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Virtually waterless washing machine edges closer to production
You can find a washer just about anywhere that promises to consume less water than most of its rivals, but finding one that's "virtually waterless" is still a chore. Yeah, there was that one contraption from Singapore a few years back, but c'mon, it's no bona fide washing machine. Nevertheless, a University of Leeds spin-out company -- dubbed Xeros -- has already received £500,000 in order to commercialize a device that "uses less than 2% of the water and energy of a conventional washing machine." Instead, it relies on a plethora of plastic chips that are tumbled with the clothes to remove stains. We're not sure how comfortable we really are with the thought of that, but folks that have already warmed to the idea can look for these things to hit the UK market in 2009.[Via MetaEfficient]
LG SteamWasher: now with allergen-reducing powers
Yeah, the SteamWasher has already found its way into a-many abodes, but LG is making said device attractive to even more individuals by adding a dose of allergen-reducing magic. Hailed as the "first washing machine proven to reduce allergens," the new units can be spotted by the unique Allergiene laundry cycle, which acts to reduce dust mites and pet dander (just to name a couple) on fabrics by some 95-percent. If you're not exactly keen on just taking LG's word for it, the machine is also certified asthma and allergy friendly by the AAFA, so yeah, there's that. Those anxious to stop sneezing every time they dress can grab one in a myriad finishes for $1,399 to $2,699, and once you've dropped that, why not pick up the matching SteamDryer for an extra $1,199 to $2,699?
Samsung's Hauzen washing machine gets gilded
For awhile there, all the latest washing machines were on an impressive roll of adding more and more functionality to that water-filled (or not) clothes tosser, but it looks like Samsung will be the one to bring that streak to a screeching halt. Rather that producing a unit that ran off fuel cells or instantly converted into a dryer when the wash cycle was complete, the firm instead contacted renowned designer Andre Kim to add a touch of luxury to an oftentimes covered household device. For folks who prefer their washing machines to be the center of attention, this Hauzen-branded machine sports a gilded finish, stainless steel door ring, royal emblem on the glass, and a paint job that will admittedly clash horrendously with in-home decor more often than not. Unfortunately, Samsung doesn't go into much detail concerning the cutting edge features on this here washer, nor do we know just how lofty the price will be, but if you're seriously considering something this extravagant, neither of those tidbits are likely to matter anyway.[Via Core77]
Sanyo AQUA washing machine recycles water, dry cleans clothes
We've seen washing machines that tell you whose turn it is, offer remote monitoring, sterilize garb, require no water, and tackle more stains than we knew were possible to pick up, but Sanyo's forthcoming machine lives life on the greener side, and cuts down your trips to the dry cleaners to boot. The aptly-named AQUA was spotted as CES, and aside from the thoughtfully designed entry door that's high enough for folks to reach while standing up, this gizmo rocks a unique "Aqualoop" feature that allows it to recycle water for use in future washes. Moreover, the Air Wash function enables owners to clean clothes at home that are typically reserved for the dry cleaners, as it "infuses" your swag with odor / bacteria-killing chemicals without the use of water, leaving your wearables fresh and your body at home. Although there's no word on price or future availability just yet, we've still got more than a few reservations when it comes to reusing soiled liquid to, um, clean dirty clothing.[Via The Raw Feed]
Laundry alert by TV works better than computer pop-up, SMS
Back in July, we told you about a trio of Atlanta-area families that would take a set of internet-connected washer and dryers, erm, for a spin. For eight weeks, the families lived with Laundry Time, the Internet Home Alliance's trial of washer and driers, which notified families their whites are brighter via television, PC, or cellphone. As much as we'd love to be alerted as to when our spin cycle is done by text message, it turns out that the non-gadget-on-the-brain folks don't really take to it; of the three methods, only alert-by-television seemed to work well, and most found the cellphone messages too confusing. However, one participant, Lisa Gunning of Roswell, Georgia, pretty much summed up what we long for in such a system: "I love the pop-up notifications as I tend to forget everything when I am working . . . even when I'm not watching TV, one of the kids will come and remind me." The trial basically would seem to be pretty much a bust for Whirlpool, HP, Microsoft, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, who funded the whole operation.
Siemens WM16S740 washing machine takes on 14 types of stains
We love any gadget that makes our lives simpler, easier, and let's face it, cleaner. Siemens has just come out with what it claims is the first automatic anti-stain washing machine, the WM16S740, which purports to contain 14 special cycles to counter a corresponding 14 devious stains: we're presuming that includes ones like red wine, chocolate, butter, tomato sauce, and (hopefully) blood. As if that weren't enough, if you need your get-lucky shirt right now -- you know, the one you accidentally nervously spilled a glass of pinot noir on a few hours before your hot date -- fear no more. This new washer will finish a complete cycle, including rinsing and spinning, in only 15 minutes. How much for this super-washer? Only €1,000 ($1,266) -- but no word yet on how much more you'll have to drop for a 15-minute companion dryer. [Via Appliancist]
Atlanta families test washers and dryers of the future
Next week, three Atlanta families will begin an eight-week trial put on by the Internet Home Alliance in which they face off against Internet connected washers and dryers in a battle of laziness and sanity. The technology in question comes courtesy of Microsoft, HP, Panasonic, Proctor & Gamble and Whirlpool, whose combined efforts have resulted in appliances that can contact you via your TV, PC, or cellphone -- letting you know when a load is finished, if there's a problem, or if you forgot to turn them on in the first place. Unfortunately, the Alliance seems to have overlooked the much-needed robotic component, which is vital for picking up your dirty laundry and hauling it down to the basement; so, as is often the case around here: no robots, no sale.[Via Slashdot]
