Samsung To Showcase Enhanced AI

Samsung Electronics today announced that it will use CES® 2024 to introduce Samsung’s newest kitchen products, applications and features, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and SmartThings connectivity, enabling an ecosystem that delivers better food and kitchen experiences. Notable products and features in the lineup include the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+ — which is the industry’s first home Internet of Things (IoT) refrigerator launched in 2016 — equipped with the all-new AI Vision Inside feature, the new Anyplace Induction Cooktop and enhancements to the Samsung Food service

To enhance the experience in the kitchen, the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+ has been packed with a variety of innovative technologies. One impressive new feature is AI Vision Inside, which uses a smart internal camera that can recognize items being placed in and out of the refrigerator. Also, it is equipped with “Vision AI” technology, which can identify up to 33 different fresh food items based on a predefined set of training data comprising approximately one million food photographs.1 With the food list that is available and editable on the Family Hub™+ screen, users can also manually add expiration date information for items that they would like to keep track and the refrigerator sends out alerts through its 32” LCD screen for items before reaching that date.

Also, with the assistance of the Fridge Manager feature, which monitors the status of the water filter in the refrigerator and alerts when a replacement is needed, the Family Hub™+ screen offers easy, one-click purchase of new water filters from Amazon.2
Appliance screen functionality does not stop there. Samsung’s new Anyplace Induction Cooktop and Slide-in Range are each equipped with a 7” LCD screen, where users can view the recipes that were selected and saved from the Family Hub™+ to assist their meal preparation. The new Anyplace Induction also offers improvements in its basic cooking features such as efficient and borderless heating of pots and pans on any part of the cooktop, thanks to Samsung’s induction sheet coil technology. And with Anti-Scratch Glass applied instead of a typical ceramic glass, users won’t have to worry about scratching their induction surface when moving cookware.
What’s more, the Samsung Food application — which can now be accessed on the Family Hub™+, the Anyplace Induction Cooktop and the Slide-in Range — brings several upgraded AI features. The “Personalize” feature3 powered by the enhanced Food AI allows users to adapt recipes to reflect their dietary requirements beyond what was previously available — vegan, fusion — to accommodate gluten-free, pescatarian, dairy-free and other diets. Meanwhile, the new “Image-to-Recipe” feature3 with the enhanced Vision AI now recognizes meals and multiple food items from photographs and explores dishes that can be made with those ingredients. Lastly, Tailored Meal Plan analyzes users’ information by connecting to their Samsung Health profiles4 to create personalized meals based on their health needs.With the Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+ as the centerpiece, the food ecosystem is all about how the AI features in these kitchen products and the Samsung Food service connect and support each other, enabling users to have a better relationship with their food throughout the day and delivering a full range of smart, connected kitchen experiences.
Samsung Food also connects with and ties in Samsung Health5 to benefit the lives of users. The service uses health information collected from Samsung Health to suggest healthy, appropriate recipes. After that, users can send cooking instructions for these recipes to their various kitchen appliances with just a few key presses.
Then there is Tap View,6 which offers enhanced convenience by allowing users to easily mirror the display of their Galaxy smartphones to the Family Hub™+ screen. Furthermore, users can also enjoy YouTube and TikTok7 applications on the refrigerator screen for more information and entertainment.
Image of kitchen with Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+
All these advancements build toward Samsung’s greater goal of expanding its seamlessly connected, AI-based food ecosystem with the key focus of providing users with superior kitchen experiences that require less effort.

Electrolux Professional to buy Japan’s Tosei

Electrolux Professional on Friday said it had agreed to buy Japan’s Tosei Corporation (8923.T), a maker of professional laundry equipment and vacuum packing machines, for about 1.65 billion Swedish crowns ($163.3 million).

“Tosei will significantly strengthen our position in Japan which is the second largest laundry market, and third largest food service market globally,” Electrolux Professional CEO Alberto Zanata said in a statement.

De’ Longhi: new global coffee machine hub is born

De’ Longhi has agreed to buy from its parent company a stake in high-end espresso machine manufacturer La Marzocco as it bets on coffee to pep up growth.
Milan-listed De’ Longhi will spend $374 million to acquire 41.2% of La Marzocco from De’ Longhi Industrial, its parent company, as well as from other minority shareholders, to create a hub with its existing Eversys coffee machine-making operation.De’ Longhi will control around 61.4% of the new hub which will see the two companies remain independent, while reaping benefits in terms of savings and chances to cross sell products.

