Consumer Electronics provider LG has announced the introduction of the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered 2021 Vivace 950 (V950) Washing machine into the Kenyan Market.
This follows a rise in demand for home appliances in the country attributed to the adoption of the work-from-home model brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is besides a significant growth in the working women population that is driving the demand for appliances such as Washing Machines and Refrigerators that assists women with household chores.
Commenting on the launch, LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director Sa Nyuong Kim said the V950 machine is aimed at making it easier for everyone from professionals to working mothers to maintain a happier, healthier home as they attempt to balance work and family life.
Data from research firm GFK shows that the global market for small and large household appliances recorded an excellent first half of 2021, with sales of small appliances up 21 per cent and large appliances up 31 per cent compared to the same period last year, which was impacted by lockdowns. Internal data from LG reveals that uptake from washing machines has gone up by 37% compared to last year while that for AI Direct Drive (AI DD) has increased by 219%.
“At the Centre of our mission is to help consumers embrace life and prepare them for its greatest moments. From where I sit, no better washing machine would have delivered this objective better than the LG AI Direct Drive (DD) V950 washer. To us, life’s about more than having the latest technology. It’s about the experiences technology creates”. Said Kim
The 12Kg, AI DD washer can not only detect the weight but also senses the softness of fabric, and it chooses the optimal motions for the fabric by itself. This means the washer can detect a mixed load of t-shirts and pants (different from bedding, delicate and other fabric combinations) and program the wash cycle to use customized motions, temperatures and times for the optimal wash.
It is the latest upgrade from the AI DD line-up of washing machines with the last model (2020) being the V900 and previous models V500 and V300. In terms of capacity, the previous models could only handle between 7 and 10.5Kg on a standard cotton washing cycle.
Besides, the Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive – AI DD feature and deep learning technology, the machine is optimized to offer intelligent care and perfectly enhance washing performance by not only detecting the volume and weight of each unique laundry load but also using AI and advanced sensors to identify fabric types in each load hence delivering both effectiveness and efficiency.
Compared to the V900, the V950 has an EZDispense feature which is an auto detergent feeder that helps the washer to detect the amount of laundry and automatically release the appropriate amount of detergent for up to 35 washes. It also notifies the user when they need a refill.
Armed with TurboWash360° feature the washer is able to considerably reduce washing time by use of 4 nozzles that spray water while washing and rinsing. This feature also reduces the cycle time that would be much higher if you were using older front load machines, also equipped with TurboWash 39 cycle that is designed to do a cycle in only 39min allowing you to spend more time doing things that you enjoy.
Besides reducing cycle time, the machine reduces clothes damage by offering 18% more fabric protection while using 39% less energy hence saving consumers energy costs.
According to LG East Africa, 10% of energy saving is equivalent to free 50 times Laundry per year.
“We design products that are intuitive, responsive and more eco-friendly, so you as a consumer can spend wisely, be more productive and reduce the impact on the world around you. It is our joy when our home electronics work best for the way you live and keep you updated with the latest technological advances. After all, life’s better when you’re prepared”. Said Mr.Kim
Also embedded on the machine is the steam function technology that eliminates 99.9% of allergens such as dust mites that can cause allergies or respiratory issues with 30% fewer wrinkles to give you easier ironing.
In terms of capacity, the LG V950 has a bigger dimension (600 x 610 x 850 mm) with an advanced vibration system that makes less vibration and noise. The machine, available In Black steel, further offers Wi-fi and Smart diagnosis options for convenience purposes.
The machine is currently available at LG Showrooms, Hotpoint Showrooms, Housewife’s Paradise & leading Hyper channels, retail price is KES. 183,000