New external filtration device from Xeros

Posted on by

Xeros announce the launch of a brand new product, the XF3, our independent and freestanding microfibre filtration device. XF3 enables our patented and market leading microfibre filtration system, XFilter to be housed as a stand-alone solution, compatible with any washing machine model. The XF3 achieves a 99% microplastic capture rate and is designed for upmost consumer ease, requiring no replacement cartridges and has one of the lowest emptying frequencies of all available filters. To make the product even more consumer-friendly, XF3 can be installed at any height enabling its sleek modular design to sit on a countertop or under a sink. It is programmed to automatically start when the washing machine drains and has an alert when it needs emptying, enabling users to simply plug it in and leave it to work with complete peace of mind.

XF3 is available immediately for licensing and branding partners and will be launching to consumers in 2024.

Norske Airthings is launching its first smart air purifier, Renew, at CES 2024.

Posted on by

According to the company, Renew will help the customer breathe and sleep better by improving the air quality in the room. The air purifier has a four-layer HEPA-13 filter that will remove 99.97 percent of particles, and a carbon filter that stops gas and odors. Airthings says Renew can clean the air in a typical bedroom in ten minutes, and is effective in rooms up to 50 square meters. In silent mode, it emits only 23 decibels, and by lowering the device with Airthing’s app, the user can monitor air quality from anywhere.

CES 2024 Whirlpool unveils the SlimTech Insulation Technology

Posted on by

Whirlpool Corporation unveils SlimTech, the VIS (vacuum insulated structure) technology for refrigerators. “SlimTech Insulation Technology at CES – the company says – starts with a proprietary, highly porous powder blend. That powder is vacuum-sealed within the door or sides of the refrigerator itself, removing the need for bulky polyurethane foam insulation and reducing the wall thickness by up to 66% – allowing for up to 25% more capacity inside the refrigerator. This technology will make its debut later this year on the doors of select JennAir luxury 30 in. SlimTech Insulation Column refrigerators, and will roll out more broadly in KitchenAid refrigerators in the future, utilizing the technology for the entire structure”. The SlimTech Insulation Technology also unlocks the potential for more discreet refrigeration spaces that could be seamlessly brought to other rooms of the house or be contained within other pieces of furniture. In addition to design and capacity benefits, the material used has the potential to be recycled, reducing the overall environmental impact of refrigerators.

Hisense’s new smart built-in dishwasher

Posted on by

Hisense launch new dishwasher at CES .The smart built-in dishwasher is equipped with the Autodose & Autodry functions. Users can load the dishes, select a cleaning program, and have detergent automatically added to the dishes in the precise quantity required for each wash. The auto-dosing compartment will store up to a month’s worth of detergent, eliminating the need for daily measuring. The dishwasher’s large capacity and flexible loading options can accommodate up to 15 place settings, allowing consumers to fit more dishes, plates, cups and utensils in a single run. And thanks to Hisense’s own inverter technology, noise level when running is kept to 40 dBA. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the Autodry function opens the dishwasher door automatically to expel the steam.

RETRA BOARD PROPOSES CLOSURE

Posted on by

Retra board proposes closure of the trade association – members will vote on next steps.

Retra has announced that its board has taken the decision to close the trade association, but, if a proposal goes ahead, Retra will be absorbed into BIRA (British Independent Retailers Association), which will create a new division dedicated to electrical retailers and repair agents.

The association says that the decision to close Retra, which represents independent electrical retailers, has been made with careful consideration by the board and it is intended that as part of BIRA, Retra will better serve the needs of its members in the ever-changing landscape of the electrical retailing industry.

BIRA is a bigger trade association than Retra and it will continue to provide the current Retra support with some additional enhanced services that are not currently offered. The current cost of BIRA membership is £205 per year, which is around half that of Retra membership. 

If the proposal goes ahead – a vote will be taken by Retra members at an EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) on February 1 2024 at 11am to decide the outcome, Retra will pay the BIRA membership cost of the first year for its members, and any monies left in the Retra bank accounts will be returned to paid-up members. 

As part of the process, Retra’s insurance business, Retracare, will be sold. Although nothing has been formally signed, the board is discussing the sale of Retracare to Pacifica Group. Retra intends for the business to continue and Pacifica is committed to enhancing the range of services on offer. 

Commenting on the announcement, Retra CEO, Howard Saycell, said, “This decision has not been taken lightly. Every effort has been made to sustain the membership numbers, but sadly, the decline has continued and has accelerated.

