The title above is not a typo but is my personal experience yesterday when using the Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. This long name is for the latest washing machine and dryer from Samsung that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
There is no generative AI system here but the AI used according to Samsung will provide a washing experience that is not only easier for the user but also more environmentally friendly.
What is Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo
The Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is a washing machine that can hold up to 25 kilograms of laundry and also dry up to 15 kilograms of laundry. With the 2-in-1 machine, Samsung says they are meeting the needs of modern consumers who currently live in homes with limited floor space.
As a person who lives in a small condo, I only have room for a washing machine even though I have been dreaming of a dryer since I got married 12 years ago.
This space saving is achieved by combining a washing machine with a built-in drying system on top. According to Samsung, with a more efficient heating element design, the cycle of washing and drying clothes can be done in as little as 98 minutes without human intervention.
What's AI In This Washing Machine?
Human intervention is limited to the process of putting the clothes into the drum and then removing them after this process is complete. Water metering, detergent liquid and softener liquid are all controlled by the machine's built-in AI. The algorithm used is based on the typical usage of users in the Asian region. Samsung says that because the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is a smart washing machine, the algorithm will change according to the user's habits.
Liquid detergent and softener is placed at the bottom with enough for up to 32 washing cycles. Information on the content of these liquids is clearly displayed on a 7-inch touch screen. Options to change the wash type, water consumption information, and electricity consumption are also displayed.
Use of “Nirtangan”, Phone and Watching YouTube
Ok you are now on the eighth paragraph and I need to touch on how I make phone calls and watch videos on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. This washing machine continues Samsung's tradition of including features that have never been offered on kitchen items such as the Samsung Family Hub Plus.
Bespoke AI Laundry Combo can be controlled using Bixby voice commands. First of all, the laundry tub door can be opened using the voice command "Hey Bixby open laundry door". This is useful when the user lifts the laundry basket and hands are not free to open the door manually. At this point Bixby only supports voice commands in English and Korean only.
Second I was shown a demo of picking up a phone call using the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. This is done if the phone is tethered using bluetooth to the washing machine. When a call is received, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo will ring and phone calls can be taken through it. It's probably the weirdest and most unique demo I've seen since I started writing about the tech world.
Then I can also watch YouTube through the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo screen. A voice command is given to the washing machine and the application will open. As far as I know only YouTube apps can be installed on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo because this washing machine does not have an app store.
Smart Home Device Hub
Because the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is another product under the SmartThings umbrella, it's no surprise that it can also serve as a smart home hub that supports the Samsung, Matter and Thread ecosystems. It became another control hub after the same feature was given to TVs, refrigerators and smart speakers produced by Samsung. From a Bespoke AI Laundry Combo the owner can control a robot vacuum cleaner, air conditioner, oven and various other smart products at home.
I used to make new technology predictions as a joke through a TechTroll column a few years ago. Bespoke AI Laundry Combo feels like an out-of-the-box TechTroll idea realized "because it can be done".
In Malaysia Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is sold at a price of RM14,999 per unit but can now be pre-ordered at a promotional price of only RM12,999.