LG Electronics adds Xbox games to LG Smart TVs as part of new gaming portal

by Thinus Ferreira

LG Electronics is adding hundreds of Xbox games with the Xbox app on LG Smart TVs as part of a new gaming portal.

Users of new LG Smart TVs will now be able to play a wide selection of PC and console games from various game makers, including from Xbox within a new gaming-centric hub.

According to LG Electronics available Xbox games will include Call of Duty: BlackOps 6 and Avowed. With Game Pass Ultimate players will be able to stream a catalog of select Xbox games they own such as NBA 2K25 or Hogwarts Legacy.

"We are thrilled to announce the partnership with Xbox, which aims to enrich the gaming experience on LG Smart TVs with a broader selection of popular games," says Chris Jo, senior vice president of platform business at the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company.

"The gaming portal will provide users with a seamless, convenient and exciting way to enhance the gaming experience on LG Smart TVs."

Lori Wright, Xbox corporate vice president, says "Our partnership with LG will help players easily discover and play games through the new gaming portal on LG Smart TVs".

"We're fortunate to have a great partner in LG who will bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players, letting new and longtime Xbox'ers find their favourite games and play with friends across screens."

The LG gaming portal will provide a comprehensive overview with an app list that includes cloud gaming apps, webOS app games playable with the remote controller, recently played titles, the top 10 most popular games, editor's picks, as well as other tailored, user-friendly gaming experiences.

LG Electronics launches its world-first LG Signature OLED T transparent TV set

by Thinus Ferreira

LG Electronics has launched its 77-inch LG Signature OLED T - the world's first transparent and wireless 4K OLED TV set - in the United States, with other markets that will follow.

Unveiled a year ago at CES 2024, LG Electronics says that the LG Signature OLED T represents "a monumental leap in both technology and design innovation, reflecting LG's relentless drive to delivering new and better".

The LG Signature OLED T can switch between a transparent and opaque screen - a unique ability that allows for different OLED viewing experiences within the personalised space where you place the TV.

For instance, it can now stand in front of a window, or an open area and be transparent, but can turn into a TV set when needed.

"LG Signature OLED T is an exceptional user-focused innovation that offers a distinctive, multi-faceted viewing experience and unprecedented spatial flexibility," says Park Hyoung-sei, president of the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company, in a supplied statement.

"LG remains at the forefront of innovation by combining its industry-leading OLED technology with unique form factors, transparent screens, wireless connectivity and more, delivering unparalleled, life-enriching advancements no other TV maker can replicate."

LG Electronics says the LG Signature OLED T "can effortlessly switch between transparent and opaque modes at the touch of a button, unlocking unique possibilities for entertainment and space design".

"When in transparent mode, the OLED T offers a futuristic content experience that must be seen to be believed. The screen not only creates the illusion of content floating in mid-air but also produces a mesmerising effect by merging the on-screen visuals with the surrounding space."

According to LG Electronics the LG OLED T comes with a suite of versatile features that "optimally leverage the unique advantages of a transparent OLED screen, enhancing its distinctive value".

One is the T-Objet, an Always-On-Display (AOD) mode that transforms the screen into a transparent digital canvas, ideal for showcasing artwork, videos or photos in incredible colour and clarity.

There is also T-Bar - a sleek info-ticker that appears along the bottom edge of the screen, providing sports results, IoT device statuses, weather forecasts or song title information.

The rest of the screen remains unused when T-Bar is active, presenting a clean, uncluttered look and a clear view of the space behind LG's "virtually invisible" display.

The T-Home functionality offers a user-friendly interface that delivers a well-organised overview of available services, as well as quick access to apps, settings and other features.

LG says the TV's transparency "allows it to be placed centrally without being obtrusive or positioned in front of windows without blocking natural light or views of the outdoors".

"The transparent 4K OLED screen, combined with LG's true wireless video and audio transmission technology, promises not only the aesthetic value but also an enhanced home entertainment experience. Free from tangled cables, the device delivers an immersive, distraction-free viewing environment."

