LG Electronics (LG) has taken a big step towards creating smarter spaces by fully opening up the Application Programming Interface (API) of its popular smart home platform, LG ThinQ. This move empowers developers to seamlessly integrate LG appliances into their programs and systems, fostering innovation in the smart home arena.
Unveiling the Digital Bridge: The LG ThinQ API
Launched through the newly established LG Smart Solution API Developer website (smartsolution.developer.lge.com), the LG ThinQ API acts as a digital bridge. It allows developers to connect various software programs to LG’s AI appliances, unlocking new functionalities and enhancing existing services.
ThinQ APIs for Individual Users and Business Partners
The LG ThinQ API caters to both individual users and corporate partners, offering distinct functionalities.
- ThinQ API for Individual Users: This API allows users to remotely control their LG appliances, whether at home or away, from various smart home platforms. This fosters customization, enabling users to create smart home experiences tailored to their lifestyles. For example, users of popular platforms like Home Assistant can now integrate and control an array of LG appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, alongside other smart home devices. This opens doors to exciting possibilities like automated routines and expanded functionalities.
- ThinQ Business API for Corporate Partners: Businesses managing office or residential buildings can leverage the ThinQ Business API to seamlessly integrate LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment like HVAC systems and signage, with their existing management apps. Imagine simplifying resident life in large buildings! They could reserve common area LG washers and dryers through the building app, while administrators could monitor temperature and humidity sensors from LG appliances for quick response to potential issues.
LG Expands Horizons with Athom Acquisition
LG’s commitment to a robust smart home ecosystem is further bolstered by their acquisition of Athom, a renowned smart home platform company known for its extensive connectivity with over 50,000 IoT devices. This acquisition brings Athom’s Homey hub, which connects various smart products from global brands, and their app store featuring control apps for diverse brands, into the LG ThinQ fold.
Ultimately, LG aims to integrate Athom’s open ecosystem with the AI capabilities of their LG ThinQ On hub. This fusion paves the way for a future where smart homes leverage generative AI to understand user preferences and deliver optimal living solutions.
By opening the LG ThinQ API and acquiring Athom, LG has made significant strides in creating a more connected and intelligent smart home future. This empowers developers, caters to individual users and businesses, and ultimately paves the way for AI-powered living spaces that prioritize user needs and comfort.
Commenting on this, Kim Kun-woo, vice president of LG’s Home Appliance Solution Company, said:
With the official launch of ThinQ AI, we aim to deepen engagement with open-source community smart home power users in the open-source community and broaden our collaboration with B2B partners. This initiative will bolster our efforts to create smart home ecosystems powered by LG appliances, enhancing customer experiences across multiple touchpoints.