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As technology integrates more fully into our lives, Larry Yuen, group president of kitchen and bath at Kohler Co., says it’s important for manufacturers to make household elements that consumers use every day more comfortable and enjoyable.
Both Kohler and Moen have been working on innovations to provide specific solutions in the kitchen and bathroom, such as smart faucets that offer hands-free experiences and smart speakers with higher sound quality for music in the shower. They also now offer a range of innovative smart toilets that enhance comfort in the bathroom.
In this edition of The Ultimate Smart Home series, I’ll go over some of the latest bathroom technology to hit the market.
Moxie Showerhead + Smart Speaker: This showerhead–smart speaker mashup marries the design of Kohler’s performance shower with the robust sound of a Harman Kardon speaker. The showerhead features a full coverage spray while delivering the benefits of connected bathroom technology with its portable smart speaker that syncs with Bluetooth-enabled devices. The portable in-shower smart speaker fits into the showerhead magnetically, so you can take it out and use it in other areas of the home or on the go.
Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror: Named a CES 2018 Innovation Awards Honoree, the Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror includes an integrated, Amazon Alexa–enabled stereo sound system with a microphone, so the homeowner can ask it to play music or the news, check the weather, and control other smart-home devices. The mirror features efficient, adjustable LED lights for precision routines like applying makeup as well as a motion-activated wayfinding nightlight.
Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet: The Amazon Alexa–enabled Numi is Kohler’s most advanced smart toilet; it offers water efficiency, personalized cleansing and drying functions, a heated seat, and high-quality built-in speakers. It also includes dynamic multicolored ambient lighting and audio enhancements to create a unique experience for homeowners. Users can control all of the Numi’s features with their voice. The Numi 2.0 was named a CES 2020 Innovation Awards Honoree.
DTV+ Shower System: The DTV+ touch-screen interface allows every element of the shower to be controlled and customized—water, sound, steam, and lighting—to create a spa-like experience for any preference and member of the household. Add Kohler Konnect with voice and app control to access presets, make adjustments, or use water-saving features.
DTV Mode Digital Shower System: The DTV Mode is a simple push-button control of Kohler’s digital shower with an integrated temperature dial that the homeowner can install in the shower. DTV Mode is available in three popular configurations—bath/shower, dual shower, or bath only. A homeowner can create customized bath presets, adjust the maximum temperature for added safety, and remotely start the shower or bath, all from the app.
The Moen Network: Moen unveiled a new, whole-home smart water ecosystem at CES 2020. It includes voice-activated, app-based technology that was first used in the U by Moen Smart Shower. The Moen Network integrates kitchen and bath fixtures as well as a home water monitoring security system. For example, a homeowner can start the shower from their smartphone or command the kitchen faucet to fill a pot with a specific amount of water.
Flo by Moen Smart Water Detectors: This smart-home water monitoring security system helps homeowners detect and prevent catastrophic leaks and monitor water usage from their smartphone. The 3.5-inch smart water detectors can be placed in areas around the house that are vulnerable to water damage, such as the basement, attic, or laundry room. When one senses a leak or moisture, the device will alert the homeowner through the Flo by Moen app. The corresponding Flo by Moen Smart Water Shutoff connects to the home’s main water supply, allowing homeowners the proactively monitor the entire home’s water supply system and shut off the home’s water to help prevent damage.
U by Moen Smart Shower: Homeowners can personalize their morning with this voice-enabled shower that connects with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. The system allows up to 12 customized presets, including shower length and temperature control, through the smartphone app or the in-shower controller.