The LG Signature OLED T has LG's proprietary Zero Connect Box, a visually lossless wireless video and audio transmission solution without latency, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. 

With supporting 4K at 120Hz variable refresh rate, OLED T has been certified by NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium to eliminate tearing and stuttering for a dynamic, true-to-life gaming experience. 

Powered by LG's advanced α (Alpha) 11 AI processor, the OLED T intelligently optimises both picture and sound quality, delivering unparalleled visual and auditory experiences.

LG Electronics improves its 2025 QNED evo TVs in AI, personalisation and wireless capabilities

by Thinus Ferreira

LG Electronics has made further improvements to its 2025 QNED evo line-up of TV sets, further building out its wireless, artificial intelligence (AI) and personalisation capabilities.

LG Electronics says that its 2025 QNED evo line-up has new proprietary wide colour gamut technology, a true wireless viewing experience that transmits 4K 144Hz images without loss of picture quality or delay, AI-enhanced picture and sound processing, as well as an ultra-personalised AI-based customer experience with the help of webOS 25.

"Our renewed 2025 LG QNED evo line-up inherits OLED's differentiated picture quality along with a true wireless viewing experience and ultra-personalised solutions to deliver an outstanding super-large viewing experience that no other LCD TV can offer," says Hyoung-sei Park, president of the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company.

"LG continues to strengthen its competitiveness in the global premium TV market through a dual-track strategy," the TV maker says.

"This strategy emphasises LG's market-leading, self-emissive OLED lineup and the QNED evo series – a premium LCD TV line-up that incorporates key OLED innovations, such as advanced AI capabilities and wireless convenience."

According to LG Electronics, the 2025 QNED evo line-up has an improved colour gamut compared to previous models due to LG's new proprietary wide colour gamut technology, Dynamic QNED Colour Solution, which replaces quantum dots. 

This technology enables light from the backlight to be expressed in pure colours which are as realistic as they appear to the eye in general life.

With the application of Dynamic QNED Colour Solution, the entire 2025 QNED evo line-up is certified by the global testing and certification organisation Intertek for Colour Volume (measuring a screen's ability to display the rich colours of original images without distortion).

In 2025, LG will also unveil the QNED evo (QNED9M) featuring its True Wireless 4K technology.

This innovation, previously exclusive to the top-tier OLED evo model (M Series) last year, will now be available in the QNED evo line-up, LG Electronics says.

LG Electronics says that this expansion allows viewers to enjoy high-definition 4K content wirelessly, without compromising on picture quality or experiencing delays, moving beyond the limitations of traditional wired connections.

"The wireless solution utilises a separate Zero Connect Box to transmit high-definition video at up to 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz."

"The QNED evo is designed to minimize screen disconnection and deliver natural images even in a wireless setup. Additionally, it has earned AMD FreeSync Premium certification. The TV itself requires only a power cord, allowing for more convenient storage of gaming consoles and set-top boxes."

LG Electronics says that it also continues to raise the picture and sound quality of its QNED evo line-up by offering more powerful editions of its proprietary AI processors.

The 2025 LG QNED evo models are equipped with the α8 AI Processor, offering close to 70% improvement in AI performance compared to 2024. 

According to LG, this processor delivers picture and sound at a level worthy of ultra-large TVs.

"These AI capabilities include more advanced upscaling, analysing the filmmaker's intent to adjust picture noise and presenting faces, objects, text and backgrounds more naturally."

"Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro breaks down each scene to fine-tune HDR effects and brightness for each zone. Moreover, AI converts 2-channel sound sources to virtual 9.1.2 channel sound for a richer audio experience."

"It also distinguishes voices from background sounds and makes them clearer, while audio sounds natural as if it were coming from the centre of the TV screen."

The new AI Magic Remote, included with the 2025 QNED evo, features a new AI button for easy analysis of viewing preferences and recommendations on what to watch and which apps to use."

