LG Expands Smart Home Ecosystem with Homey Acquisition
In a strategic move to bolster its smart home offerings, LG Electronics has acquired an 80% stake in Athom, the Dutch company behind the popular Homey smart home platform. This acquisition, estimated at ₩85 billion ($61 million), positions LG to compete more effectively against rival Samsung's SmartThings ecosystem.
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| LG and Homey join forces to enhance smart home technology, featuring sleek devices ready to integrate seamlessly into everyday life |
Key Highlights:
- LG plans to acquire the remaining 20% of Athom within three years
- Homey platform supports over 50,000 devices across multiple protocols
- Integration will expand LG's ThinQ ecosystem to include third-party devices
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| A contemporary living room illustrates the expanded compatibility and integration options LG users can expect with the Homey platform |
Expanding the ThinQ Ecosystem
LG's ThinQ platform has primarily focused on LG-branded products. However, the Homey acquisition opens up new possibilities for integration with a wide range of third-party smart home devices. Homey's open ecosystem supports various connection protocols, including:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Z-Wave
- Matter
- Thread
This multi-protocol support will allow LG to incorporate devices from popular brands like Sonos, Ikea, Aqara, and Philips Hue into its ecosystem.
What This Means for Users
- Broader Device Compatibility: LG appliance owners can expect improved integration with a wider range of smart home products.
- Enhanced AI Capabilities: The acquisition aligns with LG's plans to introduce Affectionate Intelligence to its ThinQ platform.
- Continued Support for Homey: Athom will operate independently, maintaining the Homey brand and product line.
Looking Ahead
LG executive vice president Jung Ki-hyun described the Athom acquisition as a cornerstone for our AI home business. This move signals LG's commitment to expanding its smart home presence and could lead to more innovative, interconnected home experiences for consumers.
As the smart home market continues to evolve, LG's acquisition of Homey may prove to be a pivotal moment in the race for ecosystem dominance. With improved third-party device support and AI integration on the horizon, users can look forward to a more seamless and intelligent smart home experience.