Showing posts with label Samsung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samsung. Show all posts
Tuesday, 6 May 2014
The future of laundry? The one where I meet the Samsung WW9000 Washing Machine
Two weeks ago I headed to John Lewis’ Peter Jones department store in Sloane Square to take a sneak peek at the brand new Samsung WW9000 Washing Machine.
I've got to be honest, usually I wouldn't be interested in domestic appliances but I absolutely love Samsung and couldn't pass up the chance to see their latest invention. I wasn't disappointed...
I've got to be honest, usually I wouldn't be interested in domestic appliances but I absolutely love Samsung and couldn't pass up the chance to see their latest invention. I wasn't disappointed...
First off, I should tell you that this picture really doesn't do it justice, the washing machine design is sleek and streamlined and I love the attention to detail the designers have given the machine. Even so far as the circle design to the side of the machine that allows you to place it at the end of a work surface without looking bland and boring.
But let's face it, design isn't what we necessarily look for in a washing machine is it? It's a device of necessity and what I was really interested in was the machines performance and durability. Will it get grass stains out of PE kits on a daily basis? Will it take the constant stream of Lego bricks/coins/action figures that will accidentally be added to the laundry basket? Will it be cost effective because we're on a water meter? And the question I always ask myself as a working mother of 2 - will it save me time? Well it appears the answer is yes to all of the above...
But let's face it, design isn't what we necessarily look for in a washing machine is it? It's a device of necessity and what I was really interested in was the machines performance and durability. Will it get grass stains out of PE kits on a daily basis? Will it take the constant stream of Lego bricks/coins/action figures that will accidentally be added to the laundry basket? Will it be cost effective because we're on a water meter? And the question I always ask myself as a working mother of 2 - will it save me time? Well it appears the answer is yes to all of the above...
We were shown all of the incredible benefits of the machine by Nick Bevan, Senior Product Manager - Laundry at Samsung UK and Ireland and he was happy to answer all of my questions on the new machine.The first thing I was attracted to about the machine was the intuitive smart touch screen. I have a retro dial on my washing machine and I have to admit I've only moved that dial once in the past year because I have absolutely no idea what the other settings are for. In fact I have a very strict set routine when doing my laundry which I guess I should tell you before I go on...
1. Gather the laundry (not as simple as you may think) This usually involves emptying the laundry basket on to the floor of the landing then frantically searching the children's rooms for various socks/vests/school uniform that the children have left lurking under their beds.
2. Attempt to carry said washing load by hand (why?!) to the washing machine, dropping several socks en route like a modern day version of Hansel and Gretal dropping bread.
3. Drop washing on the floor in front of the machine then trace the steps back up the stairs to locate dropped items.
4. Search for washing up tablets..
5. Scream at the top of my voice "Chris? Where the washing tablets? I cant find them"
2. Attempt to carry said washing load by hand (why?!) to the washing machine, dropping several socks en route like a modern day version of Hansel and Gretal dropping bread.
3. Drop washing on the floor in front of the machine then trace the steps back up the stairs to locate dropped items.
4. Search for washing up tablets..
5. Scream at the top of my voice "Chris? Where the washing tablets? I cant find them"
6. Locate washing tablet right in front of my eyes, throw it in to the machine.
7. Add washing and close door
8. Glance at the dial... realise I don't know what any of the settings mean.
9. Press 'Start'
10. Question whether I should have added an extra rinse/spin/extra washing tablet.
11. Realise I missed the one item out of the machine that needed to be washed for tomorrows ballet/athletics/swimming lesson.
12. Go off and forget that the washing load finished 6 hours ago and is now creased to death and starting to smell.
13. Sniff it...It smells... start over.
Sound familiar?! Yes, well read on...
The WW900 has a touchscreen rather than fiddly buttons and dials. Samsung say "Every other smart device has a touchscreen - why not your washing machine?" and I like their style, the 5” LED screen responds straight away with just one touch
of your finger. The machine automatically shows your 'Most Used' cycle as soon as you switch it
on, so if you are a one cycle wonder like me then you can start your wash with literally one tap.