LG Electronics says Personalisation is further enhanced by Voice ID, Generative AI Gallery and customised TV picture and sound quality modes.

"A short press on the AI button guides users to relevant keywords and TV features, while a long press enables personalised searches based on a large language model (LLM)."

"For example, if a user is planning a trip to France, they can ask their remote, 'Recommend movies to watch on my trip to Paris.' The AI will understand the context and suggest movies set in the French capital, including specific genre recommendations based on the user’s viewing preferences."

LG Electronics' proprietary smart TV platform, webOS25, further improves the customer experience by offering hyper-personalised service advancements and content.

It does this through its "best-of-all-time" AI features and the ongoing webOS Re:New Program, which includes webOS upgrades for 5 years.

The 2025 QNED line-up will also now range from 40 to 100 inches as LG is expanding its QNED lineup by introducing a 100-inch option in response to customers' demand for ultra-large, premium LCD TVs.

LG launches the LG 77 OLED M3 as the world's first wireless OLED television.

by Thinus Ferreira

LG Electronics has launched the world's the world's first completely wireless OLED television with its LG 77 OLED M3 that only requires a power cable connection to the TV screen to work, as well as a Zero Connect Box.

LG says the LG 77 OLEM M3 "will revolutionise the way consumers experience audiovisual technology, offering an unparalleled home entertainment experience".

LG's 77 OLED M3 comes with an entirely wireless design and eliminates the need for cumbersome cables that clutter the space and limit placement options. 

"This is made possible by including the Zero Connect Box, an innovative appliance that serves as the central hub for all input and component devices," LG explains.

"The rear of a TV panel is typically a maze of cables and connections, often leading to an unsightly and inconvenient setup, especially when the TV is wall-mounted. However, the LG 77 OLED evo M3, with the Zero Connect Box, eliminates these issues by wirelessly transmitting content to and from the screen, offering a clutter-free, seamless experience," LG says.

"This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the TV but also streamlines the installation process, making it a hassle-free, future-facing solution," says Lance Berger, head of sales in home entertainment at LG Electronics South Africa.

"It is important to note that consumers do not need to purchase the M3 and a separate Zero Connect Box; the M3 comes bundled with this premium accessory. This underscores the M3's status as the most premium TV in LG's lineup, offering a truly cutting-edge, non-clutter, high-tech innovation that is unparalleled in the industry."

"The LG completely wireless OLED evo M3 television represents the pinnacle of home entertainment technology, offering unmatched visual and audio experiences. It showcases LG's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the lives of consumers."

The LG 77 OLED M3 Specifications:

KZN flooding: LG Electronics SA says it's working hard to prevent delivery disruption of LG products to retail and South African consumers.

by Thinus Ferreira

LG Electronics South Africa says it's been working hard to prevent distribution disruption of its goods and services following the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal that impacted the Durban harbour. 

LG Electronics SA, one of the biggest suppliers of home appliances including smartphones, OLED TV sets and other TV, audio and video equipment within the South African market, had a factory and warehouse in Durban but it was looted and burnt in July 2021 after which LG Electronics SA moved operations to Johannesburg.

Earlier this month South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province experienced extremely heavy rainfall that led to disastrous flooding and the loss of hundreds of lives. With a growing humanitarian disaster, billions of rand of damage were caused to infrastructure and property, including the Durban port and cargo containers.

In response to a media query, LG Electronics SA tells TVwithThinus that after July 2021 and the looting of its Durban-based factory in Cornubia Industrial Park in Sundew Road in north-Durban, LG moved operations to its South African headquarters in Johannesburg.

"Our team, like many other businesses, have been affected by the impact on product transported via the Durban port," says Jonkook Kang, president of LG Electronics South Africa.

"We are working hard to ensure continued delivery and service of LG products to our retail partners and South African consumers".

TVwithThinus also reached out to Samsung South Africa last week on how it has been affected but didn't get a response yet.

