At a UK media briefing for appliance manufacturer Haier UK and Ireland, the company reiterated its desire to be the first consumer choice for the Smart Home, which it presented at IFA 2020.

Speaking at the launch, Jim McEwan said the company had traditionally been a refrigeration brand but was developing its portfolio, including its next “natural” step into cooking, all with a focus on the connected home.

A presentation by COO of Haier UK and Ireland Jim McEwan, product manager for refrigeration Milo Cheney and product manager for laundry Ben Peach introduced the company’s latest connected launches.

Sponsored Video

Lauren Goodbrand of Kitchens International on winning the Kbsa Concept Designer Award 2024

These included a French Door refrigerator with water dispenser and connectivity cooling technology, using the company’s hOn app (FD 83 Series 7 with water dispenser).

Milo Cheney said Wi-Fi connectivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) would bring benefits to the consumer, as the refrigerator would be able to automatically respond to climate temperatures and optimise storage based around shopping habits.

In addition, the company introduced the I-Pro Series 5 washing machine and washer dryer which use Direct Motion Motor technology and are connected by the hOn app.

Ben Peach said using the hOn app, consumers can be provided with hints and tips and by scanning clothing labels they can be offered the optimum washing and drying programmes.

Looking ahead, he said the smart dosing technology used on Hoover washing machines would be available to Haier, and it will launch Series 9 and Series 3 ranges, with all models across all series A-energy rated.

All these appliances add to Haier’s existing connected wine cooler range, the Wine Bank 50 series.

Jim McEwan stated: “We are really excited about the company vision and product development for the future.

“The hOn app and Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced technological innovations, superior design and tailor-made solutions that Haier offers, plus the new built-in cooking range coming in the second half of this year, gives us a great platform for building for the future and achieving our vision to be the first consumer choice for the Smart Home.”