TV makers imagined the future would be filled with even more pixels, but the 8K promised land was never to be. One more major company has effectively called off its plans for big, expensive 8K TVs, leaving only Samsung holding the torch for a screen type that few, if anybody, actually want.
LG, one of the most prominent TV and display manufacturers in the world, is exiting the 8K TV market without much fanfare. The company told FlatpanelsHD that it was “taking a comprehensive view of current display market trends and the trends within the 8K content ecosystem.” In human speak, that means it’s putting 8K TVs on ice, at least for now.
This past weekend, FlatpanelsHD quoted several anonymous sources to say the company’s latest 8K TV, the QNED99TUA mini LED, was being discontinued. Currently, the TV is on sale for $2,500 at 86 inches, more than half off from its regular $5,300 price. It’s clear based on the muffled rumblings and shrugs coming from the screen-loving crowd that there aren’t many tears being shed for 8K’s demise.
Samsung is practically the only major player trying to make 8K work with the most recent 98-inch QN990H. It announced the 8K TV at CES 2026 without any details about pricing and availability. Back in 2020, the Korean tech giant offered three 8K TV models; now it can’t even bother to tell us more about one. I’ve spent time in front of Samsung’s previous 8K models, like the $5,000 QN900D, and the experience left me underwhelmed. There’s very little wrong with Samsung’s picture quality and brightness, but even when watching native 8K content, I was hard-pressed to find the difference between it and 4K. You would need an exceptionally large TV to spot any more clarity from 4K to 8K, and that’s if you can find something to watch at that resolution.
Console makers have also walked back their 8K ambitions. Sony’s PlayStation 5 shipped in 2020 with a blaring “8K” sticker on their box art. Only a bare few games ever supported the resolution, including titles like No Man’s Sky and The Touryst. A few more games like Gran Turismo 7 support the extra pixels on PlayStation 5 Pro thanks to upscaling. In 2024, Sony started removing the “8K” support notice on the box.
Paul Gray, an analyst for the research firm Omdia, told FlatpanelHD back in 2024 that only 1.6 million 8K TVs had been sold since companies started pushing the resolution to Japanese audiences in 2015. In the same time frame, 4K TVs have been growing like weeds. S&S Insider reported the market for ultra high-definition (UHD) is valued at $305.58 billion, with 70% of buyers in North America and Western Europe preferring 4K. You can’t walk through a Best Buy without tripping on at least a dozen varieties of UHD TVs.
TCL and Sony have both abandoned the 8K TV game. In particular, TCL was more willing to say the quiet part out loud. In 2023, the major budget TV brand said, “Looking at the market, it is not what people had expected.” In January 2026, Sony handed TCL the keys to its TV kingdom, announcing TCL is taking a 51% stake in its TV business. Starting next year, the budget brand will produce Sony’s high-end Bravia OLEDs and QLEDs.
TV buyers were given every opportunity to choose 8K, but few—if any—ever took the bite. The HDMI 2.2 standard boosted the signal to support higher resolutions all the way up to 240Hz, and it changed little about the actual market. Judging by this past CES’s long lineup of new TVs, the new hotness isn’t higher pixel counts, but novel screen types ranging from tandem OLED to WOLED (for brighter organic light-emitting diode displays) and more compact micro RGB TVs promising better color accuracy with local dimming. Screen resolution has plateaued, but screen makers are still trying to craft the next big thing.
A significant portion of the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is about TVs, and this year, LG is showing off its manufacturing chops with a new Wallpaper OLED TV that is just 9mm thick.
The South Korean company first launched the Wallpaper line in 2017, and is now bringing it back with this model, dubbed OLED evo W6. The company says you can connect the TV to its Zero Connect Box wirelessly to stream lossless 4K video and audio, provided the box is within 10 meters of the TV.
LG claims the TV improves on brightness, color and blacks compared to its predecessor, and is certified “reflection-free” by product testing group Intertek. The display has a refresh rate maxing out at 165Hz, and supports AMD’s FreeSync Premium tech.
LG didn’t provide any pricing details, but it said that the W6 will be available in 77 and 83-inch sizes.
LG definiert Gaming neu: UltraGear evo feiert Premiere auf der CES 2026
Mit der neuen Premium-Gaming-Marke UltraGear evo stellt LG Electronics auf der CES 2026 ein Monitor-Line-up vor, das sich klar an ambitionierte Gamer richtet. Die Serie kombiniert hohe Auflösung, extreme Bildwiederholraten und erstmals eine 5K AI Upscaling-Technologie, die direkt im Monitor arbeitet.
Zum Start umfasst das Portfolio drei Modelle: den LG 39GX950B, LG 27GM950B und den besonders großen LG 52G930B. LG setzt dabei auf eine Mischung aus OLED-, MiniLED- und UltraWide-Panels, mit Diagonalen von 27 bis 52 Zoll.
Kern der neuen Serie ist eine eigens entwickelte On-Device-AI, die Bildinhalte in Echtzeit analysiert und auf 5K hochskaliert. Der Vorteil: Gamer profitieren von extrem scharfen Bildern, ohne ihre PC-Hardware aufrüsten zu müssen. Zusätzlich passt die KI auch den Klang dynamisch an das Spielgeschehen an.
OLED mit Dual Mode für maximale Flexibilität
Das 39-Zoll-Modell 39GX950B setzt auf Primary RGB Tandem OLED-Technologie und bietet hohe Helligkeit, präzise Farben und eine lange Panel-Lebensdauer. Das 21:9-Display ist leicht gekrümmt (1500R), erreicht 142 PPI und ist nach VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 zertifiziert. Besonders spannend ist der Dual Mode: Nutzer können zwischen 5K2K bei 165 Hz oder extrem schnellen 330 Hz bei WFHD wechseln – bei nur 0,03 ms Reaktionszeit.
MiniLED-Weltneuheit in 5K
Mit dem 27GM950B bringt LG den weltweit ersten 5K MiniLED-Gaming-Monitor auf den Markt. Dank 2.304 Local-Dimming-Zonen und „Zero Optical Distance“-Technologie werden Blooming-Effekte stark reduziert. Der Monitor erreicht bis zu 1.250 Nits Spitzenhelligkeit, unterstützt VESA DisplayHDR 1000 und bietet ebenfalls Dual Mode (165 Hz bei 5K oder 330 Hz bei QHD).
Ultrawide-Gaming im Großformat
Das Highlight der Serie ist der 52G930B, aktuell der größte 5K2K-Gaming-Monitor weltweit. Das extrem breite Panorama-Display mit 1000R-Krümmung umschließt nahezu das gesamte Sichtfeld und arbeitet mit bis zu 240 Hz. Die VESA DisplayHDR 600 Zertifizierung sorgt für hohe Kontraste und lebendige Farben.
Mit UltraGear evo positioniert LG Gaming-Monitore klar im High-End-Segment und kombiniert Auflösung, Geschwindigkeit und KI-Technologie in einer bislang einzigartigen Form.
The UltraFine 6K is also a Nano IPS Black display, which is something the Asus model is not. Nano IPS Black is actually a combination of two technologies that improve the image quality of IPS in different ways. Nano IPS enhances color coverage, while IPS Black cranks up the contrast. The combination of the two is pretty spectacular, especially on a monitor this sharp. It covers sRGB and AdobeRGB at a full 100 percent, something I’ve never seen on an IPS monitor before. The color accuracy is also incredibly strong. Right out of the box, I measured the average color error at a Delta-E of 0.62. Anything under 1.0 is considered excellent, even for professional color graders. No further calibration needed here.
