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Samsung making 3D glasses beautiful; LG beefing up wired appliance lineup By Kim Tong-hyung LG Electronics is vowing to stand out among the slew of electronics makers pumping up a wave of smarter home appliances, which aim to have technology transform the kitchen and laundry room as it did the living room. At the upcoming International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the Korean technology giant will unveil a renewed lineup of Web-enabled refrigerators, microwave ovens, washers and robot cleaners that interact with users through a central home network. The company says its ``total smart solution’’ is optimized for the era of ``smart grids,’’ which deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology, enabling the devices to communicate with the utility firms to save energy, reduce costs and enhance reliability.  ``We believe that 2011 will be the year when the market for smart appliances begin to shape up,’’ said Lee Young-ha, the director of LG’s home appliances business. LG’s wired appliances could be remote-controlled through portable devices like smartphones and tablet computers, allowing users to monitor and adjust fridge temperatures, operate the washing machines and have the robot cleaner double as an in-house close circuit camera (CCTV) with its mobility and built-in lenses. Internet connectivity also enables easier software upgrades, such as the microwave oven downloading new recipes. LG’s web-enabled refrigerator features a ``food management’’ program that updates the user on the food items left on the shelves as well as their expiration dates. The products will be equipped with self-diagnostic systems designed to alert users of any malfunctions or flaws through handsets and LG’s local service center. LG says its new smart appliances will be hitting global markets within the next six months. | |
| thkim@koreatimes.co.kr |
Sunday, January 2, 2011
When washers, ovens start talking back
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