LGのタッチスクリーン微波炉はついにスマートなアイデアだ

LG's new 27-inch screen mixer is indeed meaningful. This mixer functions as the hub of a smart home, and it is more affordable than LG's large-screen Smart Refrigerator. Appliances can display content in the kitchen and control the smart home, but there are concerns about the durability of the screen and its lifespan affected by heat. A specific advertisement was not found below the first paragraph!

Before CES 2025, LG announced a microwave with a front panel featuring a 27-inch screen. When people first see this idea, it may seem a bit absurd. However, upon further consideration, this idea makes more sense compared to other 'smart' kitchen products we have seen.

'The Microwave Already Looks Like a TV'

Among things that should be put in the kitchen, a mixer oven is the most beautiful one I can think of. At least, when I was a child, such an idea was very nice to me. I even thought what it would look like if a mixer oven had a screen like a TV. Maybe I should have filed for a patent on this idea 30 years ago!

'Serious speaking, putting a screen in front of a mixer oven does not actually change its appearance. It is basically a hidden function. However, with devices like LG's InstaView refrigerator, it becomes clear that it is not just any ordinary refrigerator when you first see it.

'The True Practical Applications of Transparent Display Technology'

I was quite critical of transparent OLED displays like those on TVs, but having a transparent display in front of a microwave has a real meaning. To clarify, this specific microwave does not have an actual transparent screen. Instead, it uses an internal camera to display the situation inside the device. However, if future models use LG's actual transparent screen technology (like on their TVs), this would be appropriate.

'I Always Watch TV in the Kitchen'

My iPad is the most frequently used computer, and when I cook in the kitchen, it typically serves as a replacement for a kitchen TV. There was even a time when there were kitchen TVs, but now you can easily do this with just a smartphone or tablet.

Seriously speaking, if microwaves have screens and speakers, I probably prefer using a tablet to watch something in the kitchen. I am worried that my device might get damaged by heat, moisture, and splashes, but I believe household appliances designed for such purposes would be better choices.

'A Suitable Place for a Smart Home Hub in the Kitchen'

This device focuses on content consumption as well as smart home control. It uses LG's smart home interface, and honestly speaking, if you have any kind of smart home hub in the kitchen, the mixer could be an appropriate real-space solution. Indeed, I think the screen of the mixer could become the main control panel for smart home in the kitchen without taking up additional space.

'A More Affordable Alternative to LG's Freezer'

The official price of this microwave has not been confirmed yet, but compared to LG's large-screen Smart Refrigerator, it is probably around the same price. Therefore, if you are looking for a smart home hub device in the kitchen, a microwave might be more economical.

'I do not expect the mixer itself to be cheap, but it should be possible to acquire it at a reasonable price after several generations.'

'Several Clear Drawbacks'

The translation of this technology article is as follows:

'I feel that this is not actually a trick, but there are some drawbacks that have surfaced. Especially, when thinking about the durability of the screen, it's worrying. I often accidentally close the mixer door without noticing, so I wonder if LG has taken any measures to prevent cracks on the screen even if they close the door multiple times.

The other major concern is how heat affects the display's lifespan. Additionally, adjusting the angle of the screen requires moving the entire oven strategically. In either case, if my work kitchen is used constantly and my bank account is empty, I might seriously consider such microwaves.'