LG Electronics introduces home appliances that can be regularly upgraded to feel like new

Photo by: LG Electronics Press Release

LG Electronics announced it will be launching a line of home appliances that can be upgraded regularly. With their ability to be constantly upgraded, the items will always feel like new.

According to The Korea Times, LG Electronics’ upgradable home appliance system will allow owners to modernize or enhance their appliances through updating their hardware and software. The South Korean company said on Tuesday, Jan. 25, that this will make the products new again since they will offer the latest functions and features with every upgrade.

The company is currently selling about 20 kinds of home appliances and this includes refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, air purifiers, dryers, dishwashers, and more. These items will now be released this year under the brand’s LG UP lineup. LG Electronics said it has created the UP home appliances to satisfy the consumers’ want of having a better user experience with appliances at home.

LG home appliances and air solution business unit president, Ryu Jae Cheol, said in a statement during an online press conference that the goal of their upgradable home appliances is to give a product experience that is new and smarter.

Users of LG appliances can upgrade their units through the LG ThinQ smartphone app. This application will notify the consumers if there are new upgrades available and they can pick which features they would like to apply to their appliances.

“Upgradeability challenges the idea that expensive appliances are designed with planned obsolescence in mind,” Ryu Jae Cheol further said in a separate press release. “We want customers to experience the feeling of getting a new washer or refrigerator throughout the entire lifecycle of an LG appliance, not just the first time they bring the item home.”

Korea Joongang Daily reported that prices for the LG Electronics upgradable appliances were not released but Ryu said it will be in a competitive price range. The company may assign authorized technicians if an appliance also needs parts and accessories installed for the upgrade.

Finally, LG Electronics’ goal for its UP appliances is for the consumers to be able to use their units longer and keep older appliances up to date. This is because the tech trends are moving so fast these days.

The upgrades will also prevent owners from feeling that their appliances are already outdated. The LG UP is initially available in South Korea and the company could add other markets later on.