Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Samsung focuses on 'calm tech,' LG on user experience at CES
Models introduce Samsung Electronics' media installation at the company's booth for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics
By Baek Byung-yeul
By Baek Byung-yeul
LAS VEGAS ― Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, the two major Korean IT companies that are taking part in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, said Tuesday that they are focusing on providing a better customer experience with enhanced connected features at the world's largest tech event.
Both companies will occupy large promotional booths at the tech show, which will kick off its four-day run on Thursday. Decorating their booths with media installations, the two Korean companies said they are ready to woo customers and buyers with their latest gadgets.
Samsung brought up a somewhat old technology term, “calm technology,” at this year's CES. The term, first coined in 1995 in the book “Designing Calm Technology” written by Mark Weiser and John Seely Brown, refers to a technology that doesn't overtly reveal its existence but provides information when necessary.
At the CES, Samsung will try to show how its devices are integrated smoothly with its three software platforms ― its SmartThings internet of things (IoT) platform, Samsung Knox security platform and Bixby artificial intelligence (AI)-based voice recognition platform ― to highlight its calm technologies.
Samsung has set up the largest exhibition hall among participating companies, with a 3,368-square-meter space. The space introduces various keywords such as sustainability, home security, family care, health and wellness, entertainment and smart work to let visitors experience its SmartThings technology.
Visitors will be able to take a look at Samsung's devices such as the Neo QLED 8K TV, the Bespoke Family Hub Plus refrigerator that features a 32-inch screen, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and other Galaxy gadgets and smart monitors.
On the sidelines of the show, Samsung will operate the Bespoke Private Showcase for international buyers at the Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel and Casino so that buyers, not only from the United States but also from around the world, can experience the home appliances under its Bespoke brands.
Models pose with LG Electronics' media sculpture created by 260 OLED Flexible Signage displays at the company's booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday. Courtesy of LG Electronics
LG will also operate a 2,044-square-meter exhibition hall under the theme of “Life's Good,” the company's brand slogan, which links to its ultimate goal of making customers happier.
The company said visitors will experience “first, unique and new” feelings with its innovative products and services that focus on hyperconnectivity and take care of customers' diverse tastes.
The entrance of its exhibition booth will be decorated with a media installation called OLED Horizon created by 260 OLED Flexible Signage displays. LG said the installation incorporates technologies that can only be demonstrated with OLEDs.
At LG's booth, visitors can watch the MoodUP refrigerator that changes its exterior color by using the LG ThinQ smart home app, premium home appliances under the LG Signature brand, new OLED TVs and shoe care devices ― the Styler ShoeCase and the Styler ShoeCare.
Some other unique devices will also be introduced. The LG Labs zone will display the Hover Gym muscle training equipment that uses LG's best-in-class motor control technology; the excicle indoor bicycle and brid.zzz sleep care service that measures brain waves and provides the optimal sleep care program.