IFA-2015 – the official partner of the future

The IFA 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin, the industry’s leading launch platform for global innovations, will open its doors in early fall, September 4-9, 2015. But already now, at the press conference in Malta at the end of April, the main trends that will guide the market of household appliances in the season 2015-2016 were determined.

IFA-2015 – the official partner of the future

The smart home – and what else?

Industry experts have determined that the main trends will be several. Firstly, it is the “connectivity” of appliances, that is, the ability to “communicate” with the device and control it with a smartphone and tablet. The focus is still on smart home technology, and of course, all of its components will also interact with digital technology. As has been the case for the past few years, there will be an enormous emphasis on solutions to improve the energy efficiency of appliances and conserve the planet’s resources. In addition, the focus is on appliances that help you cook healthier and live a healthier lifestyle, and appliances that are as easy to operate as possible and save time.

What the American person doesn’t care about a light bulb, in Europe it’s a matter of money and honor

America can not boast of growth in sales of appliances, and energy-efficient – moreover, it almost does not pay off. But Europeans are focused primarily on energy efficiency, not only for the sake of saving consumers’ money, but also because they understand the need to protect the environment.

Both large and small appliances are setting new standards in energy efficiency and resource conservation. With each new generation of appliances, manufacturers improve the energy efficiency class of appliances. This is welcomed by European consumers: for them it is obvious that the new, resource-optimized electrical appliance will pay for itself quickly.

Washing machines: “who is smaller?”

Economical use of electricity, water and detergents is what all washer-dryer manufacturers strive for. Ways to save energy are different: smart detergent dosing systems, washing at low temperatures of up to 20 ºC, sensor systems, super-short wash cycles to freshen the laundry. Many manufacturers are introducing or upgrading existing special programs for allergy sufferers and children’s clothing. Much attention is paid to technologies that reduce noise levels.

An unusual model – a machine with two drums and a total load of 12 kg introduced by Haier brand. The depth of the model is only 35 cm, it is tall and saves space, and two drums are needed for a large family, and just for convenience – for example, you can wash things simultaneously, but in different drums of different colors or different types of fabrics, and of course, use different programs.

Outstanding energy efficiency in the dryer segment. The latest generation has automatic functions for cleaning the condenser, which contributes to more economical use of energy. In addition, there will be more and more models with standard sizes, but with a capacity of up to 10 kg of laundry. Modern washers with dryers also use steam and special modes to freshen and air clothes. Smart models send error codes to a smartphone or tablet to advise users.

Dishwashers – faster, neater, cleaner

New dishwashers are faster and more efficient, in some cases, the running time has been reduced by more than 60% compared to the predecessor models. Automatic programs, special air ducts, high pressure water and steam jets distributed throughout the chamber help improve and speed up the cleaning process, removing burnt food residues without pre-soaking and scrubbing.

Water and energy costs are even lower. Water pressure sensors, used in special programs, help to take extra gentle care of delicate and particularly valuable dishes. Automatic load detection and advanced multi-level designs for plate and glass racks make the new dishwashers even more convenient. And, of course, there are the dishwashers, which can be controlled from anywhere with a smartphone or tablet.

Refrigerators and freezers: flexibility and transformation

The first and foremost trend is to keep food fresh for longer, even longer, as long as possible. The second is, of course, greater energy efficiency. By the way, energy efficiency is almost always in the hands of the user: You just have to use the refrigerator and freezer modes intelligently, but few people do that!

Haier, for instance, has a simple and straightforward solution that’s easy to use: One of the chambers can be used as a refrigerator, freezer and fresher zone – you just adjust the temperature in it between -20 and 5°C.

Oven = microwave, and microwave = multicooker

The latest generation of ovens and microwaves are flexible and fast, combining several functions in one appliance: microwaves, convection, grilling and steaming. Different dishes can be cooked on three levels at the same time without mixing of flavors. Fish, lamb and cake at the same time – no problem. Sensors ensure perfect baking results. Almost all appliances are designed for stewing and slow cooking. Many new appliances can communicate with each other and can be controlled through mobile apps.

