LG is set to unveil its first dedicated smart home hub, ThinQ ON, at the IFA2024 tech show in Berlin, Germany. This device, which was first showcased at this year's CES, is finally ready to meet the public.
ThinQ ON is a multi-functional hub that integrates artificial intelligence technology, capable of connecting and controlling LG appliances via Thread, Matter, and Wi-Fi, and also supports other brands' smart home devices.
In terms of design, ThinQ ON features a compact, round, white appearance that serves as both a smart hub and a smart speaker with LG's built-in AI voice assistant. LG claims that this AI assistant can understand natural language, analyze context, and learn user preferences, aiming to provide a more personalized smart home experience. The device is powered by LG's self-developed AI chipset, which is said to have good future scalability.
Image: LG
As a central control hub for smart homes, ThinQ ON allows users to monitor and adjust settings of connected devices via LG's ThinQ app and can create automation routines. The device has been certified by Matter, supporting multiple network connection options including Wi-Fi and Thread, and is compatible with a wide range of LG devices as well as an increasing number of third-party manufacturers' appliances and IoT devices.
The launch of ThinQ ON marks LG's formal entry into the comprehensive smart home platform market, similar to Samsung's SmartThings platform. Previously, LG's smart home solutions were mainly limited to controlling its own devices and appliances. Earlier this year, LG also announced that some of its TVs would support the Matter protocol, making them usable as Google Home Hubs, further expanding its smart home ecosystem.
Although the specific pricing and release date for ThinQ ON have not yet been announced, the industry widely believes that this device will be a significant part of LG's smart home strategy. As IFA2024 approaches, both consumers and industry insiders will be closely watching the actual performance of ThinQ ON and how it changes the way we interact with our home environments.