The Gadgeteer

CES 2021 VIRTUAL ~ A Look At Samsung’s Appliance Innovations (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2021 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This year’s annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was not held in the traditional on-site manner, but rather virtually due to COVID-19 in early January. Therefore it was difficult for me to report on the show in my usual mode. Consequently I received numerous reports and press releases of new technology to be released in 2021. With that in mind I’ve opted to zero in on two particular products. Better late then never, so here goes…. I’ve chosen two unique products from Samsung. The JetBot 90 Ai+ that cleans your floors with innovative navigation technology and Samsung’s Series 8800 washer-dryer pair that takes the guesswork out of doing laundry. Both these outstanding products received this year’s CES Innovation Awards and will be introduced in the USA in the first half of 2021.

JetBot 90 Ai+ Vacuum The JetBot 90 Ai+ is the first truly smart robotic vacuum that’s powered by Intel® and incorporates a combination of sensors and Ai-enhanced object recognition technology. A Lidar sensor, much like that used in self-driving cars, detects distance and tracks location for exacting its movement. A 3D sensor recognizes the difference between objects such as a toy, or a leg chair. It can even detect small objects on the floor and recognizes a room’s shape to aid in the navigation process thus seeking the most efficient route. Best of all it can detect when your pet has made a mess, avoid it and send you a notification so you’ll know to clean it up. The JetBot 90 Ai+ then uses this information to clean closely around items on the floor maintaining a safe distance from fragile objects and can also automatically lower itself under furniture. As it cleans the floor it maximizes the suction power to trap dust from the air and dirt from the floor. The self-cleaning brush picks up dust from hard floors and can reach into tight crevices. When the cleaning process is completed it automatically heads back to its base that also serves as a disposal system. It now empties the collected debris into a bag that you replace every two, or three months. The JetBot may also be operated via your Smartphone when the Samsung SmartThings app is installed. This feature allows you to control the vacuum process from anywhere. And if that’s not enough you can connect up with its onboard camera to monitor your home and your pets while you’re away.

Samsung WF8800A Series Washer The Samsung washer/dryer series 8800 with Smart Dial Technology learns your preferred cycles and settings, and then prioritizes them for quick access in a simplified, easy-to-use centrally located control panel. It also suggests specific cycles based on intelligent learning of past cycles run on particular days of the week, or at specific times. Its powerful OptoWash feature detects the laundry load’s weight and uses a Turbidity Sensor to determine the ideal amount of water vs detergent to use in the cycle. It also computes how long to wash clothing thus ensuring that your clothes come out the cleanest possible. Using a stacked washer/dryer is made easy with Samsung’s MultiControl feature. This allows you to fully operate both the washer and dryer from one centralized panel on the washer thus keeping all controls within easy reach. You can also use the previously discussed SmartThings app to receive “end of cycle” alerts, remotely start/stop your wash, schedule cycles, and much more from your Smartphone. The DV8800A companion dryer automatically optimizes its cycle too, so you no longer have to check to see if your clothes are dry at the end of the cycle and perhaps have to calculate how much time you have to add, because this dryer does that too. When using the super speed drying cycle, your clothes can be dry in as little as thirty minutes. Without a doubt these Samsung household appliances set the new standard for household appliances for many years to come. By the looks of it I hope a comprehensive operational tutorial video is made available and your local service technician is up to speed. Lol!!! GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out THE GADGETEER’S Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore