LG Electronics Announces New Smart Home Accessories, Designed In Collaboration With Apple For The Apple Home Collection

* The New Products Advance LG’s Zero Labor Home Vision Across Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces

LG Electronics (LG) today announced a range of smart home accessories co-developed with Apple for the Apple Home Collection, including indoor and outdoor cameras, and a video doorbell, smart lock, smart thermostat, and temperature sensor. The new products are designed to make the everyday home experience simpler, more reliable, and seamlessly connected and private in Apple Home.

These smart home accessories advance the company’s ambition to simplify everyday living by reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling more intuitive interactions between customers and their environments.

“Creating a truly connected home requires products that work seamlessly together,” said Kihyun Jung, head of the Platform Business Center at the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “By bringing LG's expertise in home appliances and the home environment together with the Apple Home, we are creating intuitive, integrated experiences that fit naturally into customers' daily lives.”

“Apple has always focused on making products and experiences that are seamless and intuitive and protect our users’ privacy — and that matters more than ever in the home,” said Matthew Costello, Apple's vice president of Hardware Engineering. “Combining our hardware and software expertise with LG's deep understanding of the home and connected living lets us build smart home experiences that are simpler to set up, are easier to control, and work effortlessly.”

Moving Beyond Connectivity to Co-Develop Products and User Experiences

Moving beyond just device compatibility, Apple and LG developed these new products together from the early product planning stage, collaborating on hardware, software, and user experiences.

Each product is designed with a consistent user experience in mind to streamline setup and control. Using the Home app or Siri to control a single “Good Morning” scene can simultaneously adjust the thermostat and tilt an indoor camera down while a user is getting ready.

Introducing New Indoor and Outdoor Cameras, a Video Doorbell, Smart Lock, Thermostat, and Temperature Sensor

Starting in December, with select accessories coming early next year, LG and Apple are launching the full lineup in the United States and Canada with support for Apple Home and LG ThinQ apps.1 In the United Kingdom, indoor and outdoor cameras and a video doorbell will be available starting December.2

* Cameras

With up to 2.5K video resolution, low-light color night vision, and wide-angle coverage, the cameras provide clear views during the day and at night. Using intelligence, each camera recognizes people, pets, vehicles and motion, helping deliver more relevant alerts and reducing unnecessary notifications. Users can also block selected areas from view and recording, while built-in local storage provides greater control over how recorded footage is stored and reviewed.

* LG Indoor Cam Plug-In: A wide 160° field of view captures more of the room in a single frame, while a privacy tilt mechanism and physical controls provide a visible and intuitive way to control monitoring when it is not needed.

* LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In: The camera provides reliable outdoor monitoring.

* LG Floodlight Cam: The camera adds dual adaptive floodlights that automatically illuminate the surrounding area when activity is detected.

* LG Video Doorbell Wired

LG Video Doorbell Wired brings clear visibility, more relevant alerts and everyday convenience to the front door. Its dual-camera system combines a 2.5K front camera and a Full HD bottom camera, capturing separate views of visitors, packages and key areas around the entryway. It can also identify people, vehicles, pets and packages and play a helpful chime through Apple HomeView, HomePod or HomePod mini. Low-light color night vision and two-way talk also help users see and respond to activity at their door.

* LG Smart Deadbolt Lock

LG Smart Deadbolt Lock combines hands-free unlocking with home key on a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch and advanced Ultra-Wideband technology. The lock recognizes an authorized user’s location and movement to support reliable hands-free entry. NFC tap, PIN code and a physical key provide additional ways to unlock the door, while built-in door sensing and real-time app notifications help users monitor door status and security events.

* LG Smart Thermostat and LG Temperature Sensor

Adaptive Temperature from Apple can adjust heating and cooling based on headed home, away from home, or sleeping.

When paired with optional LG Temperature Sensor devices placed in other rooms, the system can monitor temperature and humidity to support more consistent comfort throughout the home. Matter over Thread enables low-power, responsive connectivity with fewer connection delays and offline disruptions.

* Privacy in Apple Home

Privacy is foundational to Apple Home. Camera footage and personal data in the Home app is stored end-to-end encrypted and never accessible to LG or Apple.

To learn more about LG and Apple’ s smart home accessories, visit LG website. 

Switzerland Tourism Welcomes Jemimah Rodrigues As New Friendship Ambassador For India

Photo Caption: Picture 1. (left to right): Christian Schoch, Director India, Switzerland Tourism; Anaha Thakur, Marketing Manager, Switzerland Tourism; Jemimah Rodrigues, Switzerland’s Friendship Ambassador for India; and Martin Nydegger, CEO, Switzerland Tourism.

* The Indian cricketer brings a fresh, youthful perspective to Switzerland Tourism’s engagement with a new generation of Indian travellers

Switzerland Tourism has announced Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues as its new Friendship Ambassador for India. The association marks a fresh chapter in Switzerland Tourism’s long-standing relationship with Indian travellers. The announcement was made in Bangalore in the presence of Martin Nydegger, CEO, Switzerland Tourism, along with members of the media and travel industry.

Switzerland has long been high on the Indian traveller’s bucket list, with generations discovering the destination through cinema, honeymoons, family holidays and memorable journeys. As Indian travellers evolve, so do the experiences they seek, with a growing appetite for travel that is more personal, active and immersive.

For this next chapter, Switzerland Tourism has chosen a voice that already resonates strongly with young India. Jemimah Rodrigues represents a generation that is global in outlook yet deeply rooted in its Indian identity. As Friendship Ambassador, she will bring that perspective to Switzerland, experiencing the destination in her own way and introducing Indian audiences to a side of the country that goes beyond the familiar.

Speaking about the association, Martin Nydegger, CEO, Switzerland Tourism, said, “India and Switzerland have shared a special relationship for many years, and that relationship continues to evolve with every generation of travellers. Long-haul markets such as India have an important role to play in strengthening year-round tourism in Switzerland, especially in our mountain regions. Today’s Indian traveller is curious, confident and increasingly looking for experiences that feel personal and authentic. Jemimah brings that spirit naturally. Her energy, warmth and ability to connect with people make her a wonderful fit for this association, and we are delighted to welcome her as our Friendship Ambassador for India.”

For Jemimah, the association is also an opportunity to experience Switzerland from a fresh perspective. She said, “Representing India has always been something very special to me, and wherever I travel, I carry a little bit of home with me. What excites me about this association is the chance to discover Switzerland beyond everything we already know and love about it. I’m looking forward to meeting people, trying new things, exploring different places, and sharing those moments with everyone back home. I’m really excited to begin this journey with Switzerland Tourism”

India today ranks among Switzerland Tourism’s top 10 source markets, making it an important market for the destination. The association with Jemimah will also bring Switzerland Tourism’s Travel Better philosophy to life for Indian audiences. Over the course of the association, Jemimah will experience Switzerland across all four seasons, discovering its well-known highlights alongside hidden gems and exploring different regions, experiences and ways of travelling through the country.

Adding to this, Christian Schoch, Director India, Switzerland Tourism, said, “India is one of our top 10 source markets, and we are seeing Indian travellers increasingly look for new ways to experience Switzerland. With Jemimah, we have an opportunity to showcase the diversity of the destination across the year, from different seasons and regions to experiences that go beyond the traditional highlights. This also ties closely into our Travel Better philosophy: encouraging travellers to stay longer, explore further and discover both the iconic and the lesser-known sides of Switzerland. Jemimah’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure make her a great fit to tell that story to India.”

The announcement was accompanied by the launch of a campaign trailer, offering the first glimpse into Jemimah’s journey through Switzerland. The campaign follows her across Interlaken and Zurich, with the Swiss public transport forming an integral part of the experience as she moves between destinations.

In Interlaken, Jemimah embraced her adventurous side with an exhilarating jetboat ride, tried her hand at Swiss chocolate-making and explored Ballenberg, Switzerland’s open-air museum, discovering the country’s cultural heritage along the way. Her journey then took her to Jungfraujoch, where she experienced snow for the first time against one of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine backdrops.

The journey continued in Zurich, where Jemimah discovered a vibrant and contemporary side of Switzerland. From running through the city and exploring it on an e-bike to heading out onto the water in an e-boat and enjoying a relaxed picnic, she experienced a city where urban life and nature come together effortlessly.

Travelling aboard the Swiss public transport tied the journey together, highlighting the ease with which travellers can move between Switzerland’s cities, mountains and regions. Whether travelling independently, exploring solo or sharing the journey with a sibling, as Jemimah did, Switzerland offers the connectivity and flexibility to discover the country at one’s own pace.

The trailer is the first glimpse into a larger journey that will unfold over the course of the association. Across spring, summer, autumn and winter, Jemimah will continue to discover different facets of Switzerland, balancing iconic experiences with hidden gems and showing how the destination changes with every season. The association reflects Switzerland Tourism’s continued commitment to inspiring the new-age Indian traveller to explore more of the country, travel across seasons and discover their own Switzerland along the way.

With Jemimah Rodrigues, Switzerland Tourism opens a fresh chapter in its relationship with Indian travellers.