There are different programmes too that can be selected for every stain scenario: a 'Gardening' cycle that shifts soil and grass stains, 'Cooking & Dining' gets rid of food and grease marks, and 'Active Sports' that would be perfect for the kids' football kits.
I particularly love the idea of having no detergent draw. Mine gets scummy quickly if I use powder (which is why I usually buy tablets that go straight in to the drum) and I hate cleaning it. This smart machine holds up to a month’s worth of detergent in the
drum (in a similar place to the filter in your tumble dryer) and magically dispenses just the right amount you need for each
load by weighing the laundry as well as sensing how soiled it is. Amazing!
It has a Super Speed Wash for those items you need washed in a rush. You can wash an average load of 5kg in just 59 minutes – or a load of 2kg or less with light soiling on a 15 minute wash!
The WW900 has a touchscreen rather than fiddly buttons and dials. Samsung say "Every other smart device has a touchscreen - why not your washing machine?" and I like their style, the 5” LED screen responds straight away with just one touch
of your finger. The machine automatically shows your 'Most Used' cycle as soon as you switch it
on, so if you are a one cycle wonder like me then you can start your wash with literally one tap.There are different programmes too that can be selected for every stain scenario: a 'Gardening' cycle that shifts soil and grass stains, 'Cooking & Dining' gets rid of food and grease marks, and 'Active Sports' that would be perfect for the kids' football kits.
I particularly love the idea of having no detergent draw. Mine gets scummy quickly if I use powder (which is why I usually buy tablets that go straight in to the drum) and I hate cleaning it. This smart machine holds up to a month’s worth of detergent in the
drum (in a similar place to the filter in your tumble dryer) and magically dispenses just the right amount you need for each
load by weighing the laundry as well as sensing how soiled it is. Amazing!It has a Super Speed Wash for those items you need washed in a rush. You can wash an average load of 5kg in just 59 minutes – or a load of 2kg or less with light soiling on a 15 minute wash!
If that's not enough to entice you then how do you fancy controlling your machine from your smartphone or tablet - very futuristic. With the WW9000 you can pause or start a wash using your mobile or tablet, so if you don't want to put a wash on in the morning and leave soaking in the drum all day until you get home, then you can load it in the morning and switch it on as your leaving work - that way it’s done by the time you get home.
You can also get notifications telling you how long there is left and when a cycle has finished so if your snuggled up on the sofa watching your favourite soaps, then you don't need to keep getting up to check if it's finished.
The WW9000 also uses Samsung's ecobubble technology, producing special bubbles which dissolve faster and deeper into your clothes - making them cleaner but also meaning you only have to put your laundry on a cool wash as the bubbles (rather than the heat) do all the hard work.
It has a huge door with double hinges, meaning it can fully open back on itself (my current washing machine is always bashing my legs as I'm loading so this would spare me the bruises) but as a mum this also worried me as the door, combined with it's 10kg drum, could easily attract children as a hiding place. Nick assured me that safety was key - both the door and the touch screen have child locks, however, should the unthinkable 'hiding' happen then the door is easily pushed open from the inside. Finally, it’s quiet too (or so I'm told) thanks to its motor and 3D vibration sensor the machine creates minimal noise even during fast spin speeds of up to 1600rpm - so you can put a load on at night and it won't disturb your little ones.
The verdict?
So all in all the WW9000 sounds amazing.. so much so that I decided I must have one... which is why I was a little down-hearted when I heard the £1700 price tag. Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that this machine is worth the money but at that cost it would definitely have to be an appliance we'd need to save up for. And this is why meeting this machine has really got me thinking about the way in which we perceive our appliances - I really feel that in the future our appliances buying decisions will no longer be made out of necessity but, much like we want the best mobile with the best operating system, we will want the same for our every day appliances too.
I for one really want this bad boy in my life but by the time I've saved up my pennies I'm sure that they'll have invented a robot that can load the washing and press all these buttons for me! Well, a girl can dream!
