Between style and user friendliness

IT goes without saying that technologies that blaze the trail are those that can efficiently combine user friendliness with style to suit consumer needs. It is for this reason that experts believe that smartwatches are sure to be the big tech item of 2015, as their appeal derives from not just their increased capabilities, but conscious attempts at creating visually striking technology that fits seamlessly into users’ everyday lives.

LG’s G Watch R serves as an excellent case study in fashion-driven wearables because its main competition -luxury wristwatches – has had their primary function displaced by mobile phones. As a time-telling device, wristwatches are redundant; yet this has had little impact on their sales. The devices’ utility has always been second to fashion. The desire for consumers to separate themselves from the pack, and highlight their status, lifestyle and good taste will always win out over rational assessments of efficacy.

Rationalassessment

Wearable devices in many different shapes and sizes were on display at Mobile World Congress, MWC 2015. The wearable devices won’t be limited to just glasses or smartwatches either. Visitors to MWC 2015 beheld smart fabrics, shoes, even jewelry. Device manufacturers will be playing up the form, fashion, and functionality of their new wearable devices. LG’s family of Android wearable devices including the G Watch and G Watch R aim to deliver essential and relevant information such as missed calls and messages, upcoming meetings, events, and local weather forecasts at exactly the right time and place.

Launched at IFA 2014 in Berlin, the LG G Watch R is the world’s first watch-style wearable device to feature a circular Plastic OLED (P-OLED) display and to utilize 100 percent of its watch face. Its highly familiar aesthetic is reminiscent of traditional timepieces, helping it blend in with any outfit.  As TVs evolve, picture quality is not the only thing that is improved. Eschewing cathode-ray tubes for LCD and then LED displays has led to the very shape of the TV flattening and thinning, and we are now seeing the dawn of curved televisions.

LG’s OLED TV exemplifies these changes. It boasts an array of impressive design elements that complement the television’s futuristic 65-inch 4K OLED screen. This model has received high marks among reviewers, with some going as far as to call it the ‘Best TV ever made’. Others disagree however, and insist that even this lofty title doesn’t quite do the TV justice.

But perhaps the most intriguing design element is the curve of the screen itself. Speaking on the technology, General Manager, Home Entertainment division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Steve Ryu said: “The next-generation display technology and the advanced ultra-thin depth of 4.3mm comes with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It must be seen to be believed for we are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the Nigerian market.”

”Our groundbreaking CURVED OLED TV marks the beginning of a whole new era in home entertainment. Its IMAX-like curvature guarantees an amazingly immersive and comfortable viewing experience.

Indeed, it is a point of pride that we were able to bring the World’s First CURVED OLED TV into the Nigerian market and we will continue to expand and improve our industry leading television technology. This is indeed a watershed moment in TV history because the Curved OLED TV technology will make it possible for consumers to enjoy crystal clear picture quality devoid of distortions.”