Designer fire extinguishers for your stylish kitchen

Written by: Rebecca Milner on October 4, 2008 at 2:35 am | In LIFESTYLE / FASHION | 4 Comments

Old newspapers aren’t the only household fixture likely to be hidden out of the way, odds are that bright red fire extinguisher is tucked away as well. Sure the obnoxious color was designed to stand out, but we understand that it just doesn’t go with a nice understated designer apartment.

Recognizing this yet unexploited need, an unlikely manufacturer, bicycle maker Miyata Industries, has stepped in with a line of fashion conscious fire extinguishers.

Available in colors such as “champagne gold” and “platinum silver,” the Kitchen Eye series is designed to sit equally alongside your fancy espresso maker.

It also contains only natural fire fighting ingredients that have been approved as foodstuffs by the Ministry of Health, just in case you actually mistake the champagne gold fire extinguisher for a bottle of real champagne. Or rather, so that the contents can be easily wiped up, without worry of contaminating food products or utensils in the area.

Sleek metallic frame or not, we’re still holding out for someone to make a fire extinguishing spray gun.

Tags: appliances, design, Home
Category: LIFESTYLE / FASHION
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, DIGITAL LIFE, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Fridge, facial steamer, appliances for Wellness

Written by: Rebecca Milner on September 12, 2008 at 6:20 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION | 4 Comments

More and more premium, multi-function appliances are hitting the market, including this latest super-fridge from Hitachi. The “Lively Nutrient Vacuum Chilled V” series contains a device that emits anti-oxidants and vitamins to keep food fresher and more nutrient-rich.

For example, the press release claims that the vitamin C content in spinach shows a significant 86% higher retention rate in the Lively Nutrient fridge, when compared to unspecified models already on the market.

A newly developed vacuum insulation systems further reduces energy consumption. Meanwhile break-resistant glass replaces the typically plastic doors and shelving to remind consumers that this is one high-class appliance. With a September 24 release date, the price is still unspecified.

Also new on the market is the Nano Care EH-SA 40, a home facial steamer from National’s Wellness Marketing division. The Nano Care emits a wet ion-charged steam designed to penetrate the outer layers of the epidermis to keep skin moist and supple. Intended for night use, the Nano Care also promises shinier hair upon waking. The November 1 release date (price estimate ¥25,000) is a reminder of the dry winter months ahead.

So what are we to make of this wave of appliances designed not just to make life more convenient, but to actually make us healthier and more attractive? With the decades-old striving for a color TV and an air conditioner as proof of having achieved a modern, comfortable lifestyle now thoroughly outdated, wellness is taking center stage. This concept takes the form of appliances that suggest piece of mind, anti-aging, and a “return to nature” environment, through “cleaner” air and food.

Tags: appliances, Hitachi, Home, National, nutrition, Wellness
Category: DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Fabria freshness gun snows on smells

Written by: Rebecca Milner on August 23, 2008 at 5:29 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | 4 Comments

What is it with spray guns? In April we reported on the “Air Launcher” cleaning spray gun Nissin Medico. Now Beanz Labo has announced their own contribution, the “Deodorization Fabria” air freshener spray gun.

The Deodorization Fabria releases a soft, snow-like mist that uses the natural deodorizing qualities of astringent persimmon and grapefruit. It’s safe for people, animals, and your favorite sweater, thanks to the natural ingredients. As the Fabria mist evaporates, it takes unpleasant odors with it.

While the contents may have a LOHAS feel, the bulky, unsophisticated, single function device is a far cry ultra-small, future-forward multifunction, and increasingly eco-friendly, appliances that are synonymous with Japanese innovation. True, it doesn’t use any electricity, however the appeal lies in the low-tech fun factor that the promotional images project.

The Deodorization Fabria isn’t targeted at the ultra-wealthy, who would be more interested in something like the ultrasonic aroma diffuser, instead it offers an affordable, practical upgrade from your average spray bottle of Fabreeze.

Beanz Labo also produces the “Seiden Body Wash,” a similar air gun cleaning device that is, unfortunately, for cars.

Tags: appliances, Homes
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Cutting-edge air purifier from Hitachi

Written by: Rebecca Milner on August 20, 2008 at 11:55 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | No Comments

While fixing environmental problems like global warming requires the cooperation of nations, taking care of your own personal or professional environment is a simple as hitting an “on” button. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are already common appliances in Japanese homes thanks to the seasonal extremes of very dry winters and very humid summer (see how long you can grin and bear it when your shoes actually sprout mold thanks to the high moisture level in your cramped, poorly ventilated urban apartment). From there it is a short jump to appliances that do all that and more, like purify and deodorize your air.

Now Hitachi has an air purifier, the Comfortable Air Robo Cleair 7 (yes that’s cleair, as in “clear air”), in the works that has seven completely automated functions designed to keep your personal atmosphere under complete, and perfect, control.

With seven functions—air purifying, deodorizing, humidification, dehumidification, skin moisturizing, clothes drying, and condensation control—in one machine the Cleair 7 is intended for year-round use, sucking the pollen out of the air during hay fever season and keeping your skin from cracking in the winter.

The addition of a wing turbo fan allows for up to 33 tatami mats (54m2) of clear air, and a world record purifying speed of 8 mats (13m2) in 9 minutes. Meanwhile, the inclusion of robotic engineering means that this smart appliance automatically adjusts to the environment, keeping the status of your air ideal without you haven’t to worry about it. The clean air monitor screen lets you know what is going on and the big, illuminated buttons are designed for simple (ie: elderly people friendly) handling.

Hitachi has 4,000 of these ready to go on September 12, for a cool ¥110,250 (about $1,000). According to Hitachi, the demand for air purifiers increased last year by 102% over the previous year, with ones incorporating a humidifier being particularly popular.

Tags: Air Purifiers, appliances, Hitachi, Home
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Super-appliances from Toshiba

Written by: Rebecca Milner on June 3, 2008 at 9:26 pm | In DIGITAL LIFE | 1 Comment

Okay, its not as impressive as the “Shower Clean Suits,” but the new Lacoo steam iron from Toshiba Home Appliances does promise to get out all the wrinkles from your clothes without having to remove them from the hanger.

With twice as many steam holes and an innovative new shape, the steaming capacity of the Lacoo is five times that of the typical steam iron, meaning a simple one-over should do the trick. Prettier than the average iron (which has been long overdue for a makeover), it also promises to freshen cloth and reduce static electricity and even has an automatic switch-off function, for those of us who always forget to turn off the iron. The only thing more efficient would have to be a robot!

Come to think of it, the microwave could do with a face lift as well. To that effect, Toshiba has just announced the release of a “Super heating, steam based, healthy cooking and infrared ray, stone kiln microwave oven.” Yes, that was direct from the press release.

The super heating function allows for food to be steamed at temperatures of up to 250C, with the claim of keeping vitamins intact while causing fat and salt to drop away. Meanwhile the stone oven function promises to make perfect French bread. Sounds to good to be true!

Both super-appliances will be available from June, prices yet to be determined.

Tags: appliances, Home, Technology, Toshiba
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS