Step Into Cleaner, Greener Living with Miele’s New SneakerWash System

In Germany alone, an estimated 380 million pairs of sneakers are thrown away each year—a staggering figure that highlights the need for better care, not just more consumption. That’s where the new Miele SneakerWash system steps in: a clever, low-effort solution designed to help extend the life of your favourite trainers while reducing waste.

What Is SneakerWash?

SneakerWash is a two-part system built for modern lifestyles and materials. It’s designed to clean sports shoes safely in a standard washing machine—without compromising on performance or protection.

Here’s how it works:

  • 🧺 WashBag
    A triple-layer mesh bag that cushions sneakers during the wash cycle. It includes:
  • Microfibre strips to scrub from sole to upper
  • A lace compartment to prevent tangling and damage
  • 🧼 SneakerTabs
    Low-temperature detergent tablets formulated specifically for sneaker fabrics. They’re:
  • Effective at just 30°C
  • Colour-safe
  • Designed for long-lasting freshness

Coming Soon: A Machine Made for Sneakers

Launching in Germany this January, the  Miele WWC384 SneakerWash washing machine takes the concept even further. It includes:

  • A dedicated sneaker programme for optimal care
  • A starter kit with WashBag and SneakerTabs included
  • Proven tech like:
  • PowerWash for energy and water efficiency
  • QuickPowerWash, which completes a full cycle in just 49 minutes

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about clean shoes—it’s about changing habits. By making sneaker care easier and more effective, this system encourages people to repair, reuse, and rethink their approach to everyday items. It’s a small step toward a more circular, conscious lifestyle

Silverline Announces Strategic Leadership Changes to Accelerate 2026 Growth Vision

Silverline, a leading innovator in the home appliance industry, is proud to announce a series of strategic leadership changes effective January 1, 2026. These changes are designed to strengthen the company’s organizational structure and support its ambitious growth initiatives in the years ahead.

– Glauco Pizzutto has been appointed CEO of the Silverline Group, assuming full strategic and operational leadership responsibilities.
– Roberto Pizzutto will serve as President, continuing to lead commercial strategy and foster long-standing business relationships.
– Denis Artuso joins Silverline as Sales Director, bringing a fresh perspective to drive market expansion and customer engagement.
– Folco Pizzutto will lead the Purchasing Department, focusing on supply chain optimization and deepening partnerships with key industrial collaborators. He will also maintain oversight of the brands’ commercial activities.

“These changes mark a pivotal moment in Silverline’s journey,” said Glauco Pizzutto. “We’re aligning our leadership to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market, while staying true to our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.”

Founded in Turkey in 1994, Silverline today brings next-generation kitchen enjoyment to millions of kitchens in over 70 countries. With our innovative designs, advanced technologies, and environmentally conscious products, we are one of the world’s leading cooker hood manufacturers, boasting an annual production capacity of 2.3 million units.

LG’s CLOiD Robot Promises a “Zero Labor Home” at CES 2026

CLOiD is expected to integrate seamlessly with LG’s broader smart home ecosystem, including ThinQ-enabled appliances. Imagine a home where your robot communicates with your smart fridge, oven, and washer to anticipate your needs and act on them autonomously. That’s the future LG is betting on—and showcasing at CES.

🔍 Why It Matters for the Appliance Industry

For appliance manufacturers and retailers, CLOiD signals a shift in consumer expectations. It’s no longer just about smart features—it’s about full-service automation. As AI and robotics become more sophisticated, the line between appliances and assistants continues to blur.

At WhiteGoodsNow, we’ll be watching closely as LG reveals more about CLOiD’s capabilities, pricing, and availability. One thing’s clear: the race toward the zero labor home is officially on.

Electrolux Group Champions Hydrogen Innovation for Greener Homes in Italy

At Electrolux Group, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a driving force behind innovation. Beyond designing high-efficiency appliances, the company is pioneering the use of alternative energy sources to help consumers embrace more eco-friendly lifestyles. One of its most promising frontiers? Hydrogen-powered cooking.

Leading Italy’s First Hydrogen Home Trial

In a groundbreaking move, Electrolux Group is taking part in Italy’s first residential hydrogen trial, spearheaded by Inrete Distribuzione Energia (part of the Hera Group) in Castelfranco Emilia, Modena. This initiative marks a significant step toward integrating hydrogen into everyday domestic energy use.

Launched in 2022, the project has gradually introduced a blend of natural gas and hydrogen—starting at 5% and aiming for 10%—into the local gas grid. This rollout follows a protocol established by the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), Inrete, and the Italian Gas Committee (CIG). According to Electrolux Group, both lab and field tests have shown that their gas hobs perform exceptionally well with these new fuel mixtures.

Ready for the Future: Hydrogen-Compatible Hobs

At the company’s Food Preparation R&D center in Forlì, engineers have been hard at work developing cooking appliances that can handle even higher hydrogen concentrations. The result: a new generation of hobs that are “Hydrogen Ready” for up to 20% hydrogen blends—well ahead of current regulatory and infrastructure standards in Italy and across Europe.

“Our mission to enhance everyday living goes hand in hand with our involvement in forward-thinking projects like this,” says Fabio Spanò, Combustion Technology Module Manager EU at Electrolux Group. “They allow us to share our expertise and contribute to collective progress and well-being.”

Why Green Hydrogen Matters

Green hydrogen—produced via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy—is a clean, sustainable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, its combustion emits only water vapor, making it a powerful tool in the fight to decarbonize household energy use.

A Broader Sustainability Vision

This hydrogen initiative is just one part of Electrolux Group’s broader commitment to sustainability. From appliances that conserve water and energy to the use of recycled materials and efforts to reduce microplastics and food waste, the company is actively working on multiple fronts to deliver smarter, greener solutions for modern living.

By investing in hydrogen technology and sustainable innovation, Electrolux Group is helping shape a cleaner, more responsible future—one kitchen at a time.

iRobot Acquired by Picea Amid Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: What It Means for Roomba Owners

In a surprising development that’s sending ripples through the smart home appliance industry, iRobot—the company behind the iconic Roomba robotic vacuum—has been acquired by Chinese contract manufacturing giant Picea. The acquisition comes as part of iRobot’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, raising serious questions about the future of its products, services, and customer support.

What Happened?

iRobot, once a pioneer in consumer robotics and a household name thanks to its Roomba line, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of the restructuring process, the company has been taken over by Picea, a major player in global electronics manufacturing. While the financial details remain under wraps, the move signals a major shift in iRobot’s operational control and strategic direction.

Why Roomba Owners Are Concerned

The news has sparked concern among Roomba users worldwide. With the company now under new ownership, many are wondering:

– Will existing Roomba warranties still be honored?
– What happens to software updates and app support?
– Will customer service remain accessible and responsive?
– Could data privacy policies change under new management?

These are valid questions, especially for customers who’ve invested in premium models or rely on Roomba’s smart home integrations.

What We Know So Far

As of now, Picea has not released a detailed roadmap for iRobot’s future. There’s been no official statement regarding warranty policies, ongoing support, or changes to the product lineup. However, transitions like this often involve a period of uncertainty as the new parent company evaluates operations and restructures accordingly.

What Should Roomba Owners Do?

Until more information is available, here are a few proactive steps Roomba users can take:

– Check your warranty status: Locate your proof of purchase and warranty documentation.
– Back up your app settings: If your Roomba uses the iRobot Home app, ensure your preferences and cleaning schedules are saved.
– Monitor official channels: Follow iRobot and Picea for updates on support, service, and product announcements.
– Consider alternatives: If you’re in the market for a new robotic vacuum, it may be worth exploring other brands with stable support ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

The acquisition of iRobot by Picea marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the smart home appliance market. While the long-term implications remain to be seen, one thing is clear: consumers are watching closely. At WhiteGoodsNow, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.

Samsung Unveils AI Vision-Powered Bespoke Refrigerator with Google Gemini Integration at CES

Samsung is redefining the smart kitchen experience with the debut of its latest innovation: the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub™, now equipped with an upgraded AI Vision system powered by Google Gemini. Set to be unveiled at CES, this marks the first time Google’s powerful AI model has been integrated into a refrigerator—ushering in a new era of intelligent food management.

