LG released the SmartThinQ Sensor in August, which can turn traditional home appliances into smart devices, as well as communicate with other objects and users. It supports iHeartRadio, or you can pair with a tablet or smartphone to use the SmartThinQ Hub as a Bluetooth speaker.
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“Data is displayed in the form of notifications on the LCD screen or announced through its embedded speaker, acting as the central “hub” of the smart home”.
Set to be shown off at the upcoming CES in Las Vegas, LG has unveiled the SmartThinQ Hub, a core for your smart home.
LG hasn’t revealed pricing or availability details just yet, but the announcement does make sure to point out you’ll be able to get the SmartThinQ Hub in champagne gold or black finishes, which is all you really need to know when you’re planning to upgrade and future-proof your home. Samsung has already confirmed that the Internet of Things (IoT) is going to be a huge focus on its stands at January’s International CES, and now its closest direct competitor, LG, has announced that it’s bringing a host of new smart and connected products to the show too. The Amazon Echo may have been the tip of the iceberg, and while we have a long way to go towards full home automation, gadgets like the Echo and the SmartThinQ are a step in the right direction. It is also unclear if the SmarThinQ Hub will also display other smartphone notifications such as calls, texts, social media notifications and so forth similar to how smartwatches handle them. Having a display gives the device an edge over Amazon’s Echo, but you can’t speak to the SmartThinq Hub like you can to Amazon’s device.
The SmartThinQ Hub touts compatibility with several smart home devices and common protocols, such as Bluetooth and Z-Wave. “An open platform and strong partnerships with industry leaders are what will make smart home technology more accessible and more convenient to consumers”.
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LG’s SmartThinQ-branded ovens and washing machines were among the first generation of smart appliances.
