Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2015 24 households, from hardwood to carpet. Its cleaning prowess is unprecedented in a robot vacuum. The Digital Inverter Motor features a level of suction up to 60 times more powerful*** than conventional robot vacuums for removal of dirt and other debris on carpets like no robot before it. Hardwood and laminate surfaces are a breeze for the VR9000, and an extra-wide rectangular brush bar four inches wider than conventional robot vacuums eliminates the need for side brushes while covering more ground in a single pass. Cyclone- Force technology creates a centrifugal force that routes particles into a separate inner chamber, minimizing clogging in order to maintain its powerful suction. The POWERbot VR9000 also features unique innovation that provides maximum maneuverability. Unlike many other robots, the Height Performance FullView SensorTM detects even small obstacles across a wide area with minimal blind spots. With high performance chips, sensors and an onboard digital camera, the Visionary Mapping TM Plus System creates a complete map of the home to calculate the most efficient cleaning path, avoiding road blocks like a set of steps or a child's toy. Easy Pass TM Wheels allow the vacuum to move around the home with ease and control. Point Cleaning Technology allows you to direct the vacuum with a simple click of a remote control. Once cleaning is complete, or the battery is low, the POWERbot VR9000 will guide itself back to the docking station for recharging. The Samsung POWERbot VR9000 Airborne Copper color blends twinkling gold and chic black, and will be available in Spring 2015. * According to Traqline 2012. ** Normal one-hour wash compared to WF511 washer without SuperSpeed. *** Tested on motors of the Samsung VR9000 and Samsung conventional VR10F71UCAC. Based on internal test. **** All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. "THE ONLY FRIDGE AS SMART AS YOU," LAUNCHED AT CES FirstBuild reveals first community-generated product—ChillHub FirstBuild™, a new global co-creation community, announced availability of its first community-generated product, ChillHub, the latest in smart home appliances. ChillHub is a refrigerator with two integrated USB hubs (eight USB ports in total), built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and an open-source iOS- compatible app that provides seamless integration with the refrigerator by allowing access to sensor data and control of fridge components. This first-of-its-kind platform enables the development of new hardware products that benefit from operating inside a cooled space. Developed by FirstBuild community members Brian Wagner and Nicolas Grenié, ChillHub is an open development platform designed for makers, hackers, tinkerers and developers. Through rapid design iteration by 3D printing on MakerBot and other 3D printers, community members collaborate on products and features to customize and create new uses for their refrigerators. The first ChillHub accessory, Milky Weigh, was conceptualized by Nolan McQueen, a member of the FirstBuild community. Milky Weigh is a mobile milk jug monitoring system which provides real-time updates on the status of how much milk you have left. Milky Weigh is available for sale on FirstBuild.com. In addition, FirstBuild has also posted Milky Weigh components on Thingiverse, so consumers with a MakerBot or other 3D printer can print and assemble their own device. FirstBuild.com is a physical and online community dedicat- ed to designing, engineering and building the next generation of major appliances. It fosters co-creation among engineers, designers, makers and home enthusiasts around the globe who can participate in the devel- opment of appliance break- throughs to address current challenges, and ensure that it is bringing products to market that people actually want. Commu- nity members identify market needs, participate in product I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] continued on page 33

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