LG cuts emissions by 38 million tons

LG Electronics (LG) cut emissions from the use of its products by 38 million tons in 2013, equivalent to the emissions generated by 1 million American households using electricity. This exceeded the company’s target to reduce emissions from the use of LG products by 30 million tons in a year, a target which LG had previously projected would not be reached until 2020.

Buoyed by this success, LG has set itself the even more challenging goal of cutting emissions associated with product use by 60 million tons a year in 2020 ― an accumulated reduction of approximately 420 million tons between 2009 to 2020. “A decrease of this size will have the same positive impact on air quality as the planting of 150 billion pine tree seedlings a year,” said the Josep Kim, the LG East Africa Managing Director.  

LG’s advanced technologies helped to lower greenhouse gas emissions through impressive energy saving performance. The company’s Linear Compressor used in refrigerators and Direct Drive technology in its washing machines are clear proof of LG’s commitment to, and leadership in, delivering environmentally friendly products. LG’s LED-backlit LCD TV achieved 67 percent improved energy efficiency[1] by using Local Dimming Technology and Smart Energy Saving Technology.

For its continued leadership in manufacturing and promoting efficiency, LG was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year-Sustained Excellence Award, the highest distinction bestowed upon ENERGY STAR partners. In Korea, LG has earned 98 low-carbon product certifications in the field of home appliances from the Ministry of Environment and Korean Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, more than any other manufacturer to date. Furthermore, LG was ranked first in the Carbon Management Global Leaders Club by CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) Korea from 2009 to 2012.

“Reaching this milestone could not have been possible if not for the dedication of our employees who have led the way in environmental stewardship,” said Joon-ho Kim, senior vice president and head of LG’s Quality Center. “We will continue to push the boundaries to bring innovations to our customers that are both technologically superior and environmentally responsible.”

LG launches earphones that track heart rate

LG Electronics has now made its first foray into the fitness technology market with earphones that measure your heart rate. In an effort to demonstrate that accuracy and comfort should not have to be sacrificed for good looks, LG Electronics (LG) will introduce its first fitness wearable devices to consumers starting this month.

LG Lifeband Touch and Heart Rate Earphones offer practical features and one of the most accurate data collection and analysis currently available, making it easier for wearers to take control of their health. Both devices can be wirelessly connected to most of today’s popular smartphones to create a full-featured wearable ecosystem.

LG Lifeband Touch features a bright, full-touch OLED display that provides easy, real-time access to a full range of fitness data so wearers can track their progress and adjust their workout plans accordingly. Lightweight and simple to use, a unique motion-sensing algorithm automatically turns on the display when wearers rotate their wrists.

LG Lifeband Touch features two sensors — a triple-axis accelerometer and an altimeter — that work together to provide the most accurate data in real time. What’s more, LG Lifeband Touch enables users to check incoming calls and messages and control their music playlists on their smartphones, keeping wearers connected while delivering an uninterrupted workout experience.

LG Lifeband Touch is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems and is designed to work with the LG Fitness app as well as popular fitness apps such as MyFitnessPal, Runkeeper and MapMyFitness.

The long-lasting -90mAh battery is good for five days of use between charges. And unlike other wearable fitness devices that are designed to be “one size fits all,” LG Lifeband Touch is available in three different sizes for the most comfortable fit possible.

LG’s Heart Rate Earphones are designed to provide accurate heart rate data by measuring blood flow signals in the ear via PerformTek^ sensor technology while also delivering excellent sound. Because of the unique physiology of the ear, wearers can get more accurate health and fitness metrics with LG’s Heart Rate Earphones than with other devices, especially when engaged in physical activity.

LG Heart Rate Earphones can be used alone or with LG Lifeband Touch. A separate clip-on medallion contains Bluetooth connectivity which sends data to the Lifeband Touch or a compatible smartphone. When using the LG Fitness App, users can also receive audible status updates informing them of their heart rate and VO₂ max (maximal oxygen consumption) levels in real time.

Following an earlier launch in the United States, LG Lifeband Touch will be rolled out in key markets in weeks ahead. Additional details of LG’s new wearable devices will be announced locally when the products are introduced in the East African market.

