Skip to main content

LG's SmartThinQ Hub just got even more like an Echo with Alexa integration

IFA 2024
This story is part of our coverage of IFA Berlin 2024

LG is echoing the Echo.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then LG is paying a major compliment to Amazon by making its already Echo-esque SmartThinQ Hub even more like the Echo. Not only does it look like an Echo and work like an Echo, it now talks like an Echo, too. Or at least, it will let you talk to it in the same way you’d talk to Echo. That’s right — the SmartThinQ Hub now boasts Alexa support.

Recommended Videos

The smart home controller, which was first debuted at CES, is seriously not interested in reinventing the wheel. As such, instead of making its own virtual assistant, it’s just tapping into Alexa’s functionality (though to be fair, in a limited capacity). To chat with Alexa, you’ll have to press a button on the LG hub, whereupon you’ll be able to ask Alexa to amend your schedule, play your favorite song, or check the forecast. You’ll also be able to command Alexa via a remote, which is again reminiscent of Echo’s capabilities with a Bluetooth remote.

Still, users won’t be able to take advantage of all Alexa has to offer (yet). Only basic functionality will be included in the LG hub. After all, you have to actually press a button to get it to work, which is so not Echo-esque.

The only case where button-pushing won’t be required arises when you’re trying to control other LG devices. But unless the entirety of your smart home is comprised of accessories from this single company, it’s unclear as to whether the SmartThinQ Hub is the strategic purchase, especially considering that it’s the same price as the Amazon Echo.

All the same, LG seems keen to take advantage of technology that’s already in play, and proven to work. “Collaborating with innovative industry leaders is our core strategy to make LG smart home solutions even more accessible and convenient to consumers,” said Jo Seong-jin, president of LG Electronics and Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company. “We believe that differentiating our IoT technology through openness and collaboration will benefit far more customers than a closed system.”

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
The Yale Assure Lock 2 has only grown better with age
the yale assure lock 2 has only grown better with age plus

The Yale Assure Lock 2 has long held a spot on our roundup of the best smart locks. Offering a sleek design, robust companion app, and a multitude of customization options, it's a premium choice that's an easy recommendation for most shoppers. And while some smart locks begin to show their age over the years, the Yale Assure Lock 2 has only grown more enticing.

Part of this is due to its impressive durability — the one installed on my front door has seen more than a few Colorado storms yet remains in pristine condition — but the other reason is Yale's commitment to expanding the number of models in the Assure Lock 2 lineup. I recently had a chance to test out a second, newer version of the Assure Lock 2 that works with Apple Home Keys, and it cemented my belief that it's one of the best smart locks money can buy.

Read more
Hue gives users eight new free spring-focused themes
A TV with ambient backlighting from Philips Hue.

The latest Philip Hue app update, version 5.39, is now available from download from both the iOS and Android stores. This update introduces brand-new scenes, each of which has a distinctive springtime-theme. All of the themes are available now in the Hue scene gallery, and you should be able to find them after you update your app.

The eight scenes are Nature's colors, Precious, Narcissa, Baby's breath, Crocus, Blossom, Spring lake, and Spring blossom. Various shades of pink, yellow, and green dominate the scenes, but the most impressive of all is the Nature's colors option.

Read more
This Arlo security camera is 50% off today — down to $50
The Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera, installed outdoors.

Protect your entire home with the Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera -- you'll be able to afford multiples of this smart home device while Arlo's 50% discount is active. From the 2K model's original price of $100, you'll only have to pay $50, so covering every corner of your house will be easier on the wallet. You'll have to complete your purchases as soon as possible though, as we're not sure how much time is remaining for you to pocket the savings of $50 each for every unit of this security camera.

Why you should buy the Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera

Read more