The cooktop is powered by a 3kWh lithium ion phosphate battery that can run alone or alongside wall power. That extra oomph gives the induction stove “five times more performance than gas stoves,” says CEO Sam D’Amico. It can boil water in 40 seconds and provides the user with far more control over stove temperature, thanks to a precise digital readout.
LG Electronics (LG) has fully opened the Application Programming Interface (API) of its smart home platform, LG ThinQ, enabling developers to easily create smart spaces with LG appliances.
Recently, LG launched the LG Smart Solution API Developer website (smartsolution.developer.lge.com) to officially open up the LG ThinQ API. An API acts as a digital connector that allows different software to exchange functions seamlessly. Developers can utilize the open API to integrate various features from LG AI appliances into their programs or systems, enhancing their services.
The LG ThinQ API is divided into two categories: the ThinQ API for individual users and the ThinQ Business API for corporate partners. The ThinQ API allows for remote control of LG devices installed in homes or buildings and facilitates integration with various platforms.
For individual users, the ThinQ API supports the control and monitoring of AI appliances registered in the LG ThinQ app from various smart home platforms. By utilizing the ThinQ API, anyone can easily create a customized smart home that fits their lifestyle. For example, users of the global smart home platform Home Assistant can now connect and control 26 types of LG AI appliances, including refrigerators and washing machines, within their existing smart home environment. Home Assistant is a community-based open platform with about one million users worldwide who collaboratively develop various smart home functions such as device automation and feature expansion.
For enterprises, the ThinQ Business API supports partners operating office or residential buildings in integrating and managing various LG products, from appliances to commercial equipment like HVAC and signage, with their existing apps. For instance, large residential buildings can integrate LG appliances with their existing management apps for more convenient use. Residents can reserve the use of LG washers and dryers in common areas through the building management app, or administrators can detect abnormal conditions in the building using LG’s temperature and humidity sensors and quickly respond to issues through alert functions.
The Ferre brand made a notable appearance at the EspritCuisine section of the EspritMeuble 2024 trade fair, showcasing an impressive range of kitchen appliances. Visitors were introduced to Ferre’s microwave ovens, table-top and freestanding cookers, built-in hobs, built-in ovens, and extractor hoods. With its own production facilities, Ferre offers a diverse array of products, featuring registered designs and patents tailored to meet various needs. The brand’s slogans, “For kitchens with style” and “Let your mood change with the Ferre extractor hood,” perfectly encapsulate its innovative spirit.
**Pride and Enthusiasm**
“Our participation in EspritMeuble, which gathers industry leaders and technology enthusiasts from around the globe, was a fantastic opportunity to present our latest products and receive valuable feedback. The experience filled us with pride and excitement,” said Barkin Ayata, Regional Export Manager. A highlight of the event was the introduction of the new Ferre FryArt, an innovative appliance that functions both as an oven and a hot air fryer, allowing for oil-free frying.
With over 45 years of experience, Fema Group continues to lead in development and innovation. Employing over 1,000 specialists, the company exports to five continents and more than 100 countries. Fema Group’s effective communication strategy and commitment to customer satisfaction ensure smooth order processing, even in the most remote areas, supported by branches in Istanbul and Kayseri. The group is involved in every stage, from design to after-sales service, including R&D and production.
Premium appliance brand Miele has announced the opening of a new Experience Centre on London’s Wigmore Street, scheduled for March 2025. This new location will replace the current Experience Centre at Cavendish Place, offering a modern space for customers and retail partners to explore Miele’s full range of products. The new centre will feature live cooking demonstrations, product insights, and Kitchen Discovery Classes, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for all visitors.
Currys has recently highlighted the significant impact of Labour’s tax policies on its financial performance. In its half-year results for the six months ending 26 October 2024, the company estimated that these tax changes could cost up to £32 million.
This figure includes a £9 million increase due to National Living Wage hikes, a £12 million rise in National Insurance contributions, £2 million from inflation-based business rate increases, and up to £9 million in costs passed on from suppliers.
To mitigate these pressures, Currys plans to implement cost-saving measures such as process improvements, automation, offshoring, outsourcing, and overhead efficiencies. However, some price increases are expected to be unavoidable.
Despite these challenges, Currys reported a strong financial performance for the period. Adjusted earnings before interest and tax rose by 52% to £41 million, and group free cash flow increased to £50 million, up by £46 million. Revenue grew by 2% on a like-for-like basis, and the company ended the period with a net cash balance of £107 million.