Switzerland Tourism (ST)

ST is a federal corporation under public law tasked with promoting domestic and international demand for Switzerland as a holiday, travel, and congress destination. The development and implementation of marketing programmes to generate demand and profile Switzerland's strong, classic-modern tourism brand, both nationally and internationally, make up its core activities. ST works in close collaboration with the Swiss tourism industry, which contributes about half of its budget. The other half comes from federal funds. The organisation works in a customer- and market-oriented manner and is managed according to business management criteria. Worldwide, ST is present in 23 markets with around 280 employees (255 FTEs) spread over 36 offices.

FREEZE OUT: Fastrack Oceanyx Turns Hyperfixations Into Frozen Worlds

* The new Oceanyx Polar Edition brings Fastrack's "Never Same, Never Sane" spirit to life through a surreal frozen-ocean universe where time stands still and hyperfixations take over.

What are you into right now? A playlist on repeat, a new matcha obsession, a game you can’t put down, a city you want to disappear into? For a generation that can have multiple passions, personalities and rabbit holes at once, being into one thing has never meant being just one thing. Fastrack’s “Never Same, Never Sane” has always been about this very multiplicity; and with the new Oceanyx Polar Edition, the brand takes its multiverse of hyperfixations into a world where time stands still.

For Gen Z, hyperfixations aren't just interests; they're worlds of their own. A song can become a personality. A style can become a mood. A game, a fandom, a creator or a destination can become an escape. Freeze Out imagines what those moments would look like if they became a place.

Set against a dreamlike universe of frozen oceans, shifting ice formations and endless polar horizons, the campaign transforms hyperfixations into immersive worlds where different passions can coexist, overlap and evolve. Because for Gen Z, being into one thing doesn't mean being defined by it. Music, fashion, gaming, culture, fandom and personal obsessions can all be equally important expressions of identity.

WATCHES INSPIRED BY A WORLD FROZEN IN TIME

Translating the Freeze Out universe into wearable design, the new Oceanyx Polar Edition draws inspiration from the textures, colours and unpredictability of frozen ocean landscapes.

The collection features 14 watches for men and women, blending bold contemporary silhouettes with icy blues, deep ocean greens, blacks, gunmetal, silver and rose-gold accents. Layered dials, textured finishes and striking details echo the fractured surfaces and fluid formations found across frozen waters. Available across metal bracelets, leather straps and silicone styles, the collection moves effortlessly across moods, aesthetics and, naturally, hyperfixations.

Speaking about the launch, Danny Jacob - Head of Marketing, Fastrack said, “The best hyperfixations have a way of making everything else disappear. One minute you're casually exploring something and the next you're completely immersed in it. A playlist, a sneaker culture, a game, a style, a city or something only you understand. With Oceanyx, we imagined what that feeling would look like if it became a world. Vast, frozen, surreal and completely removed from the everyday. Freeze Out is about those moments when time stops mattering and obsession takes over. That's where Fastrack belongs. Because a watch doesn't always have to remind you where you are in time. Sometimes, it should give you a reason to lose track of it.”

The campaign film for the Oceanyx Polar Edition is now live across Fastrack’s social media channels, bringing the collection’s world of escape, hyperfixation and “Freeze Out” to life. The collection is available across Fastrack stores and online at fastrack.in, with prices starting at ₹3,995 and going up to ₹7,095.

Beyond The Punchline, Netflix India Puts The Spotlight On Comedy That Connects At CII Big Picture Summit 2026

* From relatable characters to distinctive creative voices, Netflix explores what makes comedy connect and the many ways India laughs ~

Link to download pictures

Netflix India brought together creators, performers and storytellers at the CII Big Picture Summit 2026 to explore what makes comedy connect with audiences, from relatable characters and everyday situations to distinctive creative voices and evolving formats. At the Confederation of Indian Industry’s flagship summit, the session, “Beyond the Punchline: What Makes Comedy a Hit?”, examined how stories rooted in local contexts can resonate with audiences and how comedy continues to evolve across series, stand-up, unscripted entertainment and creator-led formats.

Moderated by Rohini Ramnathan, the session featured Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India; Ravi Kishan, Actor, Producer and Member of Parliament; Sumukhi Suresh, Comedian, Actor and Writer; and Aatish Kapadia, Writer, Director, Co-Producer and Creator, bringing together diverse perspectives on comedy and storytelling. The panel looked at what makes comedy engaging, relatable and binge-worthy, with characters and stories that compel audiences to come back.

Speaking about the significance of comedy as a genre and Netflix’s continued focus on it, Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, said, “I think comedy is perhaps one of the biggest shared cultural experiences that can exist. I also firmly believe that comedy is India’s love language. We love laughing over a cup of chai, during a break at the water cooler, or as families over dinner. So, what better way to bring that to life than through content of the highest quality? Comedy is a very important genre. I think it connects people and for us, it has become more than a genre; it has become a lens through which we look at content.”