Lifeband Touch Key Specifications:

•          Display: 0.9-inch OLED (128 x 32)

•          Battery: 90mAh

•          Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0

•          Band Length: 196mm (XL) / 181mm (L) / 166mm (M)

•          Weight: 53.1g(XL) / 50.1g(L) / 49.9g(M)

Heart Rate Earphones Key Specifications:

•          Battery: 200mAh

•          Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0

•          Size: 46 x 33 x 17mm

•          Weight: 26.7g (Earphones) / 18g (Medallion)

•          Others: Hands Free Call, Voice Guide

LG rolls out premium smart appliances that “chat”

LG Electronics (LG) has launched premium smart appliances with revolutionary HomeChat™ messaging service in South Korea. HomeChat™ employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) and LINE, the popular mobile messenger app with over 300 million users, to let homeowners communicate, control, monitor and share content with LG’s latest smart appliances. Introducing a whole new level of convenience, the company’s premium smart appliance lineup includes a camera-equipped refrigerator, a washing machine that allows users to start and download washing cycles remotely via HomeChat™ and a Lightwave oven that supports NFC and WiFi for convenient control from any location.

LG HomeChat™ incorporates the popular LINE application to allow users to receive recommendations and control settings when away from home. “With an intuitive interface, HomeChat™ makes communicating with LG’s smart refrigerator, washing machine or oven much like chatting with a close friend,” said Josep Kim the LG East Africa Managing Director. 

For extra convenience, the Quick Button feature enables fast and easy access to each appliance’s most commonly used functions. HomeChat™ also gives users the choice of three different modes: Vacation, Away and Return-home. LG’s new service even brings an element of fun to appliances, offering a selection of over 40 unique LINE stickers to add an enjoyable, personal component to conversations.

“Today’s intelligent home appliances offer a variety of useful functions but many consumers still find setting them up an extremely complicated process.” said Seong-jin Jo, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance Company. “Not only does LG HomeChat help simplify and enhance our products, they also deliver a unique user experience, adding even more value to our customers’ lives.”

LG Smart Refrigerator

LG’s most advanced smart refrigerator incorporates several breakthrough innovations, such as the Smart View feature. Using the industry’s first built-in internal refrigerator camera positioned at the top of the main compartment, users can monitor exactly what’s inside their refrigerator on their smartphones or tablets. The wide angle camera can show content not only in the upper shelves, but also food items on the bottom-most shelf. The built-in camera detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator, capturing images of the food items stored inside when last opened. Using HomeChat™, users can immediately see exactly what they need to buy when they’re at the grocery store or supermarket.

And LG’s Smart Manager feature transforms the refrigerator into a complete food management system. Using the built-in LCD panel or LG Smart Refrigerator smartphone app, users can check the content of their refrigerator without opening the door. The Smart Manager’s Freshness Tracker makes it possible to input a wide range of foods and beverages to keep track of expiration dates. Smart Manager can also recommend meal options based on the ingredients stored in the refrigerator.

LG’s unique Health Manager can make recipe recommendations as well as daily and weekly meal plans based on the user’s personal profile. Age, sex, weight and height information are used to determine body mass index (BMI), which is then used to create an appropriate, personalized meal plan.

LG Smart Washing Machine

With HomeChat™, consumers can remotely control and monitor their LG smart washing machine from outside the home. By texting start washing cycle when they head for home, LG’s smart washing machine will ensure that the laundry is completed by the time they get home. And by texting what are you doing? users can receive real time updates on the washer’s progress. LG’s smart washing machine is equipped with an intuitive smart touch display that makes it easy to select or download appropriate wash cycles via a WiFi connection.

LG Smart Lightwave Oven

With HomeChat™ and Recipe Search, homeowners can converse with their smart LG oven to recommend recipes for specific dishes. Select Return-home using HomeChat™ and the smart oven will ask, what dish would you like to make today? and open the Recipe Search window. When ready to cook, the oven will set the oven’s temperature and cooking time for the particular dish. Users can receive alerts on their smartphones when new recipes are available, encouraging family members to try new and interesting dishes.

After its successful launch in Korea, LG plans to introduce the HomeChat™-compatible smart refrigerator, washing machine and oven in other markets including the United States.