Grande AI Surpasses 10,000 Units Sold
Trom Dryer Applies Steam Technology
[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics have officially entered the competition for new dryer models in 2020. This year’s new products from both companies focus on a more convenient user experience based on artificial intelligence (AI). They are aiming to secure customers through distinctive designs and unique features.
According to the industry on the 8th, Samsung Electronics’ ‘Grande AI’ dryer, released earlier this year, surpassed 10,000 units sold within just one month of launch. This is more than twice as fast compared to Samsung’s previous 16kg dryer, which took about eight weeks to reach 10,000 units sold domestically.
The Grande AI is an AI dryer that matches the drying course to the washing course and learns the consumer’s usage habits to provide customized services. Especially, this year’s new product automatically links with the AI ‘Grande AI washing machine’ when used together. When a specific washing course is selected, the corresponding drying course is automatically set.
A newly applied AI habit memory function remembers the courses and options frequently used by the user and displays them on the control panel in that order. This feature reduces the hassle of setting the course every time washing and drying are done.
This product also significantly enhances hygiene management. A ‘Micro Safety Filter’ was added to the existing filter to minimize dust going to the heat exchanger. The company explained that a special coating was applied to the heat exchanger connection to prevent rust, eliminating residual water and concerns about bacteria or odors.
LG Electronics officially launched the ‘Tromm Dryer Steam ThinQ’ earlier this month, applying its patented ‘TrueSteam’ technology. The TrueSteam technology applied to the new product uses 100°C steam to deodorize, sterilize, and also reduce wrinkles in clothing. This technology, recognized for its competitiveness in existing LG Electronics home appliances such as stylers and dishwashers, has been applied to washing machines.
The three steam-specialized courses that manage clothes and bedding comfortably have been verified for deodorizing performance through tests by the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute (KATRI), reducing odors such as sweat smell embedded in fabrics. According to the institute’s test results, the steam sterilization course removes 99.99% of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
LG Tromm Dryer Steam can be conveniently used when linked with the upcoming ‘AI DD Washing Machine’ and the LG ThinQ app. It can be linked with all LG washing machines equipped with wireless internet.
The new product features a smart pairing function that automatically sets the drying course by receiving washing course information from the linked washing machine. The smart care function sets the optimal drying options according to the outdoor temperature and prioritizes settings repeated three or more times by analyzing the usage patterns of the last five times.
The two companies are expected to engage in fierce competition for the domestic dryer market share in the first half of this year. Earlier, LG Electronics maintained the top position in the first half of last year, while Samsung Electronics raised its domestic dryer market share to 65% in the second half, the company revealed.
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