LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened its ThingQ API for its Smart Home platform to enable developers to integrate their solutions with compatible LG appliances. The release covers both the API for individual users and corporate users.
The ThinQ API for individual users supports the control and monitoring of AI appliances registered in the LG ThinQ app. It allows users to create customized Smart Home applications, for example, the popular Home Assistant home automation framework can already connect and control 26 types of LG AI appliances including refrigerators, water heaters, and washing machines. I can see the community has been working on LG ThinQ integration well before the release of the full release of the API, but maybe LG saw this and completly released the API to ease the work of developers.
There are four main ThingQ APIs for individuals:
- Device API – Used to request ThinQ device information and control the device.
- Push API – Used to subscribe/unsubscribe the push messages generated from the ThinQ devices.
- Event API – Used to subscribe/unsubscribe the event messages generated from the ThinQ devices when their statuses change.
- Client API – Used to issue/register user device authentication certificate for receiving messages delivered from the ThinQ devices.
The ThinQ Business API targets office or residential buildings with support for LG products such as HVAC and digital signage. For example, this could allow users to boot times for the use of LG washers and dryers in common areas using the building management app. Administrators could also detect abnormal conditions in the building using LG’s temperature and humidity sensors.
The API categories are similar to the ThinQ API, but the Client API is replaced by the DR (Demand Response) API. LG says the DR API is used to control the devices of LG Electronics users, and B2B partners can utilize this API to manage LG Electronics users to help reduce or change the power consumption of LG Electronics users during certain power peak hours in response to the electricity demand. Currently, this API is limited to air conditioners and TVs, but the company expects more products to be supported in the future.
Developers can find resources to get started on LG’s developer website.
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
Manufacturers finding out again that opening up a walled garden is good for sales
too late, and if they want to make people work for free for help them to sell appliances, they should publish source code of their firmwares, instead make apis.
Nice! Hope we will see both official and unofficial integrations for Home Assistant, OpenHAB, and Domoticz.