In terms of brightness, my review unit topped out at 480 nits in standard dynamic range (SDR), which is quite bright. The screen has an anti-reflective, matte coating that deters glare and reflections without dimming the screen too much. This is probably going to bother some people coming from a glossy, older LG 5K display. Although I’d also prefer a glossy display, LG’s solution is subtle enough. And while this is certainly not a proper HDR monitor in that it uses a conventional LED IPS panel, I was able to measure 640 nits of peak brightness in HDR. That’s far from what OLED or mini-LED can do. Remember: The HDR effect is created by higher brightness and contrast. That’s what makes OLED displays attractive. The UltraFine Evo 6K has a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, but I only got 1,720:1 in my testing. That’s still better than the average, though, as monitors like the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K use an enhanced IPS Black in order to push the contrast closer to 3,000:1.
The refresh rate is the one big problem with the UltraFine Evo 6K’s picture. It’s only 60 Hz. It doesn’t matter how sharp, vibrant, and color-accurate your image is if the motion feels stiff. Even fairly affordable monitors like my favorite, the Dell 27 Plus 4K ($300), have a 120-Hz refresh rate. That’s likely not the fault of LG, as Asus’ 6K monitor is also stuck at 60 Hz—but it’s a current limitation of the resolution on offer. I have no doubt that future 6K monitors will come out with a 120-Hz refresh rate, but as of now, that’s a trade-off you’ll be making for the extra pixels.
Pricey Proposition
Photograph: Luke Larsen
The LG UltraFine Evo 6K costs $2,000. While that’s not as much as Apple’s ridiculous Pro Display XDR, it also lacks the HDR capabilities that make that monitor special. The price feels especially egregious when you consider how cheap OLED monitors are getting. Dell’s first nongaming OLED, the Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED, is only $850 and is often on sale for under $700. It’s only 4K, but it’s better for both watching and producing HDR content.
Lastly, if you’re set on 6K, there’s also the Asus ProArt PA32QCV to consider. I haven’t tested it yet, but it’s $600 cheaper than LG’s model, despite using the same 6K panel. What does that extra $700 buy you? A flashier design, for one, but also more up-to-date ports. Although I like where Asus has placed its ports better than LG, it uses old specs such as Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 1.4. The biggest difference is the lack of Nano IPS Black, which means it likely doesn’t have the color performance and contrast of the LG model. These differences aren’t insignificant, but are they worth $700? That’s tough to say, especially since they are otherwise the identical panel. I can’t say for sure until I’ve tested Asus’ model, but on the surface, the LG UltraFine 6K does feel a little overpriced by comparison.
On the other hand, if you’re already dropping this much cash on a 6K monitor, image quality is paramount, and the inclusion of Nano IPS Black makes the LG UltraFine 6K a better alternative to OLED or the Pro Display XDR.
If you’re looking to make the move to an OLED screen, but don’t feel like stomaching the high price tag usually associated with the tech, you might consider the LG B5 OLED. It’s already a great screen at the full price, but Best Buy currently has it marked down to just $600. That’s a significant markdown for this TV, which can typically be found between $1,000 and $1,200.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The star of the show is LG’s OLED panel, the type typically found on TVs twice the price. If you’re curious why that’s so important, we have a great explainer that breaks down the difference between all the different panel types. The important takeaway here is that the pixels emit their own light, allowing individual spots of the screen to be perfectly black. The result is impressive, with incredible contrast between the brightest and darkest spots that’s best understood by seeing it in person.
The other areas of the screen are excellent as well. Our reviewer Ryan Waniata opined that “there’s a sumptuous touch to images of all sorts,” and liked the colors as well, which were accurate and sharp without any adjustment. The screen has a natural and vivid performance to it that feels all the more impressive when you consider the price point.
It has the chops for some gaming too, with feature support that meets or beats higher-end screens. With four proper HDMI 2.1 inputs, your consoles won’t need to fight for the good ports, which is a nice surprise for the price point. It can reach a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which is just fine for most console gamers, and has both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync to make sure everything is smooth, plus Auto Low Latency Mode for quick response times.
Overall, the LG B5 OLED is a solid value at its full price, but the steep discount here makes this a really sweet upgrade or first OLED. If you’re still not sold, make sure to swing by our roundup of all the best TVs available, including the B5 and other OLEDs.
Most people do not realize their smart TV includes microphones that can capture sound even when voice commands are off. These tiny mics power voice search and assistants, but they also pose privacy risks. If that makes you uneasy, you are not alone. The good news is that it takes only a few minutes to disable your smart TV microphone and protect your conversations.
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Before opening menus, check your TV’s frame. Many models feature a small hardware switch that turns the microphone off completely.
Look closely along the bottom or sides of your screen. Some switches are labeled “Built-in MIC.” On Samsung TVs, it’s often near the bottom right edge when facing the screen.
Take back control of your space and enjoy your smart TV safely without your microphone listening. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Slide the switch to “off.” Your TV may confirm the change with an on-screen message. This is the most reliable way to stop the mic because it physically cuts power to it.
Step two: Disable the smart TV microphone in settings
If your TV lacks a physical switch, go through its settings menu. While the exact names differ by brand, most follow a similar pattern.
Press Home or Settings on your remote. Look for main sections such as System, General or Privacy. Inside, you’ll find microphone or voice options labeled Voice Recognition, Voice Assistant or Microphone Access.
Slide the built-in mic switch to stop your TV from listening.(Samsung)
Examples:
Samsung:General → Voice
Sony:Privacy → Google Assistant
LG:User Agreements → Voice Settings
Toggle off every feature that uses the microphone. Some options may appear in more than one place, so check each section carefully.
Use your TV’s settings to disable voice features and protect privacy.(Samsung)
Step three: Balance convenience and privacy
Turning off your TV’s microphone does not mean you lose smart features. Many remotes include a push-to-talk button that activates voice control only when pressed.
If you rarely talk to your TV, keeping the microphone off makes sense. If you like using voice commands, enable it temporarily when you need it.
Step four: Check connected devices and apps
Even after you disable your smart TV microphone, voice-enabled apps and linked devices may still be listening.
Check any connected smart assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant or Bixby. These platforms can continue capturing audio through your phone, smart speaker or another device on the same network.
Keep your privacy and still enjoy voice control, just use it when you need it.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Take a moment to review privacy settings in those apps as well. Turning off voice activity tracking across all your devices ensures that nothing in your home listens when you do not want it to.
Why smart TVs have microphones at all
Manufacturers include microphones to make TVs more interactive. You can ask for weather updates, control volume or find movies with your voice. It’s convenient, but it comes with trade-offs.
Some companies state in their privacy policies that voice data may be shared with third parties for analysis. That means your living room chatter could leave your home.
When you disable your smart TV microphone, you keep the benefits of a modern TV while limiting unwanted data collection.
What this means for you
By taking a few minutes to change one setting or flip one switch, you gain control over what your TV hears. It’s an easy way to improve your digital privacy without losing the entertainment experience you love.
You still get streaming apps, vivid displays and fast connectivity, just with added peace of mind.
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Smart TVs offer great features, but convenience should never cost you privacy. Whether you flip a switch or use your settings menu, you have the power to decide when your TV listens.
Will you take back your living room privacy today or leave it as it is? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
On the hunt for a premium television, with all the bells and whistles? Our premium television pick, the LG G5 OLED is currently marked down to just under $2,000 on Amazon for the 65-inch version, a $500 discount from its usual list price. This excellent OLED TV scored top marks in everything from brightness to color, and is a great choice for anyone seeking the perfect addition to their living room or home theater.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
LG has made a variety of improvements to this generation of panels, and it really shows in the numbers. It’s one of the brightest screens we’ve tested, with only one major competitor, the Sony Bravia 9 QLED beating it in terms of raw brightness. That means top-tier HDR performance, without some of the compromises you usually make for QLED screens to reach that brightness.