Smarter Food Recognition, Powered by AI

The previous generation of Samsung’s AI Vision could recognize up to 37 types of fresh food and 50 pre-registered processed items. With the new update, those limitations are being shattered. The enhanced AI Vision now offers:

– Expanded food recognition: More fresh and processed items can be identified without manual input.
– Automatic registration of processed foods: No need for pre-registration—AI Vision now recognizes and logs items on its own.
– User-labeled item detection: Even foods stored in personal containers can be added to your inventory, thanks to label recognition.

This leap in food identification accuracy means users can manage their fridge contents more efficiently than ever before. Whether you’re meal planning, grocery shopping, or simply trying to reduce waste, the Bespoke AI Refrigerator is designed to make your kitchen smarter and your life easier.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Personalized Kitchens

Samsung’s CES showcase will highlight how AI Vision transforms the refrigerator into a central hub for personalized culinary experiences. From suggesting recipes based on what’s inside your fridge to helping you track expiration dates and reduce food waste, this innovation is about more than just convenience—it’s about creating a kitchen that truly understands your lifestyle.

As Samsung continues to push the boundaries of appliance intelligence, the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub™ stands as a bold statement: the future of food starts here.

Strix Sells Billi for £110M, Tripling Investment and Accelerating Debt Reduction

Strix Group Plc has announced the sale of its Billi business to a newly formed Australian entity for £110 million in cash—a move that nearly triples its original investment and supports the company’s strategy to reduce debt.

The AIM-listed technology firm, renowned globally for its kettle safety controls and water-heating components, confirmed that the transaction values Billi at an enterprise value of £110 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The sale remains subject to shareholder approval.

Strix originally acquired Billi in November 2022 for £38 million. The divestment now delivers an estimated 3x return on that investment, translating to approximately 47.8 pence per Strix share—an 18% premium over the company’s recent share price.

This strategic move underscores Strix’s commitment to strengthening its balance sheet while sharpening its focus on core operations

Bruno Piquand Returns to BSH as Western Europe Marketing Director for Gaggenau

BSH Home Appliances has welcomed back a familiar face: Bruno Piquand has been appointed Western Europe Marketing Director for Gaggenau, the group’s premium home appliance brand. Although the official announcement came in early December, Piquand stepped into the role at the start of autumn.

In his new position, Piquand leads marketing strategy across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. His mission is clear: to reinforce Gaggenau’s position as a leader in the luxury appliance market. This includes cultivating strategic partnerships, deepening customer engagement, and strengthening ties with B2B stakeholders such as kitchen specialists, interior architects, and designers.

iRobot, Maker of Roomba, Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid Market Pressures

iRobot, the pioneering company behind the Roomba smart vacuum cleaner, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States as it struggles to navigate a challenging global market.

The filing, made under a pre-packaged Chapter 11 process, will see Shenzhen-based Picea Robotics—iRobot’s primary manufacturing partner—take over ownership of the company. This strategic move comes after iRobot faced mounting competition from Chinese brands and was hit hard by rising tariffs.

According to court documents filed Sunday, iRobot was forced to slash prices and ramp up investment in innovation to stay competitive. However, U.S. tariffs of 46% on imports from Vietnam—where most of its devices for the American market are produced—added $23 million to its costs this year alone.

Once valued at $3.56 billion during the pandemic-driven boom in home automation, iRobot’s market value has plummeted to around $140 million. The company’s shares dropped more than 13% on the Nasdaq last Friday.

Despite the financial turbulence, iRobot has assured customers that its mobile app, product support, and supply chains will continue to operate without disruption.

Founded in 1990 by three MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab alumni, iRobot initially focused on defense and space robotics before launching the Roomba in 2002. The Roomba quickly became a household name, capturing 42% of the U.S. and 65% of the Japanese robotic vacuum market.

A proposed $1.7 billion acquisition by Amazon was blocked last year by the European Union’s competition authority, further complicating iRobot’s path forward.