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LG’s new minimalistic appliances are also upgradeable

LG’s new minimalistic appliances are also upgradeable

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For everyone that knows the only button a microwave needs is “Add 30 seconds.”

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Photo of LG’s all white fridge, washing machine, dryer, oven, and dishwasher showing cleaner design on white and blue background.
LG’s new lineup of minimalistic appliances is coming in 2023.
Image: LG

LG Electronics has a new lineup of minimalistic appliances that removes all unnecessary buttons and decorative flourishes in a refreshing “less is more” approach. The fridge, washing machine, dryer, oven, and dishwasher are said to feature improved controls for an “effortless” user experience.

The appliances are also upgradeable via software and hardware as part of a program LG launched in South Korea in January. LG says it’s coming to the US in March with other “key markets” to follow. Owner’s can update the company’s so-called “ThinQ UP” appliances via the ThinQ app. Some downloadable features coming in 2023 include a Laundry Saver Mode that keeps clothes tumbling after the cycle has finished to help prevent wrinkles and odors. Another is Improved Nighttime Brightness Control for refrigerators to prevent blinding users late at night.

The future is software.
The future is software.
Image: LG

“Upgradeability challenges the idea that expensive appliances are designed with planned obsolescence in mind,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics home appliances at the January launch. “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.” Let’s just hope LG isn’t taking a page from the automotive industry to extort money from customers in perpetuity by charging to activate basic features the appliances already come with.

Unfortunately, LG’s announcement lacks any detail like specs or pricing or dates of availability for the new appliances, so we’ll have to wait for CES to kick-off on January 5th to learn more.

Update December 28th, 3:35AM ET: Added additional details about LG ThinQ UP appliances and US availability.