The colors are excellent as well, bringing life to the deep greens and blues that some TVs can struggle with. They do just as well catching the clothing of your favorite sitcom stars as they do expressing the explosions and crashes of action movies. The processing and upscaling are top-notch as well, in case not all of your media is coming from the best source.
Combine that high brightness with the rich and vibrant colors, and the result is a TV that looks stunning across any movie genre. As our reviewer Ryan Waniata put it while describing the lightning storm from the beginning of Mad Max: Fury Road, “Each bolt and fiery crash burned with white-hot sizzle, almost overwhelming my senses even in a daytime viewing.”
The only real catch here is the streaming interface, an upgraded version of LG’s WebOS, which doesn’t quite hold up to the simplicity and performance of other options like Google TV. The remote is also slightly confusing, lacking some basic functions like a mute key or input key, both of which require other key press combinations. The good news here is if it really bothers you, you can always switch to a dedicated streaming box.
If you’ve got the cash to plunk down, the LG G5 OLED is one of our favorite televisions, and it’s worth grabbing this 20 percent discount on it while you can.
South Korean workers detained in Georgia ICE raid to be sent back to South Korea, official says
NEW INFORMATION IS COMING IN ABOUT THE ICE RAID AT THE HYUNDAI MEGA SITE. THE FEDERAL OPERATION HAPPENED YESTERDAY AT THE HELGA BATTERY PLANT CONSTRUCTION SITE. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE. LET’S GO AHEAD AND LISTEN IN. THE ICE REMOVAL AND ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS. WE HAVE GREG ALVAREZ, THE FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR WITH THE US, UNITED STATES CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL. BRAD SNYDER, THE SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE WITH THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS, JOSEPH WALLER, THE RESIDENT IN CHARGE WITH THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS. BRIAN VILLA WITH THE ASSISTANT SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE WITH THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION. AND THEN WE HAVE BRETT HALL, UNITED STATES MARSHAL’S OFFICE WITH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA. FIRST, I WANT TO EXTEND MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE AGENCIES THAT PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THIS EFFORT WAS LED BY HOMELAND THE HELM. ALSO WITH THE VITAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL OPERATIONS, THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES, THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, THE UNITED STATES MARSHAL SERVICE, THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL, AND ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS. TONYA GROOVER. RYAN BANDURA, KELSEY SCANLON, AND GREG GILLOOLY. THIS OUTCOME IS THE DIRECT RESULT OF THEIR HARD WORK AND COMMITMENT. SUCH AN UNDERTAKING CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH COMBINED EFFORTS, RESOURCES, AND DEDICATION OF THESE AGENCIES WORKING TOGETHER WITH A SHARED GOAL. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MISSION IS TO REDUCE ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT AND PREVENT EMPLOYERS FROM GAINING AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE BY HIRING UNAUTHORIZED WORKERS AND EXPLOITING THOSE WORKERS. THIS IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION, AND WE ARE LIMITED AS TO WHAT WE CAN DISCUSS AT THIS POINT. I’M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO STEVE SCHRENK TO GIVE MORE INFORMATION ON THE MATTER. THANK YOU STEVE. THANK YOU GREG. GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING. MY NAME IS STEVEN SCHRENK. I’M THE SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE OF HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE STATES OF GEORGIA AND ALABAMA. YESTERDAY, HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS, IN COORDINATION WITH OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS, EXECUTED A JUDICIAL SEARCH WARRANT AS PART OF AN ONGOING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND SERIOUS FEDERAL CRIMES. THIS OPERATION UNDERSCORES OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING JOBS FOR GEORGIANS AND AMERICANS, ENSURING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR BUSINESSES THAT COMPLY WITH THE LAW, SAFEGUARDING THE INTEGRITY OF OUR ECONOMY AND PROTECTING WORKERS FROM EXPLOITATION. THE INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 475 INDIVIDUALS AND IS FOCUSED ON ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THOSE WHO VIOLATE THE LAW AND UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW. COMPLEX CASES LIKE THIS REQUIRE STRONG COLLABORATION AND EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS, AND WE EXTEND OUR GRATITUDE TO ICE ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL OPERATIONS. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, FBI, DEA, CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, ATF, IRS, U.S. MARSHALS, AND THE GEORGIA STATE PATROL FOR THEIR INVALUABLE SUPPORT. EACH AGENCY CONTRIBUTED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE THAT WAS CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS LENGTHY OPERATION. TOGETHER, WE ARE SENDING A CLEAR AND UNEQUIVOCAL MESSAGE THAT THOSE WHO EXPLOIT OUR WORKFORCE UNDERMINE OUR ECONOMY AND VIOLATE FEDERAL LAWS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I’D LIKE TO ADD THAT THIS WAS NOT A IMMIGRATION OPERATION WHERE AGENTS WENT INTO THE PREMISES, ROUNDED UP FOLKS AND PUT THEM ON BUSSES. THIS HAS BEEN A MULTI-MONTH CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION WHERE WE HAVE DEVELOPED EVIDENCE, CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS, GATHERED DOCUMENTS AND PRESENTED THAT EVIDENCE TO THE COURT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A JUDICIAL SEARCH WARRANT. YESTERDAY WE EXECUTED THAT SEARCH WARRANT AND GATHERED ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE THAT WILL SUPPORT THIS INVESTIGATION. THERE ARE NO CRIMINAL CHARGES BEING ANNOUNCED TODAY, BUT THIS IS AN ONGOING MATTER. WHILE WE WERE ON THE PREMISES. WE DID ENCOUNTER MANY HUNDREDS OF INDIVIDUALS. OF THOSE, AS I’VE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, 475 WERE ILLEGALLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES OR IN VIOLATION OF THEIR PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES, WORKING UNLAWFULLY, WHO HAVE ENTERED THROUGH A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT MEANS INTO THE UNITED STATES. SOME THAT ILLEGALLY CROSSED THE BORDER INTO THE UNITED STATES. SOME THAT CAME IN THROUGH VISA WAIVER AND WERE PROHIBITED FROM WORKING. SOME THAT HAD VISAS AND OVERSTAYED THEIR VISAS. AND EACH INDIVIDUAL WAS QUESTIONED ON THEIR STATUS. THEIR DOCUMENTS WERE CHECKED, THEIR BACKGROUNDS WERE CHECKED, AND ULTIMATELY, THROUGH COORDINATION OF OUR EXPERTS AND ATTORNEYS IN THE BACKGROUND, THOSE THAT WERE FOUND TO BE ILLEGALLY PRESENT WERE THEN DETAINED AND TURNED OVER TO ICE. ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL OPERATIONS. CUSTODY. BUT THIS IS ALL IN FURTHERANCE OF THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION WHERE WE ARE LOOKING AT EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES. WE MADE SEIZURES YESTERDAY AS PART OF THAT TO GATHER ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE AND CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS AND ARE CONTINUING THIS ONGOING INVESTIGATION. WE WILL TAKE SOME LIMITED QUESTIONS AT THIS TIME. OF THE 475, HOW MANY WERE KOREAN NATIONALS? THE KOREAN MEDIA ARE REPORTING AS MANY AS 300. THERE WAS A MAJORITY OF KOREAN NATIONALS FROM THE 475. I DON’T HAVE THE EXACT NATIONALITY BREAKDOWN FOR YOU, BUT WE CAN LIKELY GET THAT AFTER THE FACT. WERE THESE EMPLOYEES OF HELGA BATTERY? WERE THEY EMPLOYEES OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS THAT WERE DOING CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE SITE? WHO THEY WORK FOR? AS WE HAD DETERMINED THROUGH OUR INVESTIGATION IN ADVANCE AND CERTAINLY EXPERIENCED YESTERDAY, THERE WAS A NETWORK OF SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS FOR THE SUBCONTRACTORS THERE. SO THE EMPLOYEES WORKED FOR A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT COMPANIES THAT WERE ON THE SITE. IT WAS NOT JUST THE PARENT COMPANY, BUT ALSO SUBCONTRACTORS. AND WE’RE UNVEILING THAT, THAT WHOLE NETWORK. SOME OF THEM WERE FOR THE PARENT COMPANIES. THAT WE CONTINUE TO WORK ON THE INVESTIGATION OF, WHO EXACTLY WORKED FOR WHAT COMPANIES? WHERE ARE THESE 475 PEOPLE NOW? THEY ARE IN THE CUSTODY OF ICE ENFORCEMENT AND REMOVAL OPERATIONS. MOST WERE BROUGHT TO THE FOLKSTON. FACILITY LAST NIGHT, AND THEY WILL BE MOVED BASED ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THAT. YES, MA’AM. WTOC HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING AND REPORTING ON THE PRESENCE OF UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS ON THE SITE FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW, AND SO THIS IS KIND OF BEEN SOMETHING THAT’S BEEN KNOWN TO SOME EXTENT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. WHAT IS IT THAT PROMPTED HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS TO LOOK INTO THIS? YEAH, WE ARE AWARE AND WE HAVE MONITORED THAT REPORTING AS WELL. WE HAVE ALSO RECEIVED MANY LEADS FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS, FROM PRIOR WORKERS. WE HAVE CONDUCTED MANY ARRESTS THROUGH THE IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF GEORGIA THAT HAVE IDENTIFIED OTHER EMPLOYEES THAT, WHEN ENCOUNTERED, INFORMED US THAT THEY WORKED THERE. WE HAVE INTERVIEWED FOLKS AND WE HAVE DEVELOPED EVIDENCE OVER THE COURSE OF MANY MONTHS IN SUPPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION. WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES THAT THE COMPANY COULD FACE, OR IS THAT SOMETHING YOU CAN SPEAK TO? I DON’T WANT TO SPECULATE ON ULTIMATE. THIS IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION. NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED. SO THAT MEANS THAT NO WRONGDOING IS BEING ACCUSED AT THIS TIME. YES, MA’AM. I HAD A QUESTION. WAS ANYONE INJURED DURING THE PROCESS? DID ANYONE DIE DURING THE PROCESS OF THIS RAID? THERE WERE NO THERE WERE NO SUBSTANTIAL USES OF FORCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED OTHER THAN ONE INDIVIDUAL WAS OVERHEATING A LITTLE BIT AND WAS TREATED ON SCENE. AND ONE AGENT SUFFERED A MINOR LACERATION WHILE CONDUCTING IT, BUT NO SIGNIFICANT INJURIES. OKAY. AND THEN DURING THE PROCESS, YOU SAID THIS WAS A MULTI-MONTH PROCESS ABOUT CAN YOU KIND OF, I GUESS, GIVE A HOW MANY MONTHS DID IT TAKE, I GUESS IS MY QUESTION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR. SO CAN WE SAY JANUARY? I DON’T HAVE THE EXACT START DATE OF THE INVESTIGATION. HOW DOES THIS OPERATION COMPARE TO OTHER OPERATIONS IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA AND ACROSS THE NATION? WAS THIS ONE OF THE LARGEST ONES, OR CAN YOU KIND OF GIVE US AN IDEA OF HOW BIG THIS WAS? THIS, IN FACT, WAS THE LARGEST SINGLE SITE ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN THE HISTORY OF HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS. OKAY. ANY LAST QUESTIONS? ACROSS THE COUNTRY? YES. LAST QUESTION. YEAH. DID HELGA BATTERY, DID THEY USE E-VERIFY IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES? I DON’T WANT TO ANSWER FOR THEM. ONE QUICK ONE. IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE OF LABOR TRAFFICKING AT THIS POINT? THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS ALWAYS PART OF OUR INVESTIGATIONS WHEN WE’RE DOING EMPLOYMENT INVESTIGATIONS. AS I’VE INDICATED, THERE HAVE BEEN NO CHARGES FILING, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING THAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR. OKAY. THANK YOU FOLKS. APPRECIATE IT. WE WE WE CAN HANDLE ANY FOLLOW ONS AFTER THE FACT. OKAY. THANK YOU SIR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. OKAY. YOU JUST HEARD FROM HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS. THEY WERE CONFIRMING DETAILS ABOUT THEIR OPERATION AT THE HYUNDAI MEGA BATTERY PLANT. 475 ARRESTS WERE MADE AS PART OF AN INVESTIGATION INTO UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES. WE’RE TOLD A MAJORITY OF THOSE WERE KOREAN NATIONALS. WE’RE TOLD THIS WAS THE LARGEST SINGLE ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN THE HISTORY OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACROSS THE U.S. YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE AND GET THE LATEST UPDATES RIGHT NOW ON. WJCL.COM. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US. I’M BROOKE BUTLER. WE’RE GOING T
South Korean workers detained during a massive immigration raid in Georgia Thursday will be returned to South Korea on a chartered flight following negotiations, an official announced Sunday.“Negotiations for the release of the detained workers have been concluded, after swift responses by the relevant ministries, business agencies, and companies,” said South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik.“However, some administrative procedures remain, and once they’re completed, a chartered plane will depart to bring back our citizens,” he added.The workers were among 475 detained Thursday during a large-scale immigration raid at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia, which houses an electric vehicle battery plant jointly operated by South Korea-based companies Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. About 300 of those detained are South Korean, officials said.The operation was one of the most extensive immigration raids in recent U.S. history and the largest so far of President Donald Trump’s crackdowns at workspaces across the country.The South Korean government has been actively working to secure the workers’ release, along with the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in Atlanta.“To prevent a recurrence of similar cases, we will work together with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the companies concerned, to review and improve the visa system and stay status of people traveling to the U.S. for investment projects,” Kang said Sunday.“The government will ensure that all necessary measures are effectively implemented to achieve both the swift release of our detained citizens and the stable implementation of the investment projects.”South Korean President Lee Jae Myung previously called for “all-out necessary measures” to support the detainees.In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for LG Energy Solution said the company was cooperating with the process: “We will commit our best efforts to ensure the safe and prompt return of our employees and those of our partners.”CNN has reached out to the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Hyundai for comment.In earlier statements to CNN, LG Energy Solution said its head of Human Resources was traveling to Georgia to aid in the release of detained South Korean nationals.The company also said it was suspending most of its business trips to the U.S. “Currently traveling employees are advised to immediately return home or remain at their accommodations, considering their current work status,” a statement read.“The ‘prompt release’ of the detained individuals is our top priority right now,” LG Energy Solution Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Ki-soo said in the statement.A spokesperson for Hyundai said in a statement Friday, “Hyundai is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws.”This is a developing story and will be updated.
South Korean workers detained during a massive immigration raid in Georgia Thursday will be returned to South Korea on a chartered flight following negotiations, an official announced Sunday.
“Negotiations for the release of the detained workers have been concluded, after swift responses by the relevant ministries, business agencies, and companies,” said South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik.
“However, some administrative procedures remain, and once they’re completed, a chartered plane will depart to bring back our citizens,” he added.
The workers were among 475 detained Thursday during a large-scale immigration raid at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia, which houses an electric vehicle battery plant jointly operated by South Korea-based companies Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. About 300 of those detained are South Korean, officials said.
The operation was one of the most extensive immigration raids in recent U.S. history and the largest so far of President Donald Trump’s crackdowns at workspaces across the country.
