LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics show their wares at IFA

Tech

Published: 01 Sep. 2022, 19:09 Updated: 01 Sep. 2022, 20:14

LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics show their wares at IFA

LG Electronics displays a 97-inch OLED television at IFA 2022 held in Berlin. [LG ELECTRONICS]

LG Electronics will introduce the world's largest 97-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) television as well as its bendable OLED gaming monitor for the first time at IFA 2022 in Berlin, which returned as a full-scale, in-person event after two years of Covid-19 disruptions.

IFA 2022, the biggest trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances in Europe, will run for five days from Friday to next Tuesday at Messe Berlin. Samsung Electronics is also taking part in the tech fair to display its smart home appliances, internet of things (IoT) technologies and latest foldable smartphones.

Under the theme of "Life, Reimagined," LG Electronics is focusing on large TVs and flexible OLEDs.

At its 3,610-square-meter zone, the electronics maker will exhibit the OLED evo Gallery Edition television measuring 97 inches, which the company says is the world's largest OLED television. Other ultra-large screen TVs such as 88-inch LG Signature OLED 8K and 86-inch QNED 8K liquid crystal display (LCD) TV will be presented as well.

The new 97-inch OLED evo Gallery model with be released to the global market in the fourth quarter, according to the company.

The company also introduced a bendable OLED gaming screen, the OLED Flex, for the first time at the IFA 2022. The 42-inch OLED Flex can be used as both curved and flat screen, as consumers can adjust the level of curvature.

LG's latest high-end home appliances are to be showcased for the first time in Berlin as well.

The company on Thursday introduced a new refrigerator model, the LG Dios Objet Collection MoodUP, equipped with a light-emitting diode panel. Consumers can change the color display of the refrigerator with the LG ThinQ app. An chip for smart devices developed by LG Electronics was adopted in the refrigerator, said the company.

The MoodUP refrigerator will begin selling in Korea this month and in the global market starting next year.

LG Styler ShoeCase and ShoeCare, luxury shoe shelf models, are to be displayed for the first time as well. The shoe storage and display devices are a new addition to LG's Styler clothing care brand. Samsung Electronics has been already selling a similar shoe care appliance Bespoke Shoe Dresser since last year.

LG Electronics' LG Dios Objet Collection MoodUP refrigerator is displayed for the first time at IFA 2022 in Berlin. [LG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics will display its SmartThings system, BeSpoke home appliances, the Odyssey gaming monitors and the latest Galaxy Z foldable series at its City Cube Berlin exhibition zone inside Messe Berlin.

Samsung said on Thursday that it will expand its SmartThings device control system to encompass not only home appliances but also personal devices, and enable the SmartThings system to be interoperable with 300 other brands.

Samsung Electronics also introduced its "net zero home" system concept to connect the SmartThings system with Hanwha Q Cells solar panels and energy storage system.

The goal is to become the most energy-efficient home appliance brand, the company said.

At the Samsung Electronics, 10,072-square-meter space-themed "Do the SmartThings" and "Everyday Sustainability," the electronics maker will display its BeSpoke home appliances and technologies to cut energy consumption.

Benjamin Braun, Samsung Electronics Chief Marketing Officer in Europe, speaks during a press conference held on Thursday, a day before the IFA 2022 begins at Messe Berlin. [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Some 100 types of electronic gadgets and devices — from solar panels and electric vehicle chargers to lights and blind curtains — are going to be connected to home appliances with Samsung's SmartThings system.

Samsung Electronics said it will work with TikTok for music-related content. Further details on the agreement are to be released later.

During the IFA 2022, a demonstration of a cross-brand device control system developed by the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA) members will take place. A cross-brand control system enables consumers to control home appliance devices from other brands.

Samsung Electronics said that the cross-brand device control system will be available from the first half of next year for 13 HCA member companies. The HCA membership includes Samsung, LG Electronics, GE Appliances, Arcelik, Electrolux, Haier and Trane Technologies.

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics will run advertising campaigns to support Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan at IFA 2022.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]