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A new era for native mobile development?

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Over the last few years, new languages have been introduced for both iOS and Android that could see the start of a new era in native mobile development – one where teams can collaborate more and may even be able to work on both systems.

Until very recently, developing native mobile applications meant having an iOS team who coded in Objective C and an Android team who developed in Java. Stark differences between the two ecosystems and the languages themselves meant there were few developers who were experts on both platforms. As a result, development for each system often occurred in relative isolation.

Swift

Apple introduced Swift, initially as a proprietary language and a predecessor to Objective C, for developing iOS and OS X apps in 2014. Despite the fact that it was a radical improvement to the rather old Objective C, uptake for Swift was initially slow. Lack of backwards compatibility between each release did not help developers migrate their projects with confidence.

With the release of Swift 2, and taking Swift open source, the floodgates for adoption have been opened – in January 2016, Swift overtook Objective C in the TIOBE index. Unfortunately, the release of Swift 3 did not include a stable Application Binary Interface (ABI) and so we will probably need to wait for Swift 4 before developers consider this a safe language to invest in.

Kotlin

Kotlin has been developed by the JetBrains team who produce Android Studio – the official IDE for Android development. It has been around since 2011 but the first stable release was made in February 2016. It is a JVM language, which means it compiles down to Java byte code.

It represents a step forwards from Java but has been designed to be fully interoperable with Java, even to the point where a lot of the syntax should be easily recognisable to Java developers.

While Kotlin has not been announced as Google’s chosen replacement for Java on the Android platform just yet, the support for the language via Android Studio has helped drive adoption.

Both Swift and Kotlin are seen as modern programming languages. When compared to their respective predecessors, they bring a host of features and structures that the old languages do not support.

At a high level, it can be argued that both of the new languages are:

  • Easier to read
  • Easier to maintain
  • Less verbose
  • Have improved safety – thanks to strict strongly typed systems, which include nullability
  • Have a more modern syntax

Both languages have powerful features like extensions and immutability and they support functional as well as procedural programming paradigms, allowing developers to use new patterns in their designs.

Similarities

An interesting aspect of these languages is their similarity. In fact, the syntax is so similar, it can be tricky to distinguish them. This provides opportunities for development teams. The ability to more easily share designs between the platforms have mixed peer reviews where Android and iOS devs review each other’s code and potentially share common libraries would change the landscape for mobile developers.

While I don’t see the system specialists disappearing anytime soon, there is the very real prospect of support teams working on both platforms and even building development teams with central mixed discipline developers supported by systems experts. At the very least, the syntactical similarity means that cross training from one platform to another should be a simpler job in the future – anyone who has tried to persuade a Java developer to take up Objective C will appreciate this!

Balance to tip more in favour of native development

These developments may also have a bearing on the ‘native vs hybrid’ conversation that occurs periodically in nearly every mobile team. With little overhead of switching between systems, shared code and easier support, I’d expect the balance to tip even more in favour of native development.

Systems like Xamerin, React Native and Cordova may in time feel the pinch from these new languages.

A further advantage of these new languages is the way they are being adopted as server side languages. IBM is using Swift for developers to write server side applications and Spring has announced that Spring Framework 5.0 will have dedicated Kotlin support. In one of our existing teams, where the mobile team is also responsible for writing service layer code, this possible alignment of languages across the systems is an exciting prospect.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll reach the point of just using one of these languages to code for both mobile platforms anytime soon, their similarity, and the fact that their adoption is moving outside of just the mobile arena, will impact our mobile teams.

More robust products built from closer developer collaboration, consolidated and streamlined support teams, and the ability to keep developers engaged by allowing them to more easily work as full stack developers, are some of the ways future mobile teams will be different from those of today.

Source:bizcommunity

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LG’s Brand Reinvention: A Global Success Story

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LG Electronics (LG) has made significant strides in the global market with its innovative brand strategies, earning its place as a top global brand.

On October 10, LG was ranked 97th with a brand value of approximately USD 6.5 billion in the Best Global Brands 2024 report by global brand consulting firm Interbrand.

Interbrand’s evaluation of the Best Global Brands assesses brand value through a comprehensive analysis of a company’s financial performance, role of brand and brand strength. Factors such as direction, engagement and relevance are considered. As a pioneer in the industry, Interbrand’s ISO-certified evaluation criteria are widely regarded as the most reliable methodology in branding and marketing.

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LG’s brand value has surged, reflecting significant improvements in both business and brand competitiveness compared to the previous year. LG’s brand value increased by a substantial 38.7 percent year-over-year, receiving high scores in the categories of role of brand and brand strength.

Interbrand attributes this positive assessment to LG’s clear vision as a Smart Life Solution Company and its sustained growth through the exploration of new opportunities. The company has also adapted its brand strategies to ensure consistent customer engagement across diverse regions and generations, utilizing communication methods that resonate with audiences both online and offline.

