LG Electronics folding phones... reshaping strategy with wireless earphones 'Tone Free'

Three 'Tone Free' Wireless Earphone Models Released on the 26th
Mobile Phone Business Withdrawn After 26 Years This Week
"Will Continue to Target the Wireless Earphone Market"

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] LG Electronics, which will end its mobile phone business on the 31st of this month, launched a new strategy on the 26th with three new wireless earphone models called 'Tone Free.'

The three new Tone Free models focus on implementing Meridian premium sound, an area where LG Electronics has strengths. Equipped with 'Active Noise Cancelling' to block external noise, customers can immerse themselves more deeply in music. They apply a 'hybrid diaphragm' that wraps a synthetic fiber diaphragm with silicone material, producing smooth yet powerful bass without irritation, and also support a '3D Sound Stage EQ' mode reminiscent of a live concert.

Hygiene management features have also been enhanced. The top-tier model TONE-TFP9 and the mid-range model TONE-TFP8 support the 'UV Nano' function, which removes 99.9% of harmful bacteria such as E. coli. All three models use non-toxic, hypoallergenic silicone material that has passed the international standard (ISO 10993) skin contact safety test.

The previous inconvenience of not being able to use wireless earphones with devices lacking Bluetooth functionality has also been resolved. In the case of the TONE-TFP9, when customers want to listen to music or watch movies on airplanes that do not support Bluetooth, or during exercise, connecting the charging cradle to a multimedia port allows sound to be transmitted to the wireless earphones.

The TONE-TFP9 and TONE-TFP8 can be used for up to 10 hours on a single charge, while the TONE-TFP5 offers 8 hours of use. They also support fast charging, enabling about 1 hour of use with just 5 minutes of charging. Weighing 5.2g, they are lighter and feature an ergonomic design. LG Electronics collaborated with the Ergonomics Laboratory at Pohang University of Science and Technology to study the ear shapes of approximately 300 people.

LG Electronics plans to launch the new Tone Free products domestically starting on the 26th, followed by releases in North America and Europe. The domestic retail prices are 249,000 KRW for the TONE-TFP9, 219,000 KRW for the TONE-TFP8, and 169,000 KRW for the TONE-TFP5.

Kim Sunhyung, Head of Marketing for LG Electronics Korea HE, said, "This product combines Meridian premium sound and active noise cancelling with perfect hygiene and ease of use," adding, "We will continue to target the wireless earphone market by offering customers a variety of products."

Meanwhile, LG Electronics will officially end its mobile phone business, which it has operated for 26 years, on the 31st of this month. After recording 24 consecutive quarters of operating losses through the first quarter, the company decided to completely withdraw from the increasingly competitive smartphone business.