Luxury Smart Home
Laundry? Chores? Let Samsung Home Appliance with Bixby handle it
Quality of life improvements
“Let AI handle what I don’t necessarily want to think about.”
This is what I recently told someone about how I want AI or Artificial Intelligence to be part of my life. Right now, there’s been more implementation of AI in desk work and creative fields – and it has been helpful somewhat.
However, my personal take is that AI should handle the tasks I don’t necessarily look forward to doing. For someone like myself who is domestically challenged, that means house chores. And what I saw during a Samsung Home Appliances showcase in Bangkok was encouraging.
The concept of a smart home isn’t exactly new. But the refinements with the help of AI offer quality of life things on washers, refrigerators, and more that can really come in handy.
AI Wash+
Laundry is one of the last few things I ever want to spend brain cells on. Perhaps that’s the case with other people too and Samsung caught on to that.
I already make a ton of micro decisions all day because of the nature of my work. Not to mention there are also these existential choices to make like “what am I having for lunch,” or “do I really need to shower for this video call?” So no, I don’t want to guess how much detergent to use or whether my jacket needs a delicate cycle or a full spin to the shadow realm.
Thankfully, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Washers exist. These machines with the AI Wash+ cycle have the emotional intelligence I clearly lack when it comes to laundry.
You load it up, press a button, and boom: the washer figures out how dirty your clothes are, what fabric types you’re mixing, and how to adjust detergent, water temp, spin speed, and wash time accordingly.
It even knows the difference between outdoor gear and denim — and handles both gently.
The top load version adds features like AI VRT+, which reduces noise and vibration by reading your floor. Meanwhile, AI Energy Mode tries to be more eco-conscious than I’ve ever been.
Best part? You control it all from a 7-inch touchscreen called AI Home, so you can pretend you’re managing a spaceship instead of dirty socks. So yeah, it’s nice to have a washer that overthinks so I don’t have to.
Smart Fridge
I’ve made peace with the fact that I’m not a “home chef.” I don’t meal prep. I don’t plan ahead. And most of the time, the fridge is just a glorified lightbox I open while deciding between snacks or ordering again.
And fridges like the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Side-by-Side had me wishing I had both the money to purchase it and the space in my home to host it. I have neither, but let me tell you why I now covet one.
Right on the front is a 9-inch AI Home screen, which shows your calendar, the weather, and other helpful little reminders — all without asking you to deep dive into a sea of apps. It’s like having a polite assistant who just lives in your kitchen and doesn’t judge your life choices.
There’s SmartThings Cooking, too. It can recommend meals and send cooking instructions straight to a smart oven. Would I use that? Not really. But it’s nice knowing the fridge tried.
What I do like is the upgraded Bixby with Voice ID. It recognizes who’s talking, and adjusts accordingly — like showing my schedule, or helping me find my phone. That’s personal AI, not just shared confusion.
And because I am, at the very least, pretending to be responsible, the fridge also tracks energy use with SmartThings Energy. It even reduces power consumption with AI Energy Mode. Less waste, lower bills, no extra thinking required.
Plus there’s a nifty feature too that lets you just glide over a sensor and the fridge opens by itself. Perfect for when I bring over too many ready-to-heat packages that my arms are totally pre-occupied.
AC and vacuum cleaning
The showcase also touched on air conditioning (AC) and vacuum cleaning things that, to be completely honest, flew over my head.
One thing about the AC stood out to me though. I cannot count how many times I have come from an event and just want to cool down at home but always forget to turn on my AC before I arrive.
Samsung’s solution is an AI connected to your phone relaying your approximate location via GPS. Once it detects that you’re nearing your lovely home, the AC will turn on to start the cooling so you arrive ready to enjoy a chilled abode. How neat is that?
On the cleaning side of things, the one thing that stuck with me are the thoughtful additions to their robot vacuum. Existing designs tend to miss certain spots and corners. But now, they’ve added cleaning apparatus that extends beyond the usual to make sure every spot the vacuum goes to is squeaky clean.
They also improved mobility by making sure the robot vacuum is able to detect and climb minor inclines. Nothing revolutionary, but still very much eye-opening and extremely thoughtful and helpful.
Bixby is at the heart of Samsung Home Appliances
Ever since the Samsung Galaxy suite of devices embraced Google’s Gemini for many of its AI features, it felt like Samsung’s own assistant, Bixby, had been pushed to the side. That wasn’t the case during the Samsung Home Appliances showcases in Bangkok.
Bixby, and the SmartThings app, is front and center as Samsung showed off how its bevy of new AI-infused Home Appliances. These include washers, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners.
I asked the people at Samsung if this was a conscious decision on their part and this is what they had to say:
Samsung aims to deliver an optimized AI experience by leveraging various AI agents effectively. We focus on what is most meaningful for people, which is why we work openly with like-minded industry-leading partners. This enables us to curate and cultivate AI-driven experiences in a way no other smartphone brand can. For example, many of the innovative Gemini features included in Galaxy S25 were developed in collaboration with Google from the early stages, ensuring an optimized user experience.
Bixby, Samsung’s voice-based AI agent specialized in device control, will play a pivotal role in advancing AI by enabling more intuitive and effortless control of Galaxy devices, as well as seamless connectivity and management of Samsung products like TVs and home appliances. Additionally, Bixby supports creating SmartThings modes and routines using natural language, making it easier and more intuitive to connect and manage devices.
Samsung’s position as the leading Android brand globally makes Galaxy the most accessible platform for experiencing the benefits of AI enhancements. Our unique ability to integrate AI into our products, experiences and components, from mobile devices to TVs, home appliances and even automotive systems gives us unparalleled reach. Moving forward, Bixby will continue to play a key role in delivering seamless connectivity and advancing Home AI, while Galaxy AI will serve as the connective tissue across a variety of Samsung Galaxy and SmartThings devices for a truly seamless user experience.
That totally reeked of corporate speak but it’s also true. We’re all still figuring out what role AI will play in our lives. I’ve personally somewhat decided where I’d want it in full swing. And Samsung seems to be finding their way around it nicely too, especially when it comes to Smart Home Appliances.
Luxury Smart Home
Sony brings cinema home with new BRAVIA 3 II TV, BRAVIA Theatre lineup
Full cinema-style experience
Sony is expanding its home entertainment push with a new range of BRAVIA Theatre audio products and the BRAVIA 3 II TV. The lineup aims to make a full cinema-style experience more accessible. That’s true whether you’re starting with a soundbar or building a complete surround setup.
Soundbars designed to fill the room
Leading the audio lineup is the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7, a compact yet powerful soundbar built with nine speaker units. It includes up-firing and side speakers. These work alongside Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to create a wider, more immersive sound field from a single unit. Room calibration further optimizes audio based on your space. There are also optional subwoofers and rear speakers unlock deeper bass and fuller surround.
For a more accessible option, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 offers a 3.1-channel setup with a wireless subwoofer. It focuses on delivering clear dialogue and strong bass, using S-Force PRO Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine to simulate a three-dimensional listening experience.
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, integrate with compatible BRAVIA TVs for unified control, and can be managed via the BRAVIA Connect app.
Expanding the surround experience
Sony is also introducing a set of optional speakers designed to complete the home cinema setup. The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9 and Sub 8 deliver deep, room-filling bass, with the Sub 9 featuring dual opposing drivers to reduce distortion. Notably, the lineup now supports dual subwoofer configurations for the first time.
Meanwhile, the BRAVIA Theatre Rear 9 adds height and depth to rear channels through its up-firing speaker. This helps create a more convincing surround environment when paired with compatible soundbars.
A bigger screen to match
Alongside the audio products, Sony is rolling out the BRAVIA 3 II, a mid-tier TV available in sizes up to 100 inches. Powered by the XR Processor and XR Triluminos Pro, it aims to deliver natural colors, strong contrast, and refined detail.
The TV supports Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, and is also positioned as a capable gaming display. It comes with 4K at 120Hz and four HDMI 2.1 ports. Sony is also introducing a new Inclusive Remote with improved button layout and a Remote Finder feature for easier accessibility.
Price and availability
In Singapore, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 7 will be available starting May 2026. Suggested retail price is SGD 1,299. Meanwhile, the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 5 follows in June 2026 at SGD 599.
The BRAVIA Theatre Sub 9, Sub 8, and Rear 9 will arrive in July 2026, priced at SGD 1,099, SGD 799, and SGD 899, respectively.
The BRAVIA 3 II TV will be available from June 2026 in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 100 inches, with pricing starting at SGD 1,499.
Luxury Smart Home
Dyson PencilWash makes wet cleaning feel effortless
Built for daily spills, stubborn stains
Dyson introduces the PencilWash, its slimmest and lightest wet cleaner yet. It’s designed for modern homes that value both efficiency and hygiene.
At only 38mm thin along the handle and weighing 2.2kg, it’s built to glide and reach places that usually collect dust and forgotten spills.
Designed to slip into real life
The PencilWash feels closer to holding a broom than pushing around a bulky machine. The 38mm ultra-slim handle sits comfortably in hand, making quick cleanups feel less like a chore.
It steers with a natural twist and lays almost completely flat, reaching under beds, sofas, and consoles with a clearance as low as 15cm.
Its compact build also means easy storage, fitting into tighter spaces without demanding a dedicated corner.
Fresh water only, every time
Wet cleaning often comes with a compromise. Traditional systems trap dirt in filters that can smell, clog, and affect performance over time.
The PencilWash removes that layer entirely. Its filter-free system reduces the risk of sludge buildup and unpleasant odours, so maintenance stays simple and performance remains consistent.
Dyson combines hydration, agitation, and extraction in one seamless motion. An 8-point hydration system distributes clean water evenly across a high-density microfibre roller, packed with 64,000 filaments per square centimeter.
The roller spins rapidly to lift wet spills and dry debris in one pass, while dirty water is continuously extracted on every rotation.
The result is straightforward: you are always cleaning with fresh water, from the first swipe to the last.
Built for daily spills and stubborn stains
The PencilWash offers two hydration modes, allowing you to adjust water flow depending on the mess and the floor type.
Light spills can be handled quickly, while tougher stains receive a more thorough rinse, all with a quick-drying finish that lets you walk through your space sooner.
A 300mL clean water tank covers up to 100 square meters. With up to 30 minutes of runtime on a single charge, it’s designed to clean more of your home in one uninterrupted session.
A lighter way to keep things clean
Dyson continues its direction of making machines smaller and lighter while improving performance.
The PencilWash brings that philosophy into wet cleaning, pairing a pencil-thin profile with the precision engineering the brand is known for.
For homes that value ease, hygiene, and thoughtful design, the PencilWash turns everyday floor cleaning into something simpler and far more manageable.
Accessories
Thoughtful gift ideas for modern living: 2025 holiday gift guide
Gift ideas that feel intentional and considered
The best gifts aren’t impulse buys nor extravagant. This year’s holiday gift guide is about giving with intention. Each pick was chosen not as a novelty, but as something that adds value to your loved ones’ lives. They support routines, encourage rest, create shared moments, elevate everyday comforts, and provide peace of mind. These are the kind of gifts that feel considered, personal, and truly meant for the person receiving them.
Peace of mind, wherever the day goes
OrbitKey Travel Sling (3L), US$89.90
This sling is designed for moving through the day feeling organized and secure. Along with its compact, structured layout, it includes RFID-protected pockets that help shield cards and personal information from digital theft. It’s ideal for both commuting and traveling and comes in Black, Stone, and Terracotta.
Statik TireHero Smart Tire Pump, US$69.99
This is the kind of gift that helps people feel prepared rather than reactive. Compact and easy to use, it quickly inflates tires at home or on the road. A small tool that offers real reassurance, it’s especially useful for drivers and cyclists alike.
ExpressVPN Aircove Go, US$169.90
This pocket-sized router creates a secure, VPN-protected network anywhere, making public Wi-Fi far safer to use. Ideal for travelers, remote workers, or anyone handling sensitive information on the go. It’s small enough to travel with but powerful enough to protect privacy beyond the home.
OrbitKey Foldable Duffel, US$49
Having an extra bag when you didn’t know you need one can remove a surprising amount of stress and unnecessary expenses. This duffle folds down flat for easy storage, then opens into a 55L bag when packing gets too ambitious and you’re being charged at the airport for your overweight suitcase. It’s reliable, flexible, and quietly reassuring to have on hand.
Thoughtful tech for home and productivity
Native Union WEIGHTER, starts at US$19.99
Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference. This weighted desk accessory keeps charging cables from slipping out of reach, reducing friction in everyday routines. It’s a subtle but satisfying improvement for someone who works from home or their messy night stand. It comes in Black and Sandstone, and two models: 1 Cable and 3 Cables.
For someone who loves writing by hand but also wants their notes organized digitally, this reusable notebook allows handwritten notes to be stored in the cloud. It’s great for planners, students, even creatives that don’t want clutter. It combines the satisfying tactility of pen and paper and digital convenience.
Built with Qi2 25W, this charger brings calm to the end of the day. With one solid, beautifully weighted base, it charges the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one place. It reduces clutter and decision-making, turning charging into a simple ritual.
Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set, starts at US$105
Extra storage becomes invaluable once someone starts creating, traveling, or documenting more of their life. This portable SSD offers fast, reliable storage with a magnetic sleeve that makes it easy to attach and carry. It’s ideal for backing up photos, videos, and important files without fuss. It’s a practical gift to support that creative in your life and help them stay organized.
Rituals, wellness, and slowing down
Üllo Original Wine Purifier, US$79.99
For someone who enjoys a glass of wine as part of winding down but hates the headaches that come after: Üllo removes sulfites while aerating the wine. It helps enhance the flavor and aroma of wine while being gentler for those sensitive to additives. Add the hand blown Decanter that’s made from ultra transparent lead-free crystal to make any bottle taste fancier.
La Jolie Muse Season of Stories Trio Set, US$60
With artful vessels and clean-burning soy wax, these candles feel as much like decor as they do self-care. The scents are cozy and ideal for winding down or hosting. It’s a gift that invites pause.
LEGO Botanicals, starts at US$14.99
A calming, screen-free build that becomes a beautiful piece of home decor, each set invites someone to slow down and enjoy the process. With flower bouquets, bonsais, and plants to choose from, it’s a satisfying project that brings a sense of completion without the upkeep of real plants. As an added bonus, if you can build it together it turns the gift into a shared memory, so every time they see the finished piece, they’re reminded of the time you spent creating it together.
Small joys, big upgrades
SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush, US$135
This device makes an everyday habit feel more intentional. Created with sustainability in mind, it’s a sleek yet practical gift that elevates anyone’s bathroom shelf. It’s got wireless charging and the redesigned travel case powers UV cleaning on the go. It comes in five colors: Winter Fern, Sea Mist, Sunset Bloom, Midnight Black, and Morning Waves.
This portable projector makes it easy to turn any wall into a big screen. You can give the gift of a quiet solo night for someone who needs to decompress from work, or movie nights shared with their loved ones. It’s great for a cozy home setup this winter or the outdoors when the weather starts to get warmer.
Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in any space, but is truly transformative. This smart LED lamp creates soft, customizable ambient light that works indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for someone who just moved into a new apartment, or that person in your life who cares about mood and intentional design.
Liiton American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set, US$129
This glassware set transforms drinking into a sensory experience, whether on display or in use. It’s a great conversation piece and makes a nightcap more intentional. Place your glass in the freezer and get chilled and aerated whiskey in just 18 seconds thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System. Made from lead-free crystal, the glassware is sculpted with the majestic U.S. mountain peaks: Mount Whitney, Yosemite, Smoky Mountains, Mount Rainier, and The Rockies.
For growing lives and staying connected
With fewer strings and a simplified design, kids can start playing real songs quickly without feeling overwhelmed. It builds confidence and creativity while introducing musical fundamentals. It’s a gift that supports learning through play.
This gift turns fleeting moments into tangible memories. With a few taps, photos on your phone become physical prints that can be shared, saved, and displayed. In an age where taking photos has never been easier, having physical prints encourages reminiscing without increasing screen time. It’s a wonderful gift for families and friends who love documenting life.
Arzopa Digital Photo Frame, starts at US$99.99
Bring warmth to someone’s home without requiring technical effort. This photo frame is great for that loved one who’s moved far away. Photos can be updated remotely, making it easy to feel closer despite the distance. It comes in two sizes: 10″ and 14″, both with a champagne colored bezel.
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