Sharp presents its technologies for Smart Living

Posted on by

Sharp‘s booth at CES 2024 presents the Smart Living according to the company. Central is the CE-LLM (Communication Edge-LLM) edge AI technology, powering a virtual tour guide capable of engaging visitors with naturally paced and lively interactive conversations. The exhibit highlights a high-speed oven with proprietary Quad Heating technologies. “Combining the industry’s first gold carbon heater for charcoal grill flavor, convection circulation, inverter control microwave, and intelligent cooking control, this high-speed oven helps reduce cooking time to as little as 1/3 of that of a conventional home oven”, the company explains. Sharp is also showcasing powerful hair dryers and upright vacuum cleaners designed to operate at or near 50db, approximately as quiet as a household refrigerator. Moreover, non-contact vital signs sensors and the vital signs sensors for wearable devices are shown.

Dreame launch

Posted on by

CES 2024: Dreame presents the new line of robot vacuum cleaners

Dreame Technology presents the new line of robot vacuum cleaners at CES 2024. The DreameBot L10s Pro Ultra model is part of Dreame’s line of innovative home appliances which includes: DreameBot Additionally, Dreame also features the Roboticmower A1 and a selection of high-speed hair dryers.

“Dreame understands the evolution of customer needs ,” says Chris Lin , General Manager of Dreame Technology North America, “At CES 2024, we will introduce our latest products that redefine the hands-free experience. Our line of robot vacuum cleaners and other household products will allow our customers to have more free time, offering greater convenience, performance and quality.”

DreameBot L10s Pro Ultra 

The L10s Pro Ultra robot vacuum cleaner features an improved MopExtend™ that reaches tight spaces between furniture and the floor and room edges. Thanks to the Robot Flex arm, it reaches dirt and spills that other vacuum cleaners can’t reach.Furthermore, it is equipped with 7,000Pa Powerful Vormax™ Suction technology which allows you to suck up hair, dirt and dust. Dreame L10s Pro Ultra automatically assesses how dirty a space is and re-cleans areas that need more attention to ensure a flawless finish.

The base station is equipped with two scrapers and an automatic base station cleaning plate that remove dirt while the mop is washed with hot water, ensuring it is clean and ready for the next use. In addition to cleaning its own mop, the DreameBot L10s Pro Ultra dries itself, empties the dust bag and refills with water and cleaning solution while docked at the base station.

Thanks to the combination of artificial intelligence and a 3D light system, it intelligently detects and bypasses the most common obstacles to ensure that nothing is damaged and to avoid interruptions of operations.

Black+Decker Dehumidifier

Posted on by

Black + Decker’s all new smart dehumidifiers are coming soon! They come in 3 different sizes, from compact to powerful:
.2L Smart Dehumidifier & Air Purifier
12L Smart Dehumidifier
20L Smart Dehumidifier

All 3 have some great features, helping to create a healthier home:
Smart enabled: Control using the Black + Decker home app from anywhere, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home.
Sleep mode: The dehumidifier goes into a low power mode, staying quiet and dimmed display, perfect for being able to sleep.
Energy Efficient: Low power consumption, costing an average of 7p per hour, and a great alternative to help dry your clothes.

Producers could have to pay for e-waste recycling from 2026

Posted on by

A move set to transform the handling of electronic waste, the UK government, through the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), has released an ambitious consultation document proposing significant reforms to the country’s producer responsibility system for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Central to the proposed changes is an enhanced focus on increasing collections of household WEEE. Under the new system, Local Authorities will play a pivotal role, ensuring the separate collection of a wide array of household electronics – from large domestic appliances and solar panels to TVs and computer monitors. This initiative marks a significant step towards more efficient recycling and disposal of electronic waste.The consultation proposes to extend regulatory obligations to online marketplaces and fulfilment houses, a sector previously unregulated in this context. This change aims to bridge the responsibility gap, particularly for overseas sellers, ensuring comprehensive compliance with the WEEE Regulations across all sales platforms.

The proposed overhaul will see the establishment of a WEEE Scheme Administrator, a sector-led organisation tasked with overseeing the strategic and operational elements of the WEEE systemThe most striking feature of the proposed changes is the introduction of a UK-wide household waste collection system for small and bulky items, financed mainly by the equipment’s importers and manufacturers. This system would obligate sellers to take away old appliances at no extra charge under certain conditions, significantly easing the recycling process for consumers.

The government proposes that producers and distributors without take-back services should finance bulky waste collection services for large WEEE items, typically provided by Local Authorities. This initiative aims to ensure that the disposal of large electronic items does not burden consumers financially.These proposals, if implemented, are expected to significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of WEEE collection, treatment, and recycling in the UK, marking a significant leap towards a more sustainable and circular economy. Any changes will take effect from 1 January 2026.

Miele 125 years of quality

Posted on by

Two families, one company and 125 years of delivering fantastic service and products to customers around the world. This year sees Miele celebrate its 125th birthday. Founded in 1899 by engineer Carl Miele and businessman Reinhard Zinkann, Miele have remained true to their “Immer Besser” brand promise. Join us throughout 2024 as we celebrate many of the aspects that makes Miele, the organisation that it is today. Long story short: 125 years of quality