter
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Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to appreciate and protect our magnificent planet. It calls upon each of us to take significant actions towards fostering a healthier environment and a brighter tomorrow. This year, the theme of Earth Day is ‘Planet vs Plastic,’ chosen to highlight the urgent need to address the widespread problem of plastic pollution. Aligned with this is the ambitious goal announced by to reduce plastic production by 60 percent by 2040. From saying “no” to single-use plastics to embracing appliances made using recycled plastics, everyone can play a part in putting society on the path to a plastic-free future.
A company with a comprehensive ESG vision for a ‘Better Life For All,’ LG is involved in a wide range of initiatives that help the wellbeing of people and the planet. Its actions on plastic reduction is coupled with intensifying efforts to develop product solutions, and implement lifecycle strategies, that empower users to play a more active role in bringing about positive change. As these endeavors suggest, LG is committed to promoting a sustainable future while enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide.
LG’s Innovative Washer Helps Curb Microplastic Emission
Microplastics, minute plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have permeated oceans, soil and even the air we breathe. Their widespread distribution raises concerns for both the environment and human health.1 The washing of synthetic textiles is a significant source of microplastics released to oceans globally, accounting for up to 35 percent. This translates to around 200,000 to 500,000 tons of textile-related microplastics entering the marine environment every year.2
In an attempt to help people contribute to the mitigation of plastic pollution, LG’s new washer comes with the Microplastic Care cycle preinstalled.3 When set to this specialized cycle, the washer utilizes a ‘swinging’ motion and the TurboWash 360 feature to minimize fabric friction, providing gentle yet effective cleaning while reducing microplastic ‘shedding’ from garments by up to 60 percent.4
Additionally, the latest LG front-loader comes with AI Wash, which leverages the company’s Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) Direct Drive Motor and 6 Motion technology. Selecting the optimal washing motions based on fabric type, AI Wash provides improved fabric protection to help extend the lifespan of clothing.5 The new washer also optimizes detergent usage with ezDispense, which automatically dispenses the right amount of liquid detergent for each load.6
LG’s Plastic-reducing Initiatives for a Better Life
With a staggering one million plastic bottles used every minute, and up to five trillion plastic bags used annually, plastic waste is polluting our world at an alarming rate.7 Although they undoubtedly make daily life more convenient, home appliances are a substantial contributor to the problem of plastic waste. Recognizing this, LG has greatly expanded its recycling programs for discarded appliances, fostering a sustainable cycle that shows a better way forward for industry and the world.
LG has implemented a resource circulation program that now spans 52 countries, with the LG Recycling Center in South Korea playing a central role. Raw materials such as iron, copper, aluminum and plastic are extracted from old home appliances, then sorted and processed before ultimately being ‘reborn’ as new lifestyle appliances, such as the LG Styler ShoeCase and ShoeCare, LG PuriCare AeroFurniture and LG tiiun mini.
Catering to the needs of diverse customer segments, these innovative lifestyle appliances from LG feature outer surfaces made from recycled plastics. Through making upcycling a part of its process, the company is both reinforcing sustainability throughout the entire product lifecycle and presenting eco-concerned customers with a compelling range of stylish and practical solutions that speak to their values, as well as their tastes.
LG’s ongoing commitment to addressing the importance of recycled materials was also on show at IFA 2023 in Berlin, Germany, last September. The company’s exhibition booth hosted a number of activities to raise awareness of the importance of plastic recycling, including the planting of resin-pallet ‘trees’ at the LG Sustainable Village’s Upcycling Workshop Zone.
In 2022, LG recovered 472,876 tons of electronic waste from 52 countries, and has collected a cumulative total of 3,998,382 tons since 2007. The company used 32,987 tons of recycled plastics in its products in 2022, a 24 percent increase from 2021.
LG’s worldwide resource circulation program, aligned with the goals of the company’s Better Life Plan 2030, aims to increase the waste-recycling rate at LG production sites to 95 percent by 2030. Additionally, LG has set itself the target of using 600,000 tons of recycled plastics (cumulative) by 2030. Furthermore, LG intends to reach another major milestone – the collection of 8 million tons (cumulative) of discarded appliances by 2030.
LG remains resolute in the pursuit of its Better Life For All vision. The company’s state-of-the-art appliances offer convenient ways for customers to contribute to environmental protection, while its sustainability-focused recycling programs and production practices show a belief in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
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3 ThinQ UP washing machine users can download the new course from the ThinQ app Upgrade Center. Availability of features may vary depending on product model and region.
4 Tested by Intertek in July 2023. Microplastic Care cycle with 3kg of load (100 percent polyester training jacket) compared to Mixed Fabric cycle (F4Y7EYPBW). Comparing by measuring the amount of microplastics filtered through a 20㎛ filter. Results may differ depending on the item or items of clothing washed and on the usage environment.
5 The AI DD motor attached to washing machines detects fabric type by calculating the unique waveforms of the fabric and help reducing the damage. Feature availability may vary depending on the product models.
6 The application of ezDispense function varies depending on the washer model. The feature can dispense detergent for up to 31 loads when both the detergent and fabric softener compartments are filled with detergent to capacity.
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By News Reporter
Coming to Earlier LG Smart TV Models, webOS Re:New Program Gives More Users
Access to the Elevated Home Entertainment Experience Most Recent Platform Provides
SEOUL, Jan. 4, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) announced that it is offering the latest upgrade* of the webOS smart TV platform to owners of older LG Smart TVs, effectively evolving their smart TV into the ultimate home entertainment hub.
In early 2024, the webOS Re:New program will bring the latest webOS upgrade to every model in LG’s 2022 OLED TV lineup, LG OLED Flex, LG OLED Objet Collection Posé as well as LG’s 2022 QNED Mini LED 8K (QNED99/95 series), promising users the joy of a new TV experience for the next five years. This upgrade will be extended to more LG TVs worldwide in the future to add more entertainment and versatility to the TV experience across the world.
With the latest version of webOS, LG Smart TV owners can enjoy an even more personalized TV experience with a Home Screen that greets users with recommendations according to their tastes. The user interface is highly customizable, which means viewers can personalize the selection of content and services and access them with even greater ease. And to make the process even more seamless, the Quick Card UI intuitively sorts diverse content and services into categories like music, games and sports within a user-centric interface that resembles mobile user interface design.
What’s more, courtesy of advanced security technology and an optimized operating system, users are protected with a high level of stability, security and seamlessness throughout the entire viewing experience.
With more LG Smart TVs adopting the latest webOS upgrade, content providers and service developers will have more opportunities to spread new content, services and features to a wider audience.
LG has shared its bold vision to become a media and entertainment platform, a business transformation that will enrich customers’ lives by delivering valuable services and a unique collection of curated content across its wide-ranging products. Powering more than 200 million LG Smart TVs worldwide, webOS will continue to evolve through significant upgrades to constantly revolutionize the customer experience. LG is poised to invest heavily in its webOS business to secure a vast library of content and services so that it can cater to the diverse lifestyles and preferences of consumers, strengthening its competitive edge in content selection and convenience.
“Demonstrated by the constant improvement to the webOS platform’s UX and UI, LG is firmly dedicated to elevating convenience and security, ensuring that users benefit from a hassle-free and secure experience when using our products,” said Baik Seon-pill, leader of the LG Home Entertainment Company’s Product Planning Division. “We strive to provide life-enriching experiences for our customers by delivering a wide range of content and services on our TVs.”
The LG Home Entertainment Company’s latest innovations will be on show at CES 2024 from January 9-12 at the LG booth (#16008, Las Vegas Convention Center). To keep up with all of LG’s exciting announcements at CES, visit
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* Pop-up notifications offering a full upgrade without the need to select specific UX, UI or features are only sent to customers who have agreed to receive them. Please note that this upgrade does not cover the TV’s hardware performance, features or durability.
