LG’s second India Tech show in two years came close on the heels of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. LG was voted the most innovative device manufacturer for 2013 at Barcelona and not surprisingly the brand’s mobile category was one of the scene stealers at the Delhi event. However, it wasn’t all handheld devices, there were over 200 new products under the spotlight and quite a few of these devices could reach Indian retail stores in 2014. While this might have a ‘single brand’ show, it mirrored tech trends that could go mainstream over the next 12 or 24 months.
Wearable tech 2013 might have been the dawn but 2014 certainly looks like the year when wearable tech and smart watches will gather critical mass. Samsung’s Gear Fit won the award for best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet at the MWC 2014 echoing this trend. LG showcased two cool ‘wearables’ with fitness at its core. The heart rate Earphones measure blood flow signals from your ears to capture biometric data. The device can sync with your Smartphone via Bluetooth and share vital wellness data. It was the Lifeband Touch that made heads turn with its spiffy wristband style design. This intelligent activity tracker with a unique motion-sensing algorithm can pair effortlessly with your Android and Apple devices. The gorgeous touch OLED panel not only displays the time but also biometrics, incoming calls and music controls.
Smartphones The G2 was easily one of 2013’s standout devices, it marked the appearance of LG’s unique rear key feature — the power button and volume rocker are actually located on the back of the device. LG unveiled a 4G LTE version of the G2 at the Tech Show but this device is unlikely to be a game changer given India’s poor 4G network penetration. However, two other devices that first debuted at the MWC 2014 could give LG the much needed impetus. The G2 Mini takes a cue from the Mini versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, it features a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, an 8MP shooter and the newest iteration of Android-4.4 (aka KitKat). The LG Pro 2, the sequel to its 2013 phablet (The G Pro) aims to take on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with a 5.9-inch screen, 2.26 GHz quad-core processor and heavy duty battery.
Curved displays Could 2014 be the year when curved displays take centre stage? LG is certainly betting big on curves. The company unveiled the world’s largest Ultra HD Curved OLED TV that won recognition at the CES 2014 Consumer event at Las Vegas. This TV combines Ultra HD and OLED and is incredibly thin — just 4.3 mm. The colour temperature of each pixel on the gigantic 77-inch display is automatically controlled by the LG Colour Refiner, resulting in superior consistency and balance. Also on display was the world’s first Curved smartphone that has just been launched in India — the LG Flex with a gorgeous 6-inch OLED display. Rs. 69,000 might be a stiff price tag but it’s not just the unique viewing angles and screen resolution that set this device apart. The device has a ‘self-heal’ feature that makes scratches on its back disappear automatically.
Home entertainment Home theatre systems can be complex to set up and the wires that connect the rear speakers can get unwieldy. LG’s SoundPlate finds a fix, dispensing the need for multiple speakers and woofers. It’s designed ergonomically and can double as a base unit for your large flat screen television. It might be just 40 mm tall but packs a punch with 4.1 inch surround sound and dual built-in sub-woofers. The device also offers wireless audio streaming (from any device) via Bluetooth.
Home improvement The broom and the vacuum cleaner could soon make way for the next generation cleaning solution that looks straight out of a sci-fi film. LG’s new generation of robotic vacuum cleaners were on show at the event. The Hom-Bot Square is programmed to clean at set times in accordance with the personal preferences of the user. An inbuilt camera sets its path, allows it to discover areas that need extra cleaning and evade obstacles.