The South Korean government has been actively working to secure the workers’ release, along with the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate General in Atlanta.
“To prevent a recurrence of similar cases, we will work together with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the companies concerned, to review and improve the visa system and stay status of people traveling to the U.S. for investment projects,” Kang said Sunday.
“The government will ensure that all necessary measures are effectively implemented to achieve both the swift release of our detained citizens and the stable implementation of the investment projects.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung previously called for “all-out necessary measures” to support the detainees.
In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for LG Energy Solution said the company was cooperating with the process: “We will commit our best efforts to ensure the safe and prompt return of our employees and those of our partners.”
CNN has reached out to the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Hyundai for comment.
In earlier statements to CNN, LG Energy Solution said its head of Human Resources was traveling to Georgia to aid in the release of detained South Korean nationals.
The company also said it was suspending most of its business trips to the U.S.
“Currently traveling employees are advised to immediately return home or remain at their accommodations, considering their current work status,” a statement read.
“The ‘prompt release’ of the detained individuals is our top priority right now,” LG Energy Solution Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Ki-soo said in the statement.
A spokesperson for Hyundai said in a statement Friday, “Hyundai is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws.”
The project pays homage to the work of Suh Se Ok, a pioneering Korean ink painter who expanded artistic horizons with innovative works from the 1950s to 2020. Courtesy of the artist and LG
South Korean artist Do Ho Suh is internationally known for his ghostly, diaphanous architecture and fabric-made objects, which create imaginary spaces that are physically present yet impossible to inhabit. His large-scale, immersive, but impermanent installations serve as “acts of memorialization,” exploring themes of identity, home, and the tension between personal and public space. These ideas are confronted within the framework of displacement and cultural transition, reflecting the global mobility of contemporary life.
For this edition of Frieze Seoul, Suh has been invited to collaborate with the fair’s main sponsor, LG, on a project exploring the intergenerational legacies of Korean art while spotlighting the country’s drive for technological innovation. He has been working with his brother, renowned architect Eul Ho Suh, on the digital canvas of LG OLED T, paying homage to their father, Suh Se Ok—a vital figure in Korean ink abstraction, a radical genre that opened artistic possibilities for an entire generation.
Observer spoke with the brothers during the unveiling of “Suh Se Ok X LG OLED: Reimagined by Suh Do Ho” at Frieze Seoul, discussing how the project traces a line between generations of Korean art and its potential future development. The project is, first and foremost, an homage to their father, who pioneered a distinctively Korean approach to visual art. This intergenerational conversation reveals how Korean art and aesthetics have evolved over the decades. As Do Hoh Suh told Observer: “This intensely personal project aims to honor our father’s legacy while also considering the evolution of Korean art. We hope this project will allow for a deeper understanding of our father’s work, highlighting the tradition he represents and the vital philosophical principles he explored throughout his life.”
Se Ok’s work embodies a defining moment in Korean art, linking calligraphy and a specific philosophical approach related to the mark-making moment and gesture to the interconnection between body and mind. “Movement is an integral element in our father’s painting, where bodily gestures create ink strokes on the rice paper,” said the artist, “These marks act as a trace of his action, a record of performance. The idea that these marks on the paper carry the artist’s energy is essential in creating his work, which we felt necessary to share with a broader audience.”
The presentation at Frieze intentionally juxtaposes rarely-seen footage of Suh Se Ok in action alongside his paintings and Do Ho Suh’s animations on the innovatively transparent screens of the LG OLED T, positioned in the space according to how Eul Ho Suh has envisioned and conceived the relation between the marks, the viewers, this new technology and the experience of being in the space. “We hope to invite audiences to engage in a dialogue about art, tradition, and innovation,” Do Ho Suh added.
For the installation, Do Ho Suh used the LG OLED T digital canvas to bring memories to life and pay homage to the legacy of his father, Suh Se Ok. Courtesy of the artista and LG
One highlight of the installation is Suh Se Ok’s People series: minimal black marks and signs absorbed by the paper that evoke human figures while remaining external and abstract, as a synthesis of the vital movements that animate our physical existence. Eul Ho Suh explained that before their father’s influence, Korean art was deeply shaped by traditional Chinese landscapes: “He wanted to go lighter, creating abstract paintings with no colors, just black and white.” When Suh Se Ok started to explore this radical new language in the ’60s, he was teaching at Seoul National University, and many students began to follow the new movement. It wasn’t just about the quality of the application of ink, however. He wanted to bring his energy to the works, with marks that could transfer thought and gesture, with porous paper as a transmitter.
However, what is most interesting about this project is how tradition interacts with technology. In Do Ho Suh’s installation, there’s a similar tension—the work is highly tactile and physical, yet the translucent appearance makes them look more like ghosts or digital renderings. “Although my practice is in many ways indebted to the long history of traditional Korean craftsmanship, it is also profoundly contingent upon new technology,” said the artist, who uses laser scanning, 3D printing, CAD and robotics in his work.
The transparency of the screen in the Frieze installation perfectly aligns with Suh Se Ok’s interest in the infinite and space, some of which the brothers have absorbed and adopted in their native practices. Layering allows for an interplay of opacity and transparency, revealing and concealing images and image planes. “The footage of our father making the paintings is presented here, combined with his writing and the animations, which further reenact the process of the paintings. This is a means to explore these critical principles of his work and reveal this intensely private process to inspire a greater understanding of his ideas.”
“Suh Se Ok X LG OLED: Reimagined by Suh Do Ho” is on view at Frieze Seoul 2024. Courtesy of the artist and LG
Layering also serves to underscore the complexity of the work, according to the artist. The layering of the images on the screens recalls the melding of ink and paper. “This leads to the question: is the painting on or in the paper?” said Do Ho Suh. “The properties of the rice paper allow for these layers to be separated to create near copies—something that straddles the idea of uniqueness and edition—an interrogation of the surface hierarchy.”
“You have all the powerful energy within the movement in an interplay between bidimensional and tridimensional space,” added Eul Ho Suh.
There are the technical elements—the layering techniques employed and the interplay of light and shadow—and those more philosophical. As the brothers noted, the display clarifies the principles underlying much of Eastern painting, enhanced by new technology. It also delves into the concept of transparency (a critical component in Do Ho Suh’s work) as a form of absence or emptiness, a theme central to Suh Se Ok’s work and uniquely interpreted by the two brothers. This idea echoes Buddhist teachings, where emptiness (śūnyatā in Sanskrit) reveals the true nature of things: they lack intrinsic existence, are impermanent, and constantly changing, reliant on various causes and conditions. The spaces between, though typically unseen, gain significance through exploration.
When asked how the approach and sensibility of Korean artists have transformed over time and how this relates to the rapid societal changes in South Korea, Do Ho Suh said those transformations are a reflection of societal change. “From my father’s time to mine, Korean artists have progressively embraced a more global perspective while maintaining a profound connection to our cultural roots,” he explained. “My time in the U.S. to study in the ’90s proved an essential shift in my appreciation of the differences between Eastern and Western perspectives and exploring the de-mystification of painting—this personal history and my Korean background have been essential themes in my work.”
Suh Se Ok, Dancing People, 1987; 54.6 x 62.1 cm / Ink on paper. Courtesy of the artist.
Ultimately, the project is a powerful statement on the evolution of artistic approaches and languages in South Korea, from the radical innovation explored by Suh Se Ok to the opportunities offered by the digital space and new technologies. In this sense, the installation’s screens both memorialize the past and serve as a portal to Korea’s future.
