CES 2020: LG, Microsoft Azure Partner on B2B Innovations
LAS VEGAS — To close out the 2020 edition of CES, LG Electronics announced it is partnering with Microsoft to build its automotive infotainment systems, management systems and other business-to-business (B2B) collaborations, with LG leveraging Microsoft Azure and AI services to accelerate these digital transformations.
LG first partnered with Microsoft a year ago to grow its autonomous vehicle and infotainment system business, and will now expand the scope of new projects beyond the automotive sector, and further into the commercial space.
Using Azure, LG will enhance its management systems to enable its Building Energy Control (BECON) system, in order to manage and control HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems more efficiently. LG will develop the next version of BECON with Azure data and hybrid cloud plus AI services.
“Microsoft empowers mobility companies to digitally transform and identify new business opportunities,” said Sanjay Ravi, GM of automotive industry for Microsoft Corp. “LG is fostering innovation and providing their customers with new value-added services by building its own digital capabilities and data-driven culture.”
Additionally, the integration with Azure will boost LG’s in-vehicle infotainment solution, building off the combination of LG’s webOS Auto and the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform for the next generation of connected vehiclesThe next iteration of webOS Auto will see LG providing various, additional HMI (human machine interface) experiences, specifically in the in-vehicle entertainment and work efficiency areas.
LG’s infotainment systems will soon integrate virtual personal assistant technologies from LG with the Microsoft virtual assistant solution accelerator, along with automakers’ own personal assistants, to enhance brand experiences and provide connected services to end users.
“Microsoft brings complementary technologies and synergy to advance LG’s B2B solutions,” said Dr. Lee Sang-yong, SVP and head of automotive and business solutions center at LG Electronics. “Our work with Microsoft will help drive competitiveness and the digital transformation for LG’s B2B areas, which represent the growth engine for the future.”