LG adds the new SmartThinQ Hub to its smart home lineup

We'll no doubt be seeing tons of Internet of Things (IoT) related gadgets and systems at CES 2016, and today we can add another one to the list. LG has just unveiled its new SmartThinQ Hub, which will serve as a gateway to smart sensors and other connected appliances in the home. It'll have the ability to display reminders from personal calendars, stream music with its built-in speaker and more. You can control the SmartThinQ Hub with the 3.5-inch LCD display on the top of the device. LG also plans to release a smartphone app so that you can control it right from your mobile device.

LG is taking a page out of Amazon's book with the SmartThinQ Hub

Taking a look at the product images attached above, you might notice this new hub looks a lot like Amazon's Echo connected speaker, only with a touchscreen display. One could argue this hub doesn't need a display, seeing as how most of the interactions users will make with it will be through the smartphone application. On the other hand, this could make some sense, as it's not always convenient to pull out your smartphone if the hub is just a few feet away.

The SmartThinQ Hub will be able to control home appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, ovens, robotic vacuum cleaners air conditioners and much, much more. Perhaps the most interesting part of this announcement is that the hub will be able to be used in conjunction with LG's SmartThinQ sensors, which aim to turn your dumb appliances into smart home products. The SmartThinQ sensors were unveiled at IFA 2015 a few months ago.

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The unit itself sports a sleek metal body that comes in both Champagne Gold and Black color options. It's a pretty attractive device, so if you plan to jump on board with LG's smart home initiative, this device won't look too bad sitting next to a television or in the kitchen somewhere. The SmartThinQ Hub is compatible with devices that support the AllJoyn Alliance open source framework. This hub also works with hardware store Lowe's Iris smart home services.

All of these smart home products will be on display at CES 2016, which runs from January 6th through the 9th. Android Authority will be on the floor taking a look at all the new connected gadgets the tech world has to offer, so stay tuned for more coverage.

Next: CES 2016: what to expect6

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