LG officially opens its API for its smart home platform ThinQ, inviting users and developers to create integrated smart spaces with LG devices.
The company recently launched its LG Smart Solution API Developer website, officially opening the LG ThinQ API to enable developers to integrate features of LG AI devices into their programs or systems.
What are the guidelines for working with LG's ThinQ API?
According to LG, the API is divided into two categories: the ThinQ API for individual users and the ThinQ Business API for corporate partners. The ThinQ API allows remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.
For individual users, the ThinQ API supports controlling and monitoring AI devices registered in the LG ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. By using the ThinQ API, users can easily create a customized smart home that fits their lifestyle, LG says.
For example, users of the global smart home platform Home Assistant can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI devices, including refrigerators and washing machines, within their existing smart home environment.
For businesses, the ThinQ Business API helps partners operating office or residential buildings integrate and manage various LG products, from home appliances to commercial devices such as HVAC and signage, with their existing app, LG says.
For example, large residential buildings can integrate LG devices into their existing management apps for more convenient use. Residents can reserve use of LG washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or administrators can use LG's temperature and humidity sensors to detect unusual conditions in the building and quickly respond to problems through alarm features, the company said.
A burgeoning trend among companies opening smart homes
The announcement mirrors that of Google in May 2024, when the tech giant opened its Home API for professional use. Since then, ADT has integrated facial recognition capabilities into its security platform, while Eve is available on Android devices thanks to the Home API.
LG says it has also accelerated the integration of external products and services into the LG ThinQ platform through the acquisition of smart home platform company Athom, known for its comprehensive IoT device connectivity.
According to LG, Athom's smart home hub Homey currently connects over 50,000 types of home appliances and IoT devices, and the Athom App Store offers around 1,000 apps that connect and control products and services from global brands such as Philips and Aqara. LG plans to integrate Athom's extensive open ecosystem and IoT device connectivity into the AI home hub LG ThinQ On, with the goal of creating an AI home where generative AI better understands customers and provides optimal space solutions.
“With the official launch of ThinQ AI, we want to deepen our engagement with smart home power users in the open source community and expand our collaboration with B2B partners. “This initiative will strengthen our efforts to create smart home ecosystems with LG appliances and enhance customer experiences across multiple touchpoints,” said Kim Kun-woo, vice president of LG’s Home Appliance Solution Company.
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