"Introducing Dual-Extraction Blending with Capsules"... LG Launches Innovative Coffee Machine

LG Electronics, known for its consistent innovation in unique appliances like the homemade beer machine 'HomeBrew' and plant cultivator 'Tiiun', has now ventured into the realm of capsule coffee machines. Distinctively designed to simultaneously brew two different flavored coffee capsules and blend them, the machine is also equipped with a display at the bottom where the cup is placed.

'Duobo', LG Electronics' capsule coffee machine. LG Electronics
 

LG Electronics announced on the 20th (local time) that they will reveal their innovative capsule coffee machine 'Duobo' on Kickstarter, the largest crowdfunding platform in the US. As part of their promotion last month, LG held a showcase in New York with local baristas and citizens, resulting in several review videos being posted on YouTube and various social networking services (SNS).

According to LG Electronics, the Duobo can extract coffee from two capsules at once. While there have been coffee machines that could sequentially extract from two capsules, simultaneous extraction is a world first. Additionally, extraction temperature and quantity can be individually adjusted for each capsule, allowing consumers to fine-tune their blend ratio according to taste. The design is also special. Drawing inspiration from the 'Apollo 11' lunar module, the concept seeks to encapsulate the 'taste of space'. Resembling a three-legged robot, the machine places its coffee dispenser at the bottom. There is a display where the coffee cup is positioned, showing coffee-related information and animations featuring characters in spacesuits. The release price is set at $799, roughly 1,010,000 KRW. However, early sales through Kickstarter funding have been dropped to $499, approximately 630,000 KRW.

It's notable that the product was introduced and launched in the US before Korea, contrary to the usual approach where new products are first released in the domestic market. This was due to Kickstarter being the world's largest crowdfunding platform and a popular gathering spot for early adopters who enjoy unique products. 

In fact, not only in the US, but also in many countries including South Korea, small and medium-sized electronics manufacturers promote their uncertain-demand electronic products on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. 

An LG Electronics official explained, "Considering this product as an experimental venture into a new domain we've never tackled as a company, we're using crowdfunding to anticipate demand and gauge the likelihood of success."