In July of last year, LG unveiled its vision to evolve into a “Smart Life Solution Company,” enhancing customer experiences across various environments, including homes, commercial spaces, mobility and virtual realms. Since embarking on its transformation, LG’s brand value has skyrocketed. From approximately USD 3.1 billion in 2022, it has more than doubled to about USD 6.5 billion in 2024.

Interbrand has also praised LG’s “Brand Reinvent” initiative, which aims to establish LG as a youthful and dynamic brand that resonates with customers across generations and regions.

To achieve this, LG has unified its brand message under the brand promise of “Life’s Good,” ensuring it is embraced by all organizations globally and integrated into every customer touch point of brand experience. This includes redefining its brand identity and visual expression. “Life’s Good” encapsulates the brand’s mission to help everyone savor life’s precious moments through its products, services and communications. In the digital realm, the brand symbol “Face of the Future” engages customers with a friendly smile and wink, fostering a sense of connection through various digital expressions.

In addition, LG is launching brand campaigns and pop-up events that invite future customers, particularly Generation Z, to engage both online and offline.

The global campaign “Optimism your feed” aims to spread positivity through online algorithms, encouraging a better life with an optimistic outlook. This initiative garnered significant attention, amassing over 1.8 billion views within two months of its launch on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Moreover, LG is going to keep enhancing its engagement with Generation Z by creating offline customer experience spaces that reflect young customers’ interests, such as lifestyle, games and music.

LG has previously been recognized as one of the top 100 global brands for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007.

“We are transforming from a leading home appliance and consumer electronics company into a Smart Life Solution Company. As part of this transformation, we’ve initiated our brand reinvention based on our long-standing promise, ‘Life’s Good,'” said William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics. “At this historical moment of business transformation, we are proud to be recognized as one of the top 100 global brands, a testament to our strong brand presence and growth potential.”

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LG WashTower: A high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today’s urban households

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As global demand grows for sustainable living, energy efficiency, and minimalist design, companies are reshaping their product offerings to stay competitive and meet consumer expectations. At the forefront of this shift in the home appliance market is LG Electronics with its cutting-edge WashTower – a high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today’s urban households.

Boasting advanced features, large capacities, and innovative technology, the WashTower is more than just a washer-dryer combo – it’s a game changer for those seeking efficiency, smart connectivity, and excellent cleaning performance.

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Ideal for compact spaces, the LG WashTower’s slim, vertical design fits seamlessly into small laundry rooms or closets without sacrificing performance. Standing at 1655mm tall and 600mm wide, it offers ample capacity—13kg in the washer and 10kg in the dryer – perfect for large loads like bedding or towels, all while saving valuable floor space.

The 2024 LG WashTower™ is a revolutionary solution that aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s vision for modern, sustainable living,” said Oktae Kim, Product Director, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics Nigeria. “Its space-saving design and advanced features cater to the unique needs of our customers in the country, setting a new benchmark for laundry care.”

Unlike traditional stacked units with controls in hard-to-reach places, the LG WashTower™ introduces an all-in-one control panel designed to simplify laundry care. With the TurboWash 360, DUAL Inverter Heat Pump™ Dryer, Auto Cleaning Condenser, and LG ThinQ™ connectivity, the WashTower™ enhances functionality and convenience, meeting the demands of modern, fast-paced lifestyles.

Some of its most impressive features include:

Built-in Intelligence Takes Out the Guesswork

When it comes to doing laundry, one out of two consumers default to the Normal Cycle on their washers and dryers because they simply don’t know which to choose. LG WashTower takes out the guesswork with built-in intelligence that uses sensors to detect fabric texture and load size, and then automatically selects the right wash motions, temperatures, and more for precision fabric care. 

And it gets smarter: WashTower will even learn your preferred settings. Simply activate Smart Learner in the LG ThinQ® app, and it will remember your ideal wash temperature, spin speed, or dry level. With Smart Pairing™, the washer can even tell the dryer the right compatible drying cycle, making LG WashTower the ultimate laundry hack.

Help Remove Allergens in Fabrics 

LG washers are the industry’s first to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Allergens™ wash cycle goes beyond everyday cleaning, using the gentle power of steam to remove common household allergens in fabrics by more than 95 percent. In addition, LG TurboSteam™ technology in the dryer helps sanitize and refresh clothes in between washes as well as children’s toys, decorative pillows and more.

Exceptional Cleaning and Drying Performance

With steam function in the washer and heat pump in the dryer, the WashTower effectively sanitizes clothes and removes wrinkles, which is a boon for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Its durable, never-rust stainless steel drum ensures long-lasting reliability, and the absence of an agitator means it’s gentle on delicate fabrics. The dryer starts to preheat before the end of washing, so drying takes less time. With the Dual Inverter Heat Pump™, an energy-saving way to dry, the dual cylinders allow for faster drying and energy saving.

Laundry Made Better – for You and the Planet

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the LG WashTower includes energy monitoring capabilities, helping consumers save money while helping the planet. ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers use 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than traditional models.