Memory is, in fact, at the heart of this project, as Do Ho Suh suggests. While art can document, help visualize and help imagine, this particular installation explores how art can also become a tool for oral and cultural memory. The artist calls the interplay of collective and personal memory in his work essential, but there are caveats to that assertion. “Exploring memory, both its fallibility and pervasiveness remains intriguing to me, but not in a nostalgic sense,” he said. “Memory not only helps document our past but also helps visualize our thoughts for the future. Our father’s paintings also act as memories of his actions, snapshots of his movement through time.”
To Do Ho Suh, art is a vessel for memories. “Our unique and privileged insight into our father’s work and the process of its making has led us to this project—it could be seen as an attempt to create a tangible manifestation of our intangible memories, an opportunity to revisit them and share them.”
The 4th of July is a day for jingoistic mythmaking and summer merriment. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than by grilling food, watching things explode, and ordering a bunch of cool stuff online that you totally don’t need but will still be really awesome to have.
Halo’s Joseph Morgan On Playing Nuanced Characters And The Flaws of Season 1
Commerce was a key driver of dissatisfaction with the crown when a bunch of American colonies originally told England to fuck off, so it makes sense that shopping remains a core ritual at the heart of celebrating the nation’s founding. Independence Day is a great time to buy a car or a refrigerator, but you’re not here for any of that. Instead, I’ve rounded up an eclectic mix of 4th of July gaming deals and culturally adjacent curios that happen to be discounted right now. Check them out. It’s what George Washington would have wanted.
Best Nintendo Switch Game Sales
The eShop is currently running a few sales through July 14, including the Recollection Collection Sale and Devolver Digital Summer Sale. Capcom also has a publisher sale running through July 7. There’s a wide-array of great games for cheap. Here are some of the highlights:
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy: $16 (60 percent off)
BioShock: The Collection: $10 (80 percent off)
Terra Nil: $15 (40 percent off)
Pepper Grinder: $10 (33 percent off)
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection: $30 (50 percent off)
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers: $20 (50 percent off)
Capcom Fighting Collection: $16 (60 percent off)
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection: $10 (66 percent off)
The Messenger: $5 (75 percent off)
Best PS5 Game Sales
It’s been back-to-back-to-back sales on the PlayStation Store for a while now between Play Days and the Mid-Year sale. Now there’s another with the Essential Picks sale running through July 17. Many of the above Switch game deals are also available for the PlayStation versions, as well as these additional ones:
Dragon’s Dogma 2: $56 (20 percent off)
Persona 3 Reload: $49 (30 percent off)
System Shock: $28 (30 percent off)
Batman Arkham Collection: $6 (90 percent off)
Nier: Automata: $16 (60 percent off)
Castle Crashers Remastered: $3 (80 percent off)
Octopath Traveler II: $36 (40 percent off)
Like a Dragon: Ishin!: $24 (60 percent off)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe: $45 (50 percent off)
Dead Space Deluxe: $28 (65 percent off)
Far Cry 6 Deluxe: $20 (75 percent off)
Diablo II: Resurrected: $13 (67 percent off)
Best Xbox Sales
Not to be left out, a bunch of Xbox games are currently discounted, too. Many of the Switch and PS5 game deals also apply to the Xbox versions, as well as these other cheap games worth a shout-out:
Hades: $12.50 (50 percent off)
Dead Rising 2: $5 (75 percent off)
Monster Hunter Rise: $25.50 (65 percent off)
Resident Evil Village: $20 (60 percent off)
Aragami 2: $10 (75 percent off)
Axiom Verge 1 & 2: $10.50 (70 percent off)
Flinthook: $7.50 (50 percent off)
Metro: Last Light Redux: $3 (85 percent off)
Wasteland 3: $8 (80 percent off)
Best PC Game Sales
If you haven’t already looked through our Steam Summer Sale overview you should do that, as there’s a lot of surprisingly steep discounts. So instead, I’ll take this opportunity to highlight a bunch of really good Steam Deck compatible game sales. The PC gaming handhelds themselves are 15 percent off right now. Here’s what you can play on them:
Elden Ring: $42 (30 percent off)
Cyberpunk 2077: $30 (50 percent off)
Stardew Valley: $9 (40 percent off)
Slay the Spire: $8.50 (66 percent off)
Dead Cells: $12.50 (50 percent off)
Hollow Knight: $7.50 (50 percent off)
Halo: The Master Chief Collection: $10 (75 percent off)
Marvel’s Midnight Suns: $15 (75 percent off)
Risk of Rain 2: $8.25 (67 percent off)
Vampire Survivors: $3.50 (25 percent off)
Balatro: $13.50 (10 percent off)
Best TV Sales
There are hundreds of cheap TVs to pick from, but I have two for you that should get the job done at either end of your price range. If you’re content to game and stream shows on a budget TV like I am, then Best Buy is currently selling 55-inch TCL Q5 series 4K displays for just $300 (33 percent off). If you want something more fancy, you’re also in luck. While you could spend thousands on a truly top-of the line TV with blacks as dark as an event horizon, you could also splurge on a 48-inch LG OLED. Best Buy is also selling those for just $800 (almost 50 percent off the sticker price).
Best Used Game Sales
GameStop is currently running a buy 2, get 1 free on all used games, including its (very limited) retro collection. It’s great way to catch up on bargain bin stuff you might have never gotten to (Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Watch Dogs 2, GTA V) as well as more recent stuff that hasn’t dropped in value yet. For example, you could play some of 2024’s biggest games so far like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and Tekken 8 and save roughly $50 in the process. Have fun mixing and matching. Just make sure they actually have used copies of the games in stock.
The Best Of The Rest
Here’s where we have fun with a rapid-fire round of some other neat deals:
LG has taken kitchen appliances to a new level with its innovative InstaView refrigerators, now available in France. Following successful launches in Spain, Germany, and Italy, these refrigerators are redefining the culinary experience with their unique, customizable features. Let’s dive into what makes the LG InstaView with MoodUP stand out.
Customizable Colors for Every Mood
One of the standout features of the LG InstaView refrigerators is the MoodUP technology, which allows users to change the color of the refrigerator doors. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an atmosphere that fits your mood and kitchen style. Through the ThinQ™ app, users can choose from up to 170,000 color combinations. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a quiet dinner, or just want to match your kitchen’s décor, there’s a color for every occasion.
Innovative InstaView Door Panel
The InstaView feature adds a layer of convenience and energy efficiency. A simple knock on the refrigerator door lights up the interior, allowing you to see what’s inside without opening the door. This not only helps in reducing cold air loss, preserving your food better, but also saves energy. The bottom freezer model goes a step further with a 4.3-inch LCD Cover Screen that lets users manage various settings with ease.
Enhanced User Experience
LG’s InstaView refrigerators come with built-in Bluetooth speakers, turning your kitchen into an entertainment zone. You can play your favorite music or podcasts directly from the refrigerator, creating a lively cooking environment. The LED lights can even sync with the beat of the music, adding a fun element to your kitchen space. Moreover, the Color Alarm feature uses the LED door panels to communicate important notifications, such as a door left ajar, by blinking or glowing brighter.
A Memorable Launch Event in Paris
To celebrate the launch in France, LG hosted a grand picnic event on the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris. The event, known as “Le Grande Pique-Nique des Champs,” attracted over 4,000 people. Attendees had the chance to explore eight different kitchen areas, each showcasing the unique features of the InstaView refrigerators. The event emphasized the practical and interactive aspects of the appliances, allowing guests to experience the customizable lighting and built-in speakers firsthand. LG also provided picnic baskets with essentials, making the day enjoyable and interactive for everyone.
Conclusion
The LG InstaView refrigerators with MoodUP technology are now available in France, offering a blend of style, convenience, and innovation. With features like customizable LED door panels, the energy-efficient InstaView door, and built-in Bluetooth speakers, these refrigerators are designed to enhance your kitchen experience. Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your kitchen décor or simply want a more interactive appliance, the InstaView refrigerators are a great option. Pricing and availability details can be found on LG’s official website or through local retailers.