Cooktops, hobs and extractor hoods are combined in systems

Top-of-the-line cooktops and hobs come equipped with sensors to monitor temperature ranges and detect the diameter of cookware. The main purpose of these technologies is to prevent overheating, and therefore to be safe and energy efficient. Some of the most “smart” models can weigh ingredients great for both precise recipes and calorie counting and even monitor the contents of the fridge. Safe and economical induction heating technology has captured a greater share of the stove and freezer market.

In addition to the traditional location of the stove hood above the hob or on the wall, alternative solutions are becoming available. After air purification, they can be stowed away in a cabinet or even in a cooktop. The user can adjust the position of the hood over the stove. Mobile apps help you control your hood with your smartphone or tablet. Some models can react and start working automatically as soon as the hob is turned on.

Small appliances: brighter, simpler and more sociable

So-called “white appliances” won’t be so white the combination of steel and black plastic is also getting out of date. These ranges are being replaced by a fresh range of colors – bright, positive and uplifting.

Smart small appliances are not just in vogue, they have already found their consumers, as evidenced by the growing number of appliance-specific applications for mobile devices. Apps are used for appliance information, correct and even creative use e.g. recipe apps , care, service, maintenance, remote diagnostics and energy efficiency.

On course for a joy of life

Experts note the growth of proposals in the segment of kitchen machines that can replace almost all kitchen appliances. They can take on many tasks, from mixing, chopping, whipping and kneading to heating and cooking induction heated models . Some kitchen machines have more than 100 programs and modes!

Another trend is appliances that are not so much needed for cooking, but rather to give joy, pleasure and positive emotions. Small appliances that allow you to cook together at the table, communicating and sharing ideas: grills, raclette grills, fondue cookers…

Coffee machines and espresso or cappuccino makers are growing steadily. All top-end new products offer solutions to meet the needs of every user, expanding options for adjusting the amount of a drink in a cup, strength, fineness of grinding, as well as providing the ability to create accounts to save settings and preferences of each coffee lover.

The toothbrush talks and shows

Salon care is expensive and more and more brands produce devices that can provide professional level care at home: hair dryers, stylers, epilators, etc.p. Another trend is the interaction of appliances with apps. You’ll get stylist advice on how to redesign, for example, a beard based on a user’s photo and advice from… a toothbrush: it will monitor how you brush your teeth and interact with your smartphone to provide you with perfect dental care.

The electric scales, by interfacing with a smartphone, will help you to watch your weight, count calories and in general tell you a lot about your body condition. But the real “boom” is expected in the category of so-called devices that can be worn on the wrist, in pants’ pockets, as a keychain, or even attached … to the nose.

Through a cell phone or on their own, they can measure and document the user’s daily physical activity, prompting, measuring – in short, helping to build the right rhythm of life to maintain health and optimal body weight.

How it works? Devices with multiple sensors continuously monitor blood pressure and heart rate and record the wearer’s activity level, whether running, walking or climbing stairs. The data is then sent from the wearable device to a smartphone or tablet, where it is processed by a special app, and then the user gets an analysis of their activity and advice on how to live with it.

Eco-friendly niche

Vacuum cleaners offer improved performance and reduced power consumption, including due to the new European norm – the power consumption of a vacuum cleaner must not exceed 1700 watts. Portable vacuum cleaners, what we call “electric vacuum cleaners,” are popular. Dyson showed its innovations in the exhibition area of the press conference: first of all, these are handheld multi-cyclonic vacuum cleaners “2-in-1” with new generation motors.

Robot vacuum cleaners are no longer “niche” products – more and more manufacturers produce them. The new items in this category are literally stuffed with the latest technological solutions – sensors, automated systems, they are more powerful and intelligent than ever before. What’s more: many of the robots can be controlled via your smartphone. Great attention is paid to improving the batteries, so that robots can work even longer without recharging.