The session showcased how Netflix’s comedy slate brings together established entertainers, experienced storytellers and emerging voices. Bami highlighted that comedy may speak in different voices, styles and languages, but its ability to bring people together is universal. The beauty lies in this diversity, with different forms of comedy, from slapstick to satire, finding their own points of connection with audiences. Through its Har Type Ka Funny campaign, Netflix brings together different expressions of comedy across its slate with titles such as Chumbak, Maamla Legal Hai, The Great Indian Kapil Show, and Papa Yaar with Bhuvan Bam’s Dhindora S2 slated to release soon, alongside formats like Sumukhi Suresh’s Hoemonal and Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent S2 that are now streaming on the platform.

The conversation also highlighted three key takeaways: comedy thrives on recognisable human experiences, distinctive creative voices bring fresh perspectives to familiar situations, and the craft behind the humour is as important as the punchline.

Speaking about what it took to bring VD Tyagi to life in Maamla Legal Hai, Ravi Kishan said, “We worked very hard on getting the timing right, figuring out the performance, the rhythm and the meter. We planned and choreographed everything meticulously, working extremely hard and our aim was to create a cult show on Netflix and we managed to reach audiences across 193 countries. That’s when I came to be known as VD Tyagi, and from there, my journey began.”

Sumukhi Suresh on being asked what makes comedy truly connect with audiences said, “Comedy is at its most honest when nobody is performing and it comes from a place of genuine spontaneity. That’s when the audience truly connects with it.”

Speaking about his process of identifying characters and building them into comedy narratives, Aatish Kapadia said, “Ordinary people have so many distinctive qualities, quirks and even egos that characters almost seem to emerge from within them organically. When I sit down for a meal, I often find myself more interested in the people around me than in the food, because I genuinely love people. And the more ordinary a person is, the more fascinating I find them.” He also spoke about his experience writing for Netflix and said, “ When Netflix becomes the audience for your writing, their experience teaches you that they know their audience deeply and are representative of what resonates with them. If we can make them laugh, we know we’re on the right track. That became our benchmark.”

The session concluded with the observation that while comedy may look effortless on screen, its execution relies on the craft behind it, including the writing, performances and on-screen chemistry that make a moment feel effortless and a character unforgettable.

Nike Sportswear Celebrates LISA’s Moonshot In New Moon Shoe Campaign

LISA is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: rapper, singer, dancer, actress, and style icon. At 14, LALISA MANOBAL, won the YG Entertainment audition and left her home in Thailand to train as a K-pop artist. By 2026, LISA of Blackpink has solidified her evolution from K-pop sensation to Nike partner, and global superstar - living out her ultimate dream, having achieved her moonshot.

The legendary Moon Shoe was Nike’s original moonshot. Born out of an idea in co-founder, Bill Boweman’s kitchen, the Moon Shoe experiment cemented Nike’s reputation as an innovator and gave rise to the company’s first major footwear breakthroughs. It helped deliver the blueprint for Nike’s approach and long-term success: experiment boldly, keep refining, and never stop pushing forward – much like LISA.

This fall, Nike Sportswear celebrates LISA’s meteoric journey in a campaign showcasing the global icon wearing the sleek and fashion-forward Moon Shoe silhouette. LISA reaches the greatest of heights, leaving her shoe print on the moon, planting the Nike Sportswear (NSW) flag, and standing atop a lunar podium. The striking visuals are set to “Mister Magic Moon,” a track released in 1964 by The Kim Sisters (with Joe Tanner's Orchestra) - the first globally successful K-Pop group, long before the term existed. It's a full circle moment as the campaign honors the past, while showcasing the future, much like the Moon Shoe itself.

The Nike Sportswear Moon Shoe is available now in new seasonal colorways on Nike.com and at select Nike and parter retail locations globally.

Kuchipudi Parampara Foundation, Bengaluru Presents Its Thirteenth Edition Natya Parampara Utsav 2026

 Kuchipudi Parampara Foundation, Bengaluru Presents its Thirteenth Edition Natya Parampara Utsav2026.

Programmes will include Recognition & Honouring of the works of senior Kuchipudi Guru of Traditional Kuchipudi family Guru Mahankali Ramchandra Murthy,Sri Charles Ma Bharatanatyam practitioner Bangalore, Kuchipudi Solo performance by Aiswariya KR disciple of Deepa Sashindran, Odissi by Abhaya Lakshmi and Kapisutra by Kuchipudi Art Academy, Chennai

Day & Date: Thursday 29th Oct 2026,

Time: 6.00PM onwards

Venue: SevaSadan Auditorium, Malleshwaram.