Don’t be fooled by the LG Cinebeam Q’s throwback design. It’s packed with features that allow you to enjoy a 4K 120″ screen anywhere. One of the smallest 4K laser projectors in the market, it has a 360° handle that doubles as a stand and a lightning fast automatic screen adjustment. It runs LG’s webOS smart TV platform, and supports AirPlay 2 and Miracast.
We’re at the stage in the evolution of the TV where it’s pretty difficult to buy a bad one, but at the same time, it can be tricky to pick out the perfect model from the many options available. Every year, a swathe of new sets come out, which means the current bunch gets knocked down in price, giving you an even larger selection to consider.
Here, we’ll highlight some of our absolute favorites from the television sets you can buy in 2024—in no particular order—and explain some of the key technologies and specs you need to know about. As we go through the year, more sets and models will join these ones, and we’ll make changes to this list as needed.
LG G3
Image: LG
Available sizes: 55, 65, 77, 83 inches
Display tech: OLED / 4K
Starting price: $2,500
The LG G3 is a simply stunning TV set that’s undoubtedly one of the best televisions you can buy right now. It’s got LG’s superb OLED technology, meaning fantastic contrast and ultra-deep blacks, and it can make almost any video source look like a million dollars.
Speaking of a million dollars, these models aren’t cheap but worth the investment. The top-tier HDR handling and anti-reflective coating on the display add to the overall impressiveness, and everything from sports to movies is capably handled.
The four HDMI 2.1 ports will interest gamers too – they’re able to run a 4K resolution at 120Hz, with support for VRR and ALLM – and the sound doesn’t let this set down either. There aren’t many reasons not to seriously consider this for your next TV upgrade.
Samsung QN95C
Image: Samsung
Available sizes: 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
Display tech: Mini-LED / 4K
Starting price: $3,000
There’s been a lot of time and effort put into the Samsung QN95C, and it shows, no matter what size you go for. With more than 1,300 local dimming zones and a gorgeous mix of color, brightness, and contrast levels, it’s almost like a Mini-LED that thinks it’s an OLED.
Samsung has packed a lot of tech into this TV, with many fancy-sounding names attached—like the Neural Quantum Processor, for example—but all you really need to know is that this TV produces picture and motion quality worthy of the set’s flagship status.
You have strong HDR performance here, an impressive 4.2.2-channel speaker layout, and four HDMI 2.1 ports that can cope with the 4K/120Hz output of the best game consoles. We also like Samsung’s slick and straightforward smart TV interface.
TCL QM8
Image: TCL
Available sizes: 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
Display tech: Mini-LED / 4K
Starting price: $1,700
The TCL QM8‘s sizes range from a giant 98 inches to a small 98 inches, so of course, pick the one that suits your available space and your available budget. But whatever the size, it’s difficult to beat this Mini-LED TV for value, no matter what you’re using it to watch.
You’ll often see this television advertised with a football on screen, a nod to the strength of the screen’s handling of anything that moves fast. It’s good for gaming, too, with its high brightness levels, low input lag, and low response time, which are particularly noteworthy.
We’ve noticed that the TCL QM8 is getting cheaper as time has passed, meaning it’s becoming even better for money than initially. Add a decent sound setup and a more than decent build quality and design, and it earns its place here.
Hisense U7K
Image: Hisense
Available sizes: 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
Display tech: Mini-LED, 4K
Starting price: $630
Most people who’ve used the Hisense U7K have raved about it, and it’s not hard to see why: It produces a rich, clean, fluid picture for everything from movies to shows to sports, and it comes in at a price that undercuts most comparable sets.
As a mid-range model, it’s not going to touch the high-end specs of the flagship TVs, but the Hisense U7K still has a lot to offer: a refresh rate of up to 144Hz on two of the four HDMI ports on the back, for example, as well as support for VRR and all the key HDR standards.
Color quality and uniformity are excellent, and the Google TV interface has everything you need regarding streaming apps, including some. We’re fans of the aesthetics offered by the Hisense U7K, too—right down to the tall, narrow remote.
LG C3
Image: LG
Available sizes: 42, 48, 55, 65, 77 and 83 inches
Display tech: OLED / 4K
Starting price: $1,400
We all have different needs and tastes when it comes to TVs, but there’s a good case to be made that the LG C3 is currently the best television for most people, thanks to its top-tier OLED display tech and very reasonable price point.
All four of the port connections support HDMI 2.1, so gamers needing 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM will be pleased. The virtual surround sound goes up to a 9.1.2 channel system. There’s also support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, so HDR is certainly well covered.
It’s the actual experience of viewing movies and shows that matters most, though, and in this regard, the LG C3 is excellent—especially for the price you’re paying. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of the LG G3 and its cutting-edge images, but it’s also significantly cheaper.
Samsung S95C
Image: Samsung
Available sizes: 55, 65, 77 inches
Display tech: OLED / 4K
Starting price: $2,500
Samsung has put just about everything it’s got into the Samsung S95C, and it’s a winning combination of specs, design, and price. It doesn’t come cheap strictly, but you’re getting Samsung’s best TV know-how, including its Quantum Dot-enhanced OLED display tech.
The TV stands out in the most critical areas: peak brightness, color range, and contrast levels. In addition, all the key HDR standards are supported (aside from Dolby Vision), as well as four HDMI 2.1 ports and 4.2.2 channel audio.
Whether you’re watching live sports, the latest movies, or video scaled up from a lower-resolution source, the picture quality is superb in all aspects—from the clarity of the details to the balance of the colors to the crispness of quickly moving scenes.
Sony A95L
Image: Sony
Available sizes: 55, 65, 77 inches
Display tech: OLED / 4K
Starting price: $2,800
Read through any review of the Sony A95L you can find online, and you’ll soon realize this is a TV that wows everyone who comes across it. It offers a combination of sound and vision quality that’s a delight, no matter what you want to spend your time watching.
Of particular note are the high peak brightness levels, the uniformity of the colors displayed by the panel, and the crisp and rich audio. Everything about the set stands out, though only two of the four HDMI slots support the latest 2.1 standard.
The Sony A95L has a high asking price, but sometimes it’s worth paying for the best—and this is one of those times. As with other Sony sets, Google TV is on board, which could be just about the best option out there in terms of integrated smart software.
TCL S4
Image: TCL
Available sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75, 85 inches
Display tech: LED, 4K
Starting price: $280
When we talk about the best products in a particular category, the most expensive models are usually the ones that get mentioned—offering the highest quality components and the best possible specs. Not everyone has the budget to afford the best in class, however.
For many people, the best TV will be the best one they can get for the lowest price, and that’s where sets like the TCL S4 come in. Nothing is to set it apart except that it consistently produces a great picture for little money in relative terms.
This television offers a host of different screen sizes and a sharp 4K resolution. It handles contrast and reflections really well. The key selling point is the price, though, and we don’t think anyone who buys it will have any complaints.
Samsung QN900C
Image: Samsung
Available sizes: 65, 75, 85 inches
Display tech: Mini-LED / 8K
Starting price: $5,000
8K televisions are by no means hitting the mainstream yet, but 4K has been the standard for a long time now, and eventually, the time will come for 8K. The Samsung QN900C is ahead of the game in this respect, though you need a big chunk of change to be able to afford it.
With deep blacks and minimal blooming, this set rivals the best OLED technology in terms of its picture, and you also get a peak brightness of 4,000 nits and expert HDR handling. Pictures consistently look fantastic, and upscaling to 8K is handled fantastically well.
