Samsung, LG to unveil new AI-powered home appliances at IFA 2024 in Berlin

South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. are planning to showcase various new artificial intelligence-powered home appliances at the IFA 2024 home electronics show in Berlin next month, industry sources said Sunday.

Samsung will present a range of products, including the Bespoke AI Combo, an all-in-one washer-dryer; the Bespoke AI Family Hub, a premium refrigerator product; and the Bespoke AI Steam, a new robot vacuum cleaner product.

The company will also showcase the strength of its AI-powered televisions. The Generative Wallpaper feature in Samsung televisions will recommend background images based on users’ preferences.

LG will unveil a new AI-powered drum washing machine with a reduced width of 25 inches, which is designed to meet the needs of European consumers.The washer features the AI Direct Drive motor, which analyzes the weight, wetness and fabric of the laundry to determine the optimal washing method in order to protect garments.

The company will also showcase the newly launched LG Roboking AI All-in-One robot vacuum and the CordZero A9X All-in-One Tower Combo at the Berlin trade show.

Senior officials from the companies, including Han Jong-hee, vice chairman and head of Samsung’s device experience division, and LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan are known to be planning to attend the event.

Revolutionizing Home Sustainability GEME Debuts the Future of Composting at IFA Berlin 2024

GEME will unveil its newest product, the GEME Terra 2. At IFA, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest innovation GEME Terra 2 firsthand, along with the classic GEME-composter and the commercial model RS-BIO-10

GEME, a food waste composter brand, revolutionizes household composting in a trash can. Launched on Kickstarter in 2022, GEME has become the go-to solution for households looking to effortless home composting.

Through the power of natural microbial decomposition and an ion purification system, GEME effectively eliminates odors and pathogens, resulting in a hygienic and efficient composting process.

Terra 2, has a more lightweight design and advanced automation, making it suitable for various kitchen

China’s trade-in policy energizes consumer market

In a significant push to stimulate consumer spending, China has rolled out an expansive trade-in policy across multiple sectors.

From automobiles and home appliances to real estate, the initiative aims to encourage the replacement of outdated goods with newer and more advanced options.

In the home appliance sector, the trade-in program has been well-received.

Beijing resident Yu Qian recently purchased a new refrigerator. “My old refrigerator was outdated. When I learned about the trade-in policy, I decided to upgrade. The model I wanted was originally priced at 8,999 yuan, but with the trade-in subsidy and various discounts from the store, I ended up paying only 7,020 yuan, saving quite a bit of money.”

Zhang Haibo, a sales supervisor at Suning, a major home-appliance retailer in China, echoed that many customers are attracted to the trade-in program, combined with government subsidies, store discounts and brand promotions.

Suning’s data reveals that nearly 40 percent of its consumers have chosen to purchase new home appliances through trade-in programs this year, including air conditioners, washing machines and large-screen TVs.

SMEG USA Recalls Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard

SMEG USA Inc., of New York, has issued a recall for approximately 900 SMEG refrigerators because the door can detach and fall off, posing an injury risk to consumers

If you bought this refrigerator, stop using it immediately. Contact SMEG USA to schedule a free repair by a certified service provider. You will be asked to email a photo of the refrigerator’s model number and the serial number to the company.

Blomberg’s latest laundry technology, SpinSave, is now available

Following a successful launch at the Euronics UK (CIH Ltd) Showcase 2024, Blomberg’s latest laundry technology, SpinSave, is now available in selected freestanding washing machines.

Designed to enhance the efficiency of your washing routine, SpinSave uses innovative drum movements to dissolve detergent more effectively while optimising heat usage. This achieves up to 35% energy savings* across everyday wash cycles without compromising performance. While the Eco programme remains the most energy-efficient option, Blomberg’s SpinSave technology brings energy savings across the wash cycles consumers use most frequently, including cotton, wool, synthetics, delicates, and outdoor/sports, making it easier to achieve energy savings in the daily laundry routine.

Opening of the Gaggenau showroom in Oslo

Nordic design sets a benchmark for clean aesthetics and elevated living, and the Gaggenau Oslo showroom is no different. The first in a series of renewals in the region, the bright space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, generously allows for natural light and evokes the Norwegian countryside, light-hued wood, simplicity, and a focus on the joy of living.

In the new Gaggenau showroom two kitchens with contrasting lighter and darker looks are on display, incorporating the Gaggenau 400 and 200 series appliances respectively

LG Unveils AI-Powered Washer with Advanced Fabric Care

Set to debut at IFA next month, LG Electronics is gearing up to showcase its latest washing machine—a true marvel of technology. The star of the show? The AI Direct Drive 2.0 technology, which promises to revolutionize laundry care.

So, what’s the buzz about AI Direct Drive 2.0? Let’s dive in:

  1. Intelligent Fabric Care: LG’s Smart Washing Machines equipped with AI DD can automatically determine the best settings based on the weight and softness of your fabrics. No more guesswork—just optimal wash cycles tailored to your laundry.
  2. Quiet and Efficient: Unlike traditional washing machines that rely on belts and pulleys, LG’s Direct Drive motor is directly connected to the drum. This design minimizes noise, reduces vibration, and enhances durability. Plus, it’s energy-efficient!
  3. Adaptable to Various Loads: Thanks to deep learning algorithms, the AI DD system adapts to different fabric types and load sizes. Whether you’re washing delicate silks or heavy denim, it’s got you covered.
  4. Detects Load Details: When you start a cycle, sensors detect the weight and fabric type of the load. The AI algorithm then selects the perfect combination of drum movements, water levels, and washing time for optimal cleaning performance while being gentle on your clothes.

In a nutshell, LG’s AI Direct Drive 2.0 aims to reduce fabric damage by 10%, ensuring your favorite outfits last longer. Laundry day just got smarter!

Midea Group grows 10% in H1, surpasses 200 billion yuan

The first half of 2024, Midea Group ‘s revenue exceeded 200 billion yuan, reaching 218.1 billion yuan (27.54 billion euros), an increase of 10%. Even better, profits rose by 14% to 20.8 billion yuan (2.6 billion euros).

Domestic sales increased 8% while exports rose 13%. In the half year, Midea invested 7.66 billion yuan in its 17 R&D centers, up 16%, and produced 5,000 patents.