Ultra-personalization
LG Electronics is releasing washing machines and dryers that can install and uninstall apps just like a smartphone. The company, which has previously focused on producing quality hardware products, plans to expand its business to include services and subscriptions that utilize these products.
Ryu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics’ Home & Appliance (H&A) Business Division, held a press conference at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul, on July 25 and announced the “UP Appliance 2.0” service.
President Ryu stated, “Customers use different types and functions of home appliances depending on their lifestyle. We will provide appliances that are precisely tailored to each individual’s lifestyle.” The UP appliances, first launched last year, are able to update their software and add new features, much like updating a smartphone’s operating system.
UP Appliance 2.0 released today aims to achieve “ultra-personalization.” Just as one can install and delete necessary apps on a smartphone, the same function will be provided for appliances. New features can be added through upgrades and users can remove infrequently used features.
To achieve this, LG Electronics will apply AI chips and operating systems for appliances, which they have been researching and developing in-house for over three years. The new features will first be applied to washing machines and dryers released today.
The company is also introducing a subscription system for appliances, integrating hardware products with non-hardware services. Consumers can select a subscription period between three and six years. An LG Electronics official explained, “From a consumer’s perspective, it reduces the initial product purchase cost and is economically beneficial since separate household services like non-face-to-face laundry can be cheaper when subscribed to all together.”