ALSO READ: South Africa's KZN flooding disaster: How flooded sets paused production and pushed out filming on Uzalo, Durban Gen, Imbewu and a movie.

LG Electronics South Africa unveils features of its new UltraGear 24GN600-B and 27GN650-B Nano IPS 1ms gaming monitors.

by Thinus Ferreira

LG South Africa has unveiled its new range of UltraGear gaming monitors at a virtual media event to showcase the features of its newly released 24GN600-B and 27GN650-B Nano IPS 1ms monitors.

With LG's UltraGear brand of gaming monitors that have long been an industry staple, LG South Africa will be launching these impressive new monitors for consumers on 13 October.

LG South Africa says that the new 24GN600-B and 27GN650-B Nano IPS 1ms monitors continue the brand's goal of improved usability for gamers, with the new UltraGear monitors that house the latest gaming hardware and next-level specifications, all packed into a beautifully-crafted, sleek, and ergonomic design.

LG's 24GN600-B full-HD monitor comes in at 23.8 inches and offers incredible speed – IPS 1ms comparable to TN Speed – which means smoother gameplay and a faster response time. 

This is further supported by an ultra-fast refresh rate of 144Hz for rapid responses. With HDR10 True Colours, players can immerse themselves in realistic gaming environments with rich, true-to-life colours and contrast. 

There is also the  monitor's seamless gameplay that is AMD FreeSync Premium that reduces screen tearing and stuttering.

"We know that in gaming, every split second counts," says Grant Kruger, business lead ID/IT at LG Electronics South Africa.

"This is why we have developed a range of gaming monitors that are fast enough to keep up with whatever you throw their way."

The larger 27-inch 27GN650-B monitor also boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, outstanding colour accuracy, and dynamic contrast.

This gaming monitor is also NVIDIA-tested and G-SYNC compatible, meaning that gamers can enjoy smoother visuals on screen, and frames load a lot quicker. The monitor's screen is virtually borderless and can easily be adjusted to a gamer's unique comfort needs.

LG Electronics South Africa's warehouse and factory in Durban looted and destroyed after building is set alight by criminals.

by Thinus Ferreira

LG Electronics South Africa's warehouse and factory in Durban supplying TV sets and other products to South Africa and into Africa was looted and the building then set alight and burnt down by criminals as part of the ongoing unrest in the country.

The Korean Embassy in South Africa confirmed that the country's LG Electronics warehouse and factory in Cornubia Industrial Park in Sundew Road in north-Durban was looted by 9 people on Monday, after which 120 more criminals joined to steal products and appliances, including TV sets, manufactured and stored in the warehouse.

On social media shocking videos circulated of criminals taking everything they could carry, even driving away with a forklift filled with LG NanoCell TV sets.

LG South Africa on Tuesday also abruptly cancelled an LG UltraGear gaming monitor media event that would have taken place virtually on Wednesday. LG said that a new date for the event would be communicated later.

"In light of the unfortunate activities taking place across parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, LG Electronics would like to inform you that a decision has been made to postpone the UltraGear Gaming event," the company told the media.

Deuk Soo Ahn, president of LG South Africa, in response to a media enquiry, told TVwithThinus in a statement that "We take the safety of our workers seriously and reassure South Africans that we are working as swiftly and with great caution as we investigate the impact of what occurred at our factory in Durban."

"It's by no means an easy situation, and we are working hard to ensure operations get back up and running."

"We can confirm that no workers have been injured due to the factory looting and fire. The current situation is under investigation by our executive team," LG SA said.

ALSO READ: Samsung South Africa's biggest warehouse in Durban and several of its service centres in KZN looted and destroyed after building is set alight by criminals.

ALSO READ: Telkom has closed all South African stores indefinitely after after violence and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

ALSO READ: MultiChoice shutters its main MultiChoice City campus in Randburg, closes walk-in service centres in KZN and Gauteng as a precaution following unrest.