Entry Free: All are welcome

The event is curated by Deepa Narayanan Sashindran, Kuchipudi Exponent and Life Trustee Kuchipudi Parampara Foundation, Bangalore.

Kuchipudi Parampara Foundation, Bengaluru a Non Profit Trust founded by Kuchipudi Exponent and Life Trustee Deepa Narayanan Sashindranis presently offering systematic Kuchipudi dance training and choreography in Bengaluru and Globally to bring forth artists of high calibre.

For more information’s

Contact Deepa Sashindran -9845315272.

www.kuchipudiparamparafoundation.com,

XECH Unveils BlendXL Duo, Bringing Family-Sized Portable Blender Across Indian Market

Key Highlights:

· Two interchangeable jars (1300ml and 500ml) for individual and larger blends.

· Powerful ice crushing motor with six stainless-steel blades for smooth shakes, juices, dips and chutneys.

· BlendXL Duo available in White at ₹2,999 and Chrome Luxe Edition at ₹3,499.

XECH Technologies is a leading manufacturer of innovative portable home appliances and consumer electronics has launched the XECH BlendXL Duo. A USB-C rechargeable dual-jar portable blender designed for smoothies, protein shakes, iced coffees, fruit drinks and ice-based blends.

It offers a practical solution for both individual servings and larger quantities. It combines a 1300ml max-capacity jar and a 500ml personal jar, giving users the flexibility to prepare both individual and larger servings. BlendXL Duo is available in White at ₹2,999 and Chrome Luxe Edition at ₹3,499.

The Blend XL offers consumers a choice between a contemporary white finish and a premium chrome design. With its dual-jar design which features a large capacity jar, powerful blending capability and rechargeable functionality, BlendXL Duo caters to modern consumers looking for appliances that fit seamlessly into their active lifestyles.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Pranay Punjabi, Founder & CEO, XECH Technologies, said, “BlendXL Duo began with a simple ambition: to redefine what a portable blender could do. After two years of design refinement and engineering, we successfully increased the jar capacity from 500ml to 1300 ml, delivering 2.6X the capacity while retaining the same motor base. We also introduced specially designed indentations along the jar to improve ingredient circulation and support smoother, more consistent blending.”

He further added, “Today's consumers want appliances that combine performance, convenience and flexibility. With BlendXL Duo, we have brought together two interchangeable jars, powerful blending capabilities and cordless freedom in one compact design, bridging the gap between traditional kitchen blenders and conventional portable blenders.”

BlendXL Duo has a built-in safety mechanism that allows operation only when the jar is properly secured, confirmed by a green indicator light. The detachable, BPA-free jars are made from super-strong, high-density material for added durability and are easy to clean after use. BlendXL is not suitable for liquids above 49°C or carbonated beverages. The Chrome Luxe Edition adds a premium chrome finish for consumers looking for a more elevated design.

“Portable blenders have largely been built and marketed around individual use. With BlendXL Duo, we are expanding that category from personal blending to personal-and-shared blending, without giving up portability”, said Niranjan Shendge, Head – E-Commerce, Marketing & Brand, XECH Technologies.

The introduction of BlendXL Duo in White and Chrome Luxe editions further strengthens XECH's growing portfolio of portable home and lifestyle appliances. The blender caters to individuals, families, fitness enthusiasts, working professionals and consumers seeking greater flexibility in everyday beverage preparation. Both variants are available on official XECH website (www.xech.com), XECH Experience Centres, Amazon and other leading e-commerce platforms.

XECH BlendXL Duo at a Glance

Product: XECH BlendXL Duo Portable Blender

Jar capacities: 1300ml + 500ml

Blades: 6 stainless-steel blades

Charging: USB-C rechargeable

Uses: Smoothies, protein shakes, iced coffees, fruit drinks, mocktails and dips

Variants: White / Chrome Luxe Edition

Price: ₹2,999 / ₹3,499

Availability: XECH.com, Amazon, XECH Experience Centres and leading e-commerce platforms

About XECH Technologies

XECH is a forward-thinking consumer electronics brand committed to creating immersive, future-ready innovations for the modern, upwardly mobile consumer. With a strong emphasis on user-centric design and cutting-edge technology, Xech develops products that seamlessly integrate into everyday life enhancing convenience, connectivity, and overall experience. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, the company is driven by a vision to go beyond gadgets and shape lifestyles, continuously pushing boundaries to redefine how technology elevates daily living in an increasingly connected world.