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By IlikeCookies
Hello, about 6 months ago my family bought a LG tv, I do not know the exact model or the name of it, but it has just destroyed the other internet connections when it is on, making my normal 50mb download speed go down to something around 2. It isn't just for my pc, it is for the Xbox in the living room too, as it suffers a little less than my computer but is sill a big and noticeable difference. I like to use 5Ghz internet, but 2.4Ghz is better for this, the router is closer to the TV if that is a question, and the internet in all my games just suck too, when the TV is off I have an average of 40ms on Overwatch 2, but when it is on I have near 500-600ms, Valorant is the same thing with average 20ms and when on its near average of 300ms, and I could make a claim about this for every games I've ever played.
If somebody has an answer please reply to this.
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By News Reporter
In this installment of On the Job, we go inside LG’s System Integrated Circuit (SIC) Center to learn how LG is leveraging the latest AI to help deliver new customer experiences.
Imagine if there was a refrigerator that could play music and change color to match your current mood or spice up your kitchen décor. Well, as it happens, such a fridge actually exists – the newly introduced refrigerator with MoodUP from LG. The unique capabilities and customer experiences offered by LG’s latest kitchen innovation owe much to the LG8111, an on-device AI system-on-chip (SoC) developed by LG’s SIC Center.
Even before it was known as LG Electronics, the company began producing chips for consumer electronics as far back as 1992, at the ASIC Center under Goldstar’s Central Research Institute. Now, LG’s SIC Center is responsible for developing all of the AI chips used in LG products. These technologies have evolved over time to become the AI-based integrated circuits now used in cutting-edge appliances and home entertainment solutions such as LG OLED TV, and now, the fridge with MoodUP.
(From left to right) Chang Woon-suk, lead of Smart Solution TP, LG SIC Center, and Lee Jin-jong, LG SIC Center professional
Greatly expanding the customer experience, the company’s latest AI chips can process innumerable data points and enable LG appliances to communicate with one another – and with other smart devices as well. LG8111, the new AI chip used in the MoodUP, features an acceleration engine that processes information gathered from the refrigerator’s built-in cameras, microphones and sensors in real time. This allows the MoodUP to quickly recognize changes in its immediate environment and adjust performance accordingly, facilitate more convenient interactions with users and accurately assess if all of its features are functioning optimally.
Recognizing the importance that AI will play in consumer electronics and wanting to find a solution to differentiate LG products, engineers at the LG SIC Center began to develop the LG8111 in 2017 and created the first prototype in 2018. The LG8111, a highly integrated AI chip that is equipped with an LG-specific AI processor, is perfectly designed for LG products. While the chip performs and functions better online, its AI functions can also be utilized offline as well.
Impressively, the LG8111 can provide three types of AI: vision intelligence (the ability to recognize and distinguish between different spaces, locations, objects and users), voice intelligence (the ability to recognize users’ voices or specific noises associated with a certain type of space) and control intelligence (the ability to adjust and optimize performance according to physical or chemical changes in the environment). Also, when connected to Wi-Fi, any product equipped with the LG8111 can transmit information to nearby devices or to cloud servers.
“We spent a considerable amount of time deciding which device would be the first to apply our new on-device AI chip,” said Chang Woon-suk, lead of Smart Solution TP, LG SIC Center.
Various appliances were in contention, but ultimately, the SIC team decided to go with a refrigerator, a choice made because the household fridge has the distinction of being the only home appliance to operate 24/7. The first recipient of the state-of-the-art chip, the color-changing LG refrigerator with MoodUP boasts a seamless voice recognition feature that allows for convenient, remote control and monitoring via the LG ThinQ app.
“All of our top-notch researchers at the LG SIC Center are dedicated to developing chip solutions based on the core goal of maximizing customer value,” said Chang. “While we’re pleased with the success of the LG8111, we will continue to push the envelope as a team to take the customer experience to the next level.”
The successful implementation of the LG8111 in the new LG refrigerator with MoodUP opens the way for the chip’s use in a wide range of LG solutions, from other smart home appliances to electric vehicle components.
Stay tuned to
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