LG unveil smart fridges, washing machines linked to phones and a 98in 8K TV

Smarter fridges and washing machines that interact with users were at the centre of LG's press conference ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The technology firm was one of the first global brands to unveil its plans for 2016, which it confirmed will revolve around a new premium range called Signature.

The new washing machine has two separate load areas, enabling users to wash two different sets of laundry at once. It can also be linked to a smartphone which notifies you when your washes are complete.

LG's Brian Na said: "Our driving principle is to ensure that the essence of our products is preserved from idea generation to the user experience.

"LG Signature is the embodiment of everything that is important to LG, and we hope to convey that philosophy to consumers who appreciate great products from strong brands."

The new Signature fridge includes a door-in-door that becomes transparent when you knock on it, as well as a sensor to automatically open when someone approaches.

Televisions traditionally feature heavily at CES, and this year appears to be no exception as LG announced a new line of 4K ultra high definition units.

Again part of the LG Signature range, two of the OLED TV units, the G6 and E6 are only 2.57mm thick, LG says. "The same as four stacked credit cards" was the comparison made on-stage during the press conference.

The Signature TV line-up is all 4K - four times the definition of HD, and LG says they can display one billion colours.

A "super UHD" 8K television was also announced, boasting a 98-inch (249cm) screen, and will be on display at the company's booth.

Although no prices have yet been confirmed, the Korean firm said a global rollout of products would begin in March.

Fellow televisions manufacturers Samsung and Panasonic are both also holding press conferences today, with new TVs expected to be announced.