KT extends product lineup for its smart home

Telecommunications operator KT said on Friday that it extended the product lineup for its smart home service to include a refrigerator, washing machine, oven and robot vacuum cleaner.

The smart home platform, called GiGA IoT Home, allows users to control features of their appliances through a smartphone or tablet.

Until now, the platform had only supported an air conditioner and air purifier.

Through the platform, users can comprehensively manage a set of connected devices through a single smartphone application, controlling things like operating hours and adjusting different functions.

It also allows for machine-to-machine connection through a home WiFi network.

The latest additions are the result of a partnership with Samsung Electronics.

The company said it won’t charge additional fees through the end of this year to increase market share.

“We will keep increasing the range of products under the automated platform in cooperation with Samsung Electronics,” said Kim Geun-young of KT’s IoT business development division.

“Along with the partnership, we will continue to seek other ways to provide convenient services for consumers,” he said.

The three major telecom companies, which also include SK Telecom and LG U+, are all trying to carve out their own niche in the smart home service and Internet of Things-related markets.

Alongside home appliances, KT is working on combining health and entertainment services.

KT launched a new segment called “healthtainment” under its GiGA Home IoT platform

Services include connecting workout equipment to videogames hosted on the Olleh IPTV platform for more, as well as a virtual golf-coaching program.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]