Verdict: A Smart, Stylish Choice

The LG WashTower stands as a top contender in the world of washer-dryer combos, offering a perfect blend of technology, performance, and space-saving design. With no drawbacks, the WashTower’s overall functionality, energy efficiency, and convenience make it a strong choice for families and individuals alike.

If you’re looking for a washer-dryer combo that combines smart technology with stylish design, the LG Wash Tower is a reliable, high-performing option.

The LG WashTower™ strengthens LG’s position as a leading innovator in the home appliance sector. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interface demonstrates LG’s dedication to shaping the future of home appliances. It’s more than just a product – it’s a testament to LG’s vision of bringing convenience, efficiency, and sustainability into every home.

For more information or to purchase the LG WashTower, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/washing-machines/lg-wt1310rh

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LG InstaView Refrigerator built to deliver Freshness, Hygiene, and Health

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The launch of the LG InstaView refrigerator introduced a new era in home refrigeration, combining advanced technology, exceptional energy efficiency, and unmatched convenience to transform how households interact with their appliances. The LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator does more than just keep food fresh. It’s a perfect mix of modern technology and everyday usefulness, taking cooking to a whole new level of sophistication and ease.

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“At the core of the LG InstaView Refrigerator is the Inverter Linear Compressor, a ground-breaking technology that delivers remarkable energy efficiency,” says Oktae Kim, Product Director, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics Nigeria. By adapting its cooling power to the refrigerator’s needs, this compressor minimizes power consumption, helping reduce energy bills while also contributing to a quieter kitchen. For long-term peace of mind, LG offers a 10-year warranty on the compressor, reinforcing its durability and reliability.

“One of the standout features of this fridge is the InstaView Door-in-Door™ technology. With just two knocks on the sleek glass panel, you can see inside the fridge without opening the door, helping preserve cold air and keeping your food fresher for longer. This not only adds a touch of modern elegance but also helps reduce energy consumption by limiting unnecessary door openings” he noted.

Some other key features in the LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator include;

A New Level of Convenience: Door-in-Door™ Access

The Door-in-Door™ compartment offers even greater convenience by allowing easy access to frequently used items like drinks and snacks. Instead of rummaging through the entire fridge, you can grab your essentials quickly and effortlessly. This feature also limits cold air loss, making it both a time-saver and an energy-efficient solution for busy households.

Purified Hydration: UVnano® Water Dispenser

Staying hydrated has never been more convenient or hygienic. The UVnano® water dispenser uses UV light to eliminate up to 99.999% of bacteria from the water outlet, ensuring that every sip is clean and safe. The self-cleaning cycle can be activated automatically or manually, making this feature both functional and reassuring for users who prioritize health.

Hygiene Fresh+™: A Breath of Fresh Air

Maintaining an odour-free refrigerator has never been easier thanks to Hygiene Fresh+™ technology. This system actively removes bacteria and unpleasant smells, circulating clean air throughout the fridge. With a 99.999% bacteria removal rate, your food remains fresh and healthy, while the built-in deodorization feature ensures that strong odour, like leftovers, never linger.

 

Even Cooling Every Time: DoorCooling+™ Technology

No more worrying about uneven cooling inside your fridge. The DoorCooling+™ feature ensures that every inch of the refrigerator is consistently cooled by placing air vents at the front of the appliance. This technology helps food stay fresh and evenly chilled, even in the door compartments, enhancing the quality and shelf life of your groceries.

Smart Control with ThinQ™ Technology

In the age of smart homes, LG takes convenience one step further with ThinQ™ technology. This feature allows users to control and monitor the refrigerator from their smartphones, whether at home or on the go. With just a few taps, you can adjust the temperature, activate Hygiene Fresh+™, or even diagnose potential issues, making maintenance and operation effortless.

Proven Benefits: Energy Savings, Convenience, and Hygiene

When it comes to pros, the LG InstaView Refrigerator excels in several areas. Its energy efficiency through the Smart Inverter Compressor and InstaView technology helps reduce environmental impact while cutting down on household energy bills. The convenience provided by the Door-in-Door™ feature, combined with the peace of mind from UVnano® and Hygiene Fresh+™ technologies, ensures that families have access to fresh, clean, and organized food storage.

Verdict

The LG InstaView refrigerator is a perfect blend of advanced technology, innovative design, and health-conscious features. From linear cooling that keeps food fresh to the Hygiene Fresh+ filtration system that ensures a clean storage environment, this fridge has everything you need for modern food preservation. Add to that the convenience of the Knock-Knock feature and the health benefits of UVnano, you have a refrigerator that truly stands out.

If you’re looking for a premium appliance that delivers freshness, hygiene, and style, the LG InstaView refrigerator is a worthy investment.

The LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator is available across Fouani showrooms and Dealer stores Nationwide.  It’s a must-have for modern kitchens thanks to its many useful features.

For more information about the LG InstaView Refrigerator, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/instaview-door-in-door-refrigerators

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