LG has unveiled its latest innovation: a Signature microwave equipped with a 27-inch LCD touchscreen. This move further solidifies LG’s position in the burgeoning market of screen-integrated home appliances, intensifying the competition with rivals like Samsung.
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While LG touts the display as providing “an immersive entertainment experience,” critics may argue that it adds unnecessary complexity and cost to a kitchen appliance. However, LG emphasizes the convenience of monitoring cooking progress on the microwave screen, eliminating the need to manually check the oven.
This launch aligns with LG’s broader strategy to transition from a hardware-focused business to a platform-based service model. In September, the company began displaying full-screen ads on idle televisions, signalling a shift towards monetizing connected devices.
The Signature microwave joins a growing lineup of screen-equipped appliances, including the Signature refrigerator with a large transparent OLED “Instaview” touchscreen, as well as washers and dryers with smaller LCD displays. These displays enable users to control appliances, access entertainment, and manage their smart homes.
This move by LG comes on the heels of Samsung’s recent announcements regarding a wider range of display sizes for its home appliances, from 4.3 inches to 32 inches. This escalating trend reflects a shift towards screen-centric interfaces, replacing traditional buttons and dials with increasingly complex digital interactions.
LG has yet to announce pricing, availability, and shipping dates for its new Signature lineup. Further details are expected to be unveiled at the upcoming CES show in Las Vegas, commencing on January 7th.
