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LG's "Texting Appliances" Hit Stores in South Korea

HomeChat allows you to control and monitor your fridge, washing machine, or oven by literally texting them.

The line of LG smart appliances with HomeChat. Credit:

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Last year, LG unveiled its new HomeChat technology, which allows users to monitor and control their appliances through simple text messages. On Wednesday, the company announced that it's finally rolling out appliances featuring HomeChat in South Korea.

Unlike other smart appliances, HomeChat responds to written texts using Natural Language Processing. This allows consumers to, for example, start a heavy wash cycle by simply texting the machine, “start heavy wash cycle.”

The HomeChat-equipped smart appliances unveiled this week include a refrigerator, a washing machine, and an oven. In addition to texting capability, the fridge comes equipped with an interior camera that allows owners to remotely monitor what’s inside. It also includes a complete food management system and a Health Manager program for recipe recommendations.

The washing machine can be upgraded with downloadable wash cycles, and the oven can recommend recipes for specific dishes. All three smart appliances can be controlled through text messages, and deliver status updates to the owner’s phone.

“Today’s intelligent home appliances offer a variety of useful functions but many consumers still find setting them up an extremely complicated process,” said Seong-jin Jo, president and CEO of LG Home Appliances. “Not only does LG HomeChat help simplify and enhance our products, they also deliver a unique user experience, adding even more value to our customers’ lives.”

HomeChat also includes a “Quick Button” feature that allows easy access to the most commonly used functions on each appliance.

While currently only available in South Korea, HomeChat will eventually launch in the U.S. and other markets. However, no specific dates have been announced.

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