Miele china production

Miele production plant in Asia, Dongguan, China, currently have the largest photovoltaic installation at Miele worldwide.
A system with a total of nearly 10,000 PV modules has been in operation since 2022. In 2023, it completely covered the electricity requirements of our factory and generated more than 5.000 MWh of electricity, which is much more than we needed at our site. Therefore fed surplus quantities into the grid

Miele takes over Otto Wilde Grillers completely

When Miele acquired a majority stake in the Düsseldorf-based start-up in March 2021, this marked the Gütersloh-based company’s entry into the outdoor cooking sector. By acquiring the remaining shares, Otto Wilde Grillers is now a 100 per cent subsidiary of the world’s leading supplier of premium domestic appliances. In the course of the complete takeover, the founders Alexander Luik and Nils Wilde have announced that they will retire from the company but will remain on board in an advisory capacity

The common goal of Miele and Otto Wilde is to establish a high-quality and harmonised outdoor enjoyment world for highest demands. And with success: almost 8,000 units of the Otto Wilde platform, with the G32 Connected gas barbecue made entirely of stainless steel at its centre, have already been sold. The sales network has also been expanded to around 100 well-positioned specialist dealers since last year. Otto Wilde is also continuing to expand its platform concept, most recently launching an innovative storage system for outdoor kitchens

Elena Breda to lead Electrolux Group’s sustainability


From February 1 next year, Elena will lead Electrolux Group’s sustainability work as part of her wider new role as Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, reporting to Electrolux Group CEO Jonas Samuelson.

“I really look forward to leading this core part of our business at a time when efforts by companies such as Electrolux Group will be critical to counteract climate change,” says Elena.

Elena succeeds Vanessa Butani who has been appointed to Chief Sustainability Officer at Volvo Cars.

LG’s Washer for Tumbler

LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its innovative tumbler washer, LG mycup, at CES 2024. This unique cleaning solution features state-of-the-art technology to enhance the daily hygiene of tumbler users, while its sophisticated design embodies LG’s commitment to environmental sustainability. With the increasing number of eco-conscious consumers using tumblers, LG mycup simplifies the cleaning process and encourages the regular use of reusable cups and tumblers.This practical washer lets users clean one tumbler at a time by simply placing it inside and selecting from two cleaning courses – Quick Wash and Extra Wash – through the LG mycup app. The cleaning process is then conveniently displayed on the upper display panel to let users check wash status and receive an app notification when the cycle is complete.

Both courses utilize a 65-degree Celsius hot water cycle to ensure thorough and sanitary cleaning. By employing bubble jet technology, the Quick Wash course cleans the inside of the tumbler in just 30 seconds. And for the thorough cleaning and drying for harder-to-clean residues like dairy, the Extra Wash course utilizes an integrated air-drying design to clean and gently dry the tumbler with a multi-directional water jet and powerful hot air.

Midea unveils new WASHBOT washer dryer with hidden robot vacuum

Midea has announced WASHBOT, a new combined robot vacuum cleaner and washing machine, which it claims is a world first. The company says it has designed the gadget to help save space in the home, with self-cleaning docking stations of popular models like the Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop taking up 19.2 x 13.4 (~488 x 340 mm) floor space and measuring 22-in (~560 mm) tall.

Another benefit of the combined washing machine and robot vacuum dock is a single connection point to your plumbing to cover clean water refilling and dirty water draining for both devices. The washing machine offers AI-powered gentle steam cleaning and can softly dry clothes at 42°C (~108°F). The robot vacuum is suitable for spaces up to 200 m² (~2,153 ft²), with features like obstacle detection and a nifty auto-cut system that helps remove tangled hair. The self-emptying docking station allows up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning, sanitizing the mop with hot water cleaning and hot air drying.

The machine is 600 mm (~24-in) wide, similar to other cabinets in your kitchen or laundry room. The Midea WASHBOT will soon begin crowdfunding on Indiegogo; the exact campaign launch date and pledge levels have yet to be revealed.

Gaggenau increases its presence in North America and Australia

Growing demand for products Gaggenau in North America and Australia,so the luxury brand specialized in the production of professionally inspired household appliances has decided to opennew showrooms in Vancouver and Toronto and new flagship stores in Sydney and Miami, with a concept that perfectly blends the brand’s rich heritage with local cultural and design elements. “Each of our new flagships in the world – says Peter Goetz, Managing Director of Gaggenau – represents a unique, high-end experience, designed to inspire. Our appliances, our brand, our philosophy and our heritage are woven into the architecture, creating a very attractive local landmark”.

The new flagships serve as experiential centers for culinary enthusiasts, architects, interior designers and homeowners who wish to explore the art of cooking, each boasting a unique space and character, drawing inspiration from local communities, offering sophisticated moments of reflection for food-conscious users and professionals design. In North America the emphasis is increasingly on a modern aesthetic, which favors the kitchen as the centerpiece of the home’s lifestyle. The “modern classic” design by Gaggenau aligns perfectly with this trend, offering timeless, sophisticated and elegant solutions for luxury kitchens.