LG Electronics Expands Into Mobility By Integrating Its Streaming Channel to Hyundai Motor Vehicles

LG Electronics Inc. has partnered with Hyundai Motor Group to enter the mobility services business. As part of its new venture, the home appliances maker is now adding its streaming channel to the automotive company's vehicles.

Since January, LG Electronics's free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service, known as the LG Channel, has been integrated into Hyundai Motor and Kia-branded vehicles' in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems. Some car models, including the Genesis G80 and GV80, already have this feature.

Streaming Service on Infotainment System

According to Pulse News, adding LG Electronics' streaming channel to some Hyundai and Kia vehicle models offers owners a new level of convenience. For one, it allows users to watch their favorite programs and channels while traveling.

Moreover, the LG Channel gives drivers unlimited access to more than 80 free channels on LG TVs. They can enjoy this service without the need for a set-top box (STB), which is an external device that converts cable, satellite, digital, or internet data into TV signals so that video content can be viewable on TV.

Advantages of the LG Channel Integration

Through its partnership with Hyundai, LG Electronics will also gain opportunities to generate ad revenue while expanding the reach of its content platform, LG webOS, across various devices and even vehicles. The deal is also beneficial for Hyundai and Kia because they get the chance to tap and position themselves in the rapidly growing FAST services market.

Meanwhile, Maekyung News reported that LG Electronics will introduce its streaming channel to Kia's Carnival models next month. Mercedes-Benz models may also be added to the list of automakers with the LG Channel.

"On the LG Channel for cars, you can watch about 80 domestic channels and 60 VODs, including movies, dramas, and animations, even without registering as a member," an official of LG Electronics said. "Previously, we worked with YouTube and Netflix to create a webOS-specific app for vehicles, but this time, we have also developed an LG channel app optimized for vehicles."

Photo by: LG Newsroom