CEO Alex Baldock expressed optimism about the company’s progress, noting significant growth in profits and cash flow, and a robust balance sheet. He highlighted the company’s preparedness for the peak trading period, with strong stock levels and competitive deals. Baldock also pointed out the rising demand for AI laptops, where Currys holds over 75% market share in the UK.
Looking ahead, Baldock remains confident in Currys’ ability to continue its growth trajectory, despite the new challenges posed by government policies. He emphasized the company’s focus on maintaining high levels of colleague engagement, increasing customer satisfaction, and growing cash flow for shareholders. Baldock also expressed gratitude to the Currys team for their hard work and dedication in driving the company’s success.
V-Zug appointed Christoph Kilian as new chief executive officer to succeed Spirig at the start of April. The Board of Directors of the V-ZUG Group would like to thank Peter Spirig for his achievements and outstanding commitment. Under his leadership, the V-ZUG Group has made significant progress, including the successful spin-off from the Metall Zug Group and the establishment of V-ZUG Holding AG as an independent, publicly listed company. The comprehensive, successful site transformation in Zug and the international positioning of the V-ZUG brand in all markets were further milestones in recent years
Miele celebrate its 125th anniversary, Miele is presenting its new generation of cylinder vacuum cleaners. Called Guard, it provides precise, elegant cleaning solutions that are tailored to each user. The “Always Better” philosophy is now available from entry-level to high-end. We were able to discover it at the Miele Experience Center in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.
“We have been manufacturing vacuum cleaners since 1929. Major milestones have marked its development, including the arrival of an English brand on the market, that of upright vacuum cleaners, robots and wet & dry. Today, we are talking about a product that remains a must-have for floor care ,” announced Thomas Bourgeois , Marketing Director, during his introductory speech.
In recent years, vacuum cleaner sales have indeed evolved towards greater practicality. While the cylinder vacuum cleaner represents 34% of the vacuum cleaner market weight in volume, Miele has a 26% market share in the cylinder vacuum cleaner with bag. In a declining market, the premium brand has achieved growth of 4%. “Our objective is to remain the preferred brand of the French in the premium segment, through satisfactory, qualitative and fast cleaning experiences” , specifies Karen Lemonnier , head of the PEM category. It is now arriving with a new generation of cylinder vacuum cleaners with bags.
An upgrade in functionality and design
The Guard S1 , the most compact and accessible in the range, is aimed at consumers looking for a lightweight and affordable vacuum cleaner. Available from €199.99 excluding VAT, it weighs only 4.1 kg and offers a range of 10 meters with 4 suction modes. Available in 6 attractive colors, it includes an SBB 355 brush and an AirClean filtration system.
An intermediate model with a monochrome design, the Guard M1 is positioned as the versatile option offering more capacity. Sold between €299.99 and €399.99 excluding VAT, it stands out for its robustness and completeness. Weighing 5.2 kg, it offers a range of 11 meters with three intuitive control buttons. An SBB 365 or FlexTeQ brush accompanies this model, which also includes three integrated accessories.
The Guard L1 crowns the range with its three high-end versions. Sold at €599.99 excluding VAT, the Comfort model (the highest range) benefits from five suction modes, a HEPA filter that eliminates 99.999% of viruses and intelligent Miele@home connectivity. Its brush offers a more ergonomic, comfortable and pleasant cleaning experience. Added to this is an automatic mode with an all-terrain brush that adapts to each type of floor. “Some vacuum cleaners are aimed at more specific needs and integrate brushes dedicated to parquet for fragile floors. In this case, the price positioning is higher. To meet demand, each of our ranges integrates these versions” , underlines Karen Lemonnier.
These vacuum cleaners share common features: a neat design, optimal performance with hygiene at the heart of its concerns and an environmental commitment through the use of recycled plastics in the bags. All these devices also offer three accessories: a crevice tool, a cushion nozzle and an upholstery brush. Through sustainable and innovative solutions, Miele confirms its position as a major player in premium household appliances.
For Beko, the EspritCuisine show was an opportunity to unveil its latest historical performances and its design and technological innovations for kitchen designers. Its Midnight range and its new products in the refrigeration and washing segments are the perfect illustration of this. Not forgetting the environment, which remains a major priority for the Group.
