South Korean consumer electronics major LG is scouting for partners among telecom operators in India, to offer its smart appliances connected with Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

The company is taking small steps to introduce its appliances equipped with features such as LG HomeChat and SmartThinQ that enable consumers to control and operate home appliances through smartphones. These appliances are connected through the internet.

By partnering with a telecom operator, it is looking to address the requirement for a network provider to connect with the different appliances in a household.

“We are prepared for smart homes and IoT-related products; but this is not a standalone device,” LG Electronics India Managing Director KIm Ki-Wan told PTI.

Being a total solution and service concept, it functions with devices that are connected through the internet, he added.

“The device is simple, it only needs a protocol interface. That is why, I will be meeting the head of a telecom service provider tomorrow to discuss this,” he added.

While he did not disclose the name of the telecom firm, Kim said the partnership will be ultimately decided depending on how it would help end consumers.

In advanced markets such as South Korea and the US, Kim said telecom operators have taken the lead in offering IoT services, for consumers to subscribe plans according to their needs.

LG HomeChat allows customers to receive notifications and reminders on smartphones about steps and status of progress on activities such as washing or cooking, and accordingly control it.

Likewise, the company’s SmartThinQ allows consumers to control connected appliances at home from anywhere.

comment COMMENT NOW