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Region SPOTLIGHT ON GERMAN SPEAKING COUNTRIES Liebherr’s Quantum Leap Steffen Nagel Managing Director Liebherr Appliances Steffen Nagel, Managing Director of Liebherr Appliances, explains how the home appliance range is embracing the latest smart innovations. At this year’s IFA, Liebherr’s focus is on setting new standards in refrigeration and freezing convenience and efficiency. All Smart Device-enabled models can be fitted with the new generation “SmartDeviceBox”, a very simple solution for networking refrigerators and freezers. This technology will soon make it possible for Liebherr refrigerators to actually help customers plan their shopping and meals. Innovative Microsoft technologies will allow the refrigerated foods to be captured and inventoried using cameras that includes voice and object recognition. These cameras won’t just display images, but will actually recognise individual food items in the refrigerator and automatically integrate this information into a shopping list. Our app for iOS, Android and Windows will subsequently enable access to the shopping list while the customer is on the go. Please tell us more about your joint research project with Microsoft. Our collaboration with Microsoft is part of the overall digitisation campaign for the Liebherr Appliances division. Microsoft perfectly complements Liebherr’s expertise in refrigeration and freezing technology by enabling us to incorporate the latest technologies into our digital product offerings. The collaboration has already resulted in the new generation SmartDeviceBox, which utilises the Windows 10 IoT Core OS to complement our appliances, and to equip our customers for future digital scenarios. The new SmartDeviceBox technology allows for simple wireless installation, and for the connection of additional hardware such as a speech module or camera in your fridge or kitchen. The system is designed for durability: at any time, the modular units can be integrated into existing Smart Device-enabled devices and expanded. Furthermore, the use of open standards enables adaptation to future offers and services. Liebherr is actually offering the most extensive range of intelligent refrigerators on the market. Hall 2.1 / Stand 201 SELECTED EXHIBITORS AT IFA BOSCH GETS CONNECTED UNOLD UNVEILS 33 INNOVATIONS AT IFA From connected hobs to hoods, Bosch has announced that all its large home appliances will be networked from early 2017. At IFA 2016, the fully networked Bosch Home Connect kitchen will be previewed with new FlexInduction hobs featuring high-resolution TFT touch display - which can be operated from anywhere via a smartphone or tablet. Featuring intuitive touch menu navigation, the advanced TFT touch display can also operate newly connected range hoods, meaning no inefficient independent operation. Also from the beginning of 2017, the Home Connect kitchen will be integrated into the broader Bosch Smart Home via a central interface and control platform. Hall 3.1 / Stand 101 The German appliance brand Unold celebrates 50 successful years at IFA by launching 33 new products. Among its flagship innovations is a new Sous-Vide Stick device that perfectly and evenly cooks vacuum-packed meats, fish and vegetables at a low temperature. The expert jury at the Plus X Awards voted the gentle cooking device Best Product 2016-17, while the product has also been nominated for the German Design Award 2017. For those looking to emulate Koreanstyle grilling and barbecuing at home, Unold’s Asia Grill is perfect for low-fat grilling of meat, fish and vegetables, while among numerous new appliances for preparing desserts, the Waffle Maker Bowl simplifies waffle preparation, and the The Food Processor Chef prepares various ingredients for tasty cakes or meringue. Hall 6.1 / Stand 110 50
Region SPOTLIGHT ON GERMAN SPEAKING COUNTRIES Timeless Design Miele innovations stay true to roots A family company with almost 120 years experience creating high-end domestic appliances, Miele is renowned for simple, minimalist design that stands the test of time- explaining why it won six coveted Red Dot design awards in 2015. Andreas Enslin, head of design at Miele, told IFA International that an enduring design philosophy ensures the company’s high quality products remain timeless across decades. We are testing our products for 20 years of use, which is a very long time. When you look at our design in terms of shapes, colours and so on, it’s necessary to take into account the lifetime expectation. Otherwise, the product looks old within two or three years. Our idea is to reduce the design to the iconic elements that never go out of fashion. Our main design values is timelessness, which is to recognise the heritage of the brand and its DNA. How is Miele product design integrated with functionality? It’s not possible to do design separate from functionality. When you look at our new Blizzard vacuum cleaner (featuring an innovative monocyclone design), it looks a little like one of our vacuum cleaners from the past. But here we make a connection to a very successful story and we transform this into a new technology and product. You still feel the DNA of the brand. A lot of companies are not able to do that. How does Miele’s status as family-run company influence its design? Products are engineered and manufactured in Bielefeld, which is only 20 minutes from our headquarters (and design centre) in Gütersloh. So we work very closely together. It’s a very different thing from working with thirdparty manufacturers overseas, where you lose your DNA very easily Andreas Enslin Head of design at Miele Hall 2.1 Stand 101 www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Saturday 3 th & Sunday 4 th September 2016 51