The Samsung WW900 is available now at John Lewis and at other retailers later in the year.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Review: Samsung 3.5" Digital Video Baby Monitor
When the postman arrived with this parcel containing a baby monitor, I unwrapped it and put it to one side. To be honest I expected the Samsung to be like any other baby monitor on the market and so I didn't really rush to open the box.
It was only later on that day when I was tidying up that I actually took a look at the image of the monitor on the side of the box and then I became intrigued. As soon as I opened the box I started to get really excited and I knew that this piece of 'equipment' was special. In fact, even though I haven't even told you anything about this monitor yet you should know that this is THE BEST baby monitor I have ever come across...EVER!
It was only later on that day when I was tidying up that I actually took a look at the image of the monitor on the side of the box and then I became intrigued. As soon as I opened the box I started to get really excited and I knew that this piece of 'equipment' was special. In fact, even though I haven't even told you anything about this monitor yet you should know that this is THE BEST baby monitor I have ever come across...EVER!
The thing that enticed me at first was the sleekness of it. It's not at all 'clunky' like a regular monitor, in fact I'd go so far as to say that it is stylish. I know - I haven't gone mad though - read on! The parent unit actually looks like a mobile phone and is fitted with a 3.5" colour LCD screen...
The baby unit is equally as brilliant in it's nature. As well as the camera it also has a built in thermometer allowing the temperature of the room where the camera is situated to be displayed on the parent monitor.
It has a two-way audio system so when Little E cries I can just sit on the couch and talk to her or even sing her a lullaby without even heading upstairs. (Can I blame Samsung for my lack of weightloss - probably not!) I love that I can see her when she's all tucked up in her cot - it's so great for piece of mind. And if you can't sing- there's a sound activated lullaby player which works a treat if Little E gets unsettled.
Although the monitor looked great I was worried that it might not perform to the same level. I needn't have worried though because I was really, really impressed with the performance. The images are so clear and the camera picks up even the slightest movement. That might all seem very well but what about when the lights are off? Well yet again I can't fault this fabulous piece of kit - the infrared night vision is just as clear.
I've tried the monitor all over the house and even took it to the bottom of the garden with no interference or loss of signal, which reminds me - both units can work off battery or mains which is always a good thing.
That's not all either - the monitor also has a unique integration with web-based video chat applications such as Skype, MSN and Yahoo. Using Skype (and the enclosed disc) it is possible to set Samsung’s baby monitoring system to automatically answer your call - allowing you to remotely view from anywhere in the world. This does not mean that you can go on holiday without your children by the way but I suppose you could use it to check up on the Nanny whilst you're at work or make sure no one's burgling your house whilst your on holiday. Or maybe if you're missing the kids if they're staying at Grandma's house then you can just dial in and make sure they're coping without you. Pure brilliance!
And if all that wasn't enough, you can even connect it to your TV - when Mister A was naughty last week we plugged the monitor in to our TV in the lounge and used it to make sure that he was being good. The Samsung Baby Monitor also allows for up to 4 cameras to be viewed via one single parent unit making this video baby monitor ideal for use with all of your children!
So what's the verdict?
I can not recommend this monitor highly enough - it's fabulous - it really is. Not only that, it's so easy to use and works straight from the box without any faffing around. If you make one investment for your baby then definitely buy this - it's baby CCTV at it's best. Well done Samsung - you've certainly nailed this one!
The science bit...
Features of the Samsung Baby Video Monitor Include:
- 3.5" Colour LCD video screen
- 100m Range
- 2 x Digital Zoom
- Two Way Talk Back
- Lullabies
- Eco Power Save Mode
- Night Light
- Ability to be viewed using Skype,MSN,Yahoo Video chat systems. (PC Connection Required)
- A/V Output
- Connect up to 4 Cameras
- Room Temperature
- Portable Parent Unit
SpecsBaby Monitor: Samsung 3030WPUKProcessor: 2.4GhzScreen Size: 3.5"Range: 100mTalk Back: YesAdditional Cameras: Add 3 ExtraLullabies: YesMains Operated:YesBattery Power:YesTv Output: YesRoom Temperature: YesNightlight: YesZoom: 2xDigitalInterference Free: YesAuto Mute: YesSkype Compatible:Yes
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