Skip to main content

Stick LG’s sensor on your old appliances to make them smarter

the lg smartthinq sensor makes appliances smart
Image used with permission by copyright holder
At IFA 2015, we expect to see lots of smart fridges and ovens, but LG is taking a bit of a different approach. In the lead-up to the event, LG announced its SmartThinQ Sensor this week. It looks a bit like a knob, and the round device attaches to existing appliances, including washing machines and fridges.

Outfitted with temperature and other sensors, the SmartThinQ can give you insight into your formerly dumb household machines. There aren’t a lot of details on how it all works, but LG claims the sensor can perform lots of tricks, from telling you when the laundry is done when attached to the washing machine to alerting you that a certain food is about to expire if you put in in the fridge. What exactly it’s detecting with the spoiled food isn’t clear, though it can keep track of how many times the door opens. As for the laundry, it can pick up on when the vibrations on the machine cease. It will also let you control air conditioners and other devices remotely, according to LG.

LG Smarthin Q sensor
Image used with permission by copyright holder

“Adoption of smart home appliances has been slow because of the perception that the technology is not easily accessible,” said Jo Seong-jin, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company in a statement. “LG is committed to continuing its leadership in the smart home market with innovations such as LG SmartThingQ, which provides real-life benefits and offers new lifestyle conveniences through technology that is easy to use.”

Of course, LG does have a line of smart appliances, including the SmartThinQ oven and connected air conditioner. Considering the former is $1,400 and the latter is $600, the sensor will likely be cheaper than doing a full appliance upgrade. We’re definitely interested in hearing more about how the device works too. LG hasn’t yet offered details on pricing and availability.

Editors' Recommendations

Jenny McGrath
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jenny McGrath is a senior writer at Digital Trends covering the intersection of tech and the arts and the environment. Before…
This Tineco cordless vacuum is 35% off in Amazon’s Big Spring sale
Cleaning the carpet using the Tineco Pure One S11 Spartan cordless vacuum.

The Amazon Big Spring sale brings with it some great cordless vacuum deals. Right now, you can buy the Tineco A11 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum for $189 meaning you save a huge $101 off the regular price of $290. The 35% saving is a pretty huge one and one that’s likely to not stick around for long given the sale is very limited. Check it out now by hitting the button below or read on while we take you through what you need to know about it.

Why you should buy the Tineco A11 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
Sure to be one of the best cordless vacuums for many pet owners, there’s plenty to appreciate about the Tineco A11 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum. It has a 450W rated motor which is suitable for both carpets and hard floors. It has a specially designed brush that is designed to target hair messes as well as trap hairs without wrapping it among the brush. That makes it easier for you to clean the vacuum as well as tidy up around the home. Hair tangles are one of the most irritating parts of cleaning up a home with pets so that’s one key issue solved.

Read more
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the best robot vacuum?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra placed in its dock.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra share a lot of similarities -- the least of which is their brand name. Along with the capacity to vacuum and mop in a single cleaning cycle, the two robots can automatically empty their dustbins and clean their dirty mops once the cycle is complete. That alone makes them two of the best robot vacuums on the market.

But while there are plenty of similarities between the S8 MaxV Ultra and S8 Pro Ultra, there are a few key differences that could make one better for your home than the other. From pricing and vacuuming power to navigational skills and more, here's a comprehensive look at the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.
Pricing and availability

Read more
How to fix a Ring doorbell that won’t chime
Person installing Ring video doorbell

While Ring does make some of the best video doorbells, they aren't immune to issues with their chime. This issue is, after all, at the top of the list when it comes to video doorbell problems. But, if your Ring won't ring what should you do? We break down the procedure to get your Ring video doorbell back in action, with a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting this issue.

Read more