LG Electronics Launches Korea's First Voice Recognition Water Purifier

LG Electronics has created the first water purifier in Korea equipped with voice recognition functionality, the PuriCare Objet Collection water purifier. It is the first LG UP appliance water purifier that adds new features through the 'UP Appliance Center' in the LG ThinQ app. (Photo by LG Electronics)

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[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] LG Electronics announced on the 2nd that it has launched the country's first voice recognition PuriCare Objet Collection water purifier.

The new product released the day before is equipped with voice recognition functionality. It addresses areas where customers experience inconvenience. For example, when customers have to press buttons multiple times to adjust the water volume or temperature, or when their hands are dirty with food making it difficult to press buttons, the voice recognition feature provides a solution.

First, it allows precise water dispensing in 10ml increments using voice commands alone. For instance, if a customer says "Hi LG" followed by "Give me 550ml of cold water," they can receive the desired amount without pressing any buttons. Water usage by period can also be checked using voice commands only.

A customized dispensing function has also been newly applied. Customers can register up to three frequently used water temperatures and volumes, such as for coffee or formula, in the LG ThinQ app, then select them by pressing a customized dispensing button. Afterward, pressing the dispensing button will release water according to the preset settings.

Attention was also paid to interior design. The upper part of the dispenser can be detached and installed either horizontally or vertically, allowing users to switch as desired. Five expert-selected Objet Collection colors have been applied: Calming Cream White, Calming Pebble Gray, Calming Beige, Calming Pink, and Calming Cream Sky. A sophisticated two-tone design harmonizes the front and side panels. The front panel color can also be replaced if desired. LG Electronics is conducting a launch commemorative event from this month through next month, allowing customers to apply for one free panel of their preferred color on the website.

The new product is the first water purifier in the LG UP appliance lineup that adds new features through the LG ThinQ app's 'UP Appliance Center.' Additional voice commands and features such as night glare prevention will be provided in the future.

The new model inherits the existing strengths of LG PuriCare water purifiers, such as hygiene management and convenience features. For example, the high-temperature sterilization function sterilizes all sections inside the purifier where drinking water flows with hot water. From the filter that purifies the water to the stainless steel direct water pipe, weekly high-temperature sterilization keeps the interior clean without worries about bacteria or scale. The dispenser outlet can be additionally sterilized with high temperature whenever the customer wants. The 'UV Nano' feature, which automatically sterilizes with ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for 10 minutes every hour, is also applied.

If the new product is used with a 5-year contract including on-site management, customers pay between 40,900 and 42,900 KRW per month depending on the manager's visit cycle. If customers rent the product only and manage it themselves, the monthly fee drops to 38,900 KRW. Extending the contract period to 6 years reduces the monthly fee by an additional 4,000 KRW.

Hyunwook Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of the Kitchen Appliance Business Division at LG Electronics H&A (Home Appliance) Business Headquarters, said, "Through the PuriCare Objet Collection water purifier, which combines differentiated hygiene functions, design, and the convenience of Korea's first voice recognition, we will provide a customer experience on a different level."

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