A separate connection box handles four HDMI 2.1 ports—that means just a couple of cables leading to the actual TV, and with its super-thin frames, it’s a TV that’s easy on the eye as well—a flagship set in every sense of the word, with 8K support.
Sony A90K
Image: Sony
Available sizes: 42, 48 inches
Display tech: OLED / 4K
Starting price: $1,300
The Sony A90K is a set that sits somewhere in the middle of Sony’s range, but the trade-offs it makes are sensible ones. It’s a model that we think is likely to appeal to people who want to get maximum bang for their buck with their next upgrade.
It also comes in a smaller size than a lot of TVs you’ll see nowadays, so it’s suitable for rooms that don’t have space for giant sets. You still get the benefits of OLED technology here, so you can expect top-tier color and contrast if not best-in-class brightness levels.
There are four HDMI sockets here, two of which offer HDMI 2.1 (with support for 4K/120Hz input, VRR, and ALLM). As usual, the Sony processor fitted here is very adept at image processing, ensuring a crisp and vibrant image no matter what sources are connected.
Roku Plus
Image: Roku
Available sizes: 55, 65, 75 inches
Display tech: QLED / 4K
Starting price: $500
Why buy a Roku dongle or box when you can buy a Roku TV? Well known for being one of the best smart TV interfaces around, with support for just about every streaming app out there and then some, the Roku Plus series packs all of that inside a television.
It’s not just about the software here, though, because you also get a QLED panel capable of producing a perfect picture. Images have a lot of life and vibrancy to them, with well-balanced colors and impressive HDR handling across the board.
The Roku Plus will particularly appeal to those shopping on a budget because, relatively speaking, you can pick this TV up for not much money at all. You miss out on some features—the four HDMI slots use 2.0, not 2.1—but it’s still excellent value for money.
Amazon Fire TV Omni
Image: Amazon
Available sizes: 43, 50, 55, 65, 75
Display tech: QLED
Starting price: $400
Speaking of televisions with familiar interfaces, the Amazon Fire TV Omni uses the same software that you’ll find on Amazon’s streaming sticks and boxes. If you find that interface appealing and watch a lot of Prime Video, this could be for you.
We like the wide choice of screen sizes here, we like the simple yet stylish design, and we want the way this TV renders movies, shows, and sports. Okay, it’s not quite at the level of the flagships, but then again, you’re paying a lot less to get it in your home.
HDR is well managed, images are typically bright and fluid, and, of course, Amazon Alexa is baked right in (so you can easily ask questions about what you’re watching). This set has four HDMI inputs, though only one of those supports HDMI 2.1.
XGIMI Horizon Ultra
Image: XGIMI
Available sizes: Up to 200 inches
Display tech: Projector / 4K
Starting price: $1,700
If you don’t need a television or a projector, the classy XGIMI Horizon Ultra will serve you very well. It’s been earning a lot of praise for the high quality of its 4K picture, though it certainly doesn’t come cheap.
Everything about this projector looks premium and stylish, right down to the remote control and the sliding door mechanism that reveals the actual projector. Sound is superbly handled here as well, with some engineering help from Harman Kardon.
Assuming you have the wall or projector screen space to handle it, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra will produce bright, sharp, and evenly balanced images. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports and supports attaching USB devices and connecting to the web directly.
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
Image: Epson
Available sizes: Up to 300 inches
Display tech: Projector / 4K
Starting price: $3,000
You get a certain amount of peace of mind with an Epson projector—the company has been making these devices for a long, long time—and the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB has proved a popular 4K projector choice with both users and professionals.
Brightness rises to a fantastic 2,600 lumens, while the dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 also stands out. The projector can generate pictures up to 300 inches, corner to corner, so your home movie nights can be ultra-immersive.
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB, which has two HDMI 2.0 ports, superbly handles everything from HDR to color management, from motion handling to peak brightness. However, it does not have integrated sound, so you’ll need external speakers.
BenQ X500i
Image: BenQ
Available sizes: Up to 215 inches
Display tech: Projector / 4K
Starting price: $1,700
Just about anything you choose to pipe through the BenQ X500i will look great on a wall or projector screen. If a projector suits you better than a television set, it’s definitely one of the top options out there—especially if you’re using it for gaming.
With 2,200 lumens on offer, support for refresh rates up to 120Hz, and two HDMI 2.0 ports, the projector is strong in every area. That extends to the software, too: Android TV is built right in, so you don’t need to connect anything else to get to your streaming apps.
Most importantly, this projector produces really high-quality pictures, with sharpness, color, and motion all expertly handled. We also like the preset video modes available here, which adjust the projector’s settings based on what you’re viewing.
Shu Lea Cheang, an early pioneer in the field of digital art, is the second recipient of the LG Guggenheim Award, as announced today (March 5). Selected by an international jury of art, culture and technology experts, she will receive an unrestricted honorarium of $100,000.
The prize is given by the LG Guggenheim Art and Technology Initiative, a five-year partnership established in 2022 between New York’s Guggenheim Museum and the South Korean company LG that promotes artists working at the intersection of art and technology. “Shu Lea Cheang was one of the first to recognize the liberatory potential of the digital realm,” said Naomi Beckwith, the Guggenheim’s chief curator and deputy director, in a statement. “We celebrate her bold explorations of bodies, and their desires, in our digital and analog worlds, and are thrilled, alongside LG, to recognize her necessary work.”
Cheang, 69, is a Taiwanese, American and French multi-hyphenate artist whose work has engaged myriad new technologies since the 1990s. She has produced and directed four feature-length films—1994’s Fresh Kill, 2000’s I.K.U., 2017’s Fluidø and 2023’s UKI—and her art is in the collections of institutions like the Whitney, Walker Art Center, Museum of Modern Art and Centre Pompidou.
Shu Lea Cheang, UKI, 2023. Digital color video, with sound, 80 min. Courtesy Guggenheim
Shu Lea Cheang: trailblazer in internet and digital art
Cheang has long been at the forefront of exploring the impact of technological change on society. Her 1998 piece Brandon, for example, made history as the first-ever web art commissioned by the Guggenheim. The work, which explored the legacy of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was murdered in 1993, was restored in 2017 by a team of computer-based conservationists at the Guggenheim.
Decades later, Cheang’s contributions to digital culture remain relevant. In 2019, she represented Taiwan at the Venice Biennale with 3x3x6, a mixed-media installation whose title alludes to industrial imprisonment (the title refers to a 3×3 square-meter cell monitored by six cameras). Focused on surveillance in the digital age, it referenced ten different cases of imprisonment incited by gender, sexual and racial nonconformity.
Shu Lea Cheang, Baby Love (from Locker Baby Project), 2005. Networked media installation, dimensions variable. Installation view: Baby Love, Palais de Tokyo, Paris, December 8, 2005– January 8, 2006. Photo : Florian Kleinefenn
The artist’s oeuvre also includes experimentations with technological themes ranging from alternative currencies to movement sensors. More recent works like 2017’s Mycelium Network Society examined the nature of biotechnologies, while her 2023 installation Utter focused on the societal implications of machine learning.
In their jury statement, panelists for the LG Guggenheim Award praised Cheang’s “fascinating overview of advanced technologies.” Jury members included Eungie Joo, head of contemporary art the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Koyo Kouoh, executive director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art; Noam Segal, LG Electronics Associate Curator at the Guggenheim; Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, director of Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Art Contemporanea; and Stephanie Dinkins, the recipient of the inaugural LG Guggenheim Award.
Cheang is set to discuss her practice and future works in a May 2 public program at the Guggenheim’s theater. “The LG Guggenheim Award revives an honorable tradition of the electronic industry’s support for art and technology,” she said in a statement. “To be recognized by an assembly of diverse jury members grants me tremendous confidence in continuing and expanding my art practice.”