In 2024, Beko reached a strategic milestone in the kitchen fitters market. After being number 1 in sales volume since 2022, the manufacturer recently won first place in value, recording a 2.7-point increase in market share over the last period Jan-Sept 2024. In the built-in market, the brand is also performing well. “The built-in market remains a strategic focus. Beko has adapted to the needs of kitchen fitters, in terms of services and logistics. Its offering and positioning meet the current demand of professionals and consumers alike, looking for an attractive quality-price ratio ,” says Valérie Rousseau , Communications Director. With its new signature “En confiance avec Beko”, the manufacturer is focusing on four pillars: reliability, eco-responsibility, healthy living and technological leadership. An ambitious positioning, illustrated at EspritCuisine.
Cooking: a segment driving innovation
At the show, Beko unveiled some particularly promising technological innovations. Already presented at IFA 2023 and EuroCucina 2024, the Midnight capsule collection , awarded the iF Design Award 2024, embodies its new ambitions. It is made up of built-in appliances with a matt graphite finish and an intuitive user interface. Among the flagship products, the Split&Cook oven, which allows two dishes to be cooked simultaneously at different temperatures without mixing flavors, thanks to a double independent cavity. The ovens also offer innovative technologies such as VapeurDirect – with a steam generator allowing two levels (40% and 80%) – and AirFry, which guarantees crispy preparations with little fat. In addition to these two ovens, the range is completed by a 60 cm induction hob and a 60 cm inclined hood. “Its design fits perfectly with the trend for dark but also contrasting kitchens since white kitchens are still the ones that sell the most ,” recalls Valérie Rousseau.
Technologies and environment, at the heart of washing and refrigeration
In the washing segment, Beko presented its new integrated and freestanding dishwashers equipped with a heat pump. By passing through the entire heat pump system, the heat carrier fluid heats the water instead of the heating element. This allows for less energy consumption and a class A-20%. Other models are also innovative, with a SaveWater system that saves up to 758 liters of water per year.
Finally, refrigerators are not left out, with technologies such as AeroFlow which preserves the nutritional value of food, and multi-door models or even fully integrated 70 cm models incorporating HarvestFresh technology.
Increased concern for the environment
More generally, Beko’s environmental commitment is reflected in concrete initiatives. The company recycled 10 tons of used fishing nets in the manufacture of its ovens in 2023, 753 million plastic bottles in its appliances, and is developing technologies such as SaveWater and HarvestFresh. The latter even reproduces solar cycles to preserve the vitamins in fruits and vegetables.
China’s home appliance trade-in policy has boosted consumer spending, generating over 200 billion yuan (about 27.8 billion U.S. dollars) in sales and facilitating the purchase of over 45 million products by Friday.
The Ministry of Commerce’s home appliance trade-in platform reveals that around 30 million consumers have purchased subsidized products from eight designated categories, including refrigerators, televisions and computers, since the policy took effect.
According to Chinese media outlet Lanjinger News, several individuals claiming to be Hisense employees have taken to social media to allege that Hisense Group is undergoing significant layoffs. Reports suggest that the company’s workforce is being reduced from 110,000 to 80,000, with an estimated layoff rate of 20 to 30 percent. One verified employee of Hisense Home Appliances mentioned that the layoffs would occur in two phases, before and after the Lunar New Year, with an overall reduction of 30 percent.
Lanjinger News contacted multiple Hisense employees, who confirmed awareness of the rumors but were unclear about the specific plans or scale. An employee from Qingdao Hisense Network Technology Co. noted that many employees had already been informed. Another employee suggested that online reports might be exaggerated and that the actual number of layoffs could be lower, although demand and orders this year were significantly weaker compared to previous years.
When Lanjinger News reached out to Hisense Home Appliances Group and Hisense Visual Technology as investors, a representative from Hisense Home Appliances indicated that large-scale layoffs were unlikely but not yet confirmed, advising investors to make their own judgments while noting that the circulating information was inaccurate. A representative from Hisense Visual Technology stated that no related notices had been received.
Attempts to verify the information with Hisense Group’s public relations department went unanswered at the time of publication.
The report also recalled similar rumors from early 2020, when Hisense faced allegations of a large-scale layoff involving 10,000 employees. At that time, the company acknowledged workforce reductions as part of a performance optimization strategy but denied the scale of the layoffs being as high as reported.
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