The Asia Household Appliances and Consumer Electronics Expo 2024 (AWE2024) recently concluded, marking one of the foremost events in the global appliances and consumer electronics sectorThe exhibition is widely regarded as a bellwether for the industry's trends, showcasing innovative products while providing crucial insights into the future direction of smart technology in home appliances.

During this year’s event, a notable trend emerged: the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in household appliances is rapidly intensifyingMajor companies displayed groundbreaking AI technologies designed to revolutionize user experiencesFor instance, Haier introduced a pioneering AI intelligent freshness technology, boasting an all-space intelligent freshness chamber within its refrigerator lineupAdditionally, Changhong unveiled its "Wall Painting +" television, powered by the world's first large model-based AI platform, Changhong Yunfan, while Boss Appliances showcased a new digital kitchen appliance family that embraces these cutting-edge technologies.

According to market data from GfK, the global smart home appliance market has exceeded a 25% share in 2023 (excluding North America). This segment is expected to continue its upward trend into 2024, as consumer demand for these advanced products grows

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With smart appliances gradually becoming commonplace in households, it is clear that manufacturers are not merely following a trend but are actively engaging in a transformative shift within the industry.

As China’s home appliance giants continue to make strides toward international markets, their urgency to capitalize on the burgeoning segment of smart appliances has become evidentChanghong’s representative noted that the company achieved record sales in the international market for the year 2023, with an overall revenue increase of 25%. Similarly, Haier's smart home division gained market leadership across several countries, including New Zealand, the United States, and Italy.

Industry analysts like Liang Zhenpeng emphasize the importance of Chinese appliance manufacturers advancing in technological innovation and supply chain operationsThey have called for intensified efforts to broaden market presence domestically while improving the global recognition and reputation of Chinese appliance brands.

Entering the “AI Era” of home appliances is essential for remaining competitive as companies navigate the transition from the “Smart Appliance Era.” This shift is particularly prominent in the television sector

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At AWE2024, Changhong’s “Wall Painting +” television attracted significant attention, showcasing a unique AI-enabled design that eliminates protrusions and features dual flat surfaces for an aesthetic appeal akin to a work of artThe device maintains an impressive 99% voice wake-up rate and a semantic recognition capability of 99.7%, combining beauty with utility.

The television also incorporates the Yunfan AI large model platform, offering functionalities including AI-driven art generation, education, and health management—all of which aim to enhance the user's lifestyle significantlySuch advancements are complemented by Hisense, which introduced its proprietary Xinghai AI model at its recent “AI Good Life” event, demonstrating the seamless integration of AI in enhancing television experiences across various scenarios.

Several other brands, such as Samsung and Casarte, unveiled television models equipped with AI chips designed to enhance sound and picture quality

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Samsung's new Neo QLED 8K QN900D features the next-generation NQ8 AI Gen3 chip, while TCL’s X11H utilizes the M2+TSR dedicated image quality chip, connected to its in-house comprehensive AI modelSuch initiatives prompt inquiries about the motives behind the growing investments in AI technology by television manufacturers.

A study by Dongfang Securities explains that the integration of large models serves to reduce communication costs and enrich user experience, establishing a central hub for smart home interactionsAs this technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate groundbreaking products that could stimulate consumer demand in unprecedented ways.

The rapid evolution of AI presents extraordinary opportunities for innovation in the television sector, with Hisense representatives asserting that all large-screen experiences merit rethinking through an AI lensTheir focus on the “AI + Display,” “AI + Experience,” and “AI + Scenario” frameworks indicates an accelerating push towards more intelligent products that can deliver tailored content and services with ease.

The wave of AI integration isn’t restricted to televisions alone

Many manufacturers of white goods like refrigerators and kitchen appliances are also launching AI-enhanced products, attempting to carve out unique competitive advantages in a crowded marketplaceAt AWE2024, Haier revealed the All-Space Intelligent Freshness Chamber, representing a significant upgrade to traditional chilling technologiesThis multifaceted system employs AI for intelligent preservation, sensing, connectivity, decision-making, and interaction, heralding a new stage in the integration of `human-food-environment` ecosystems.

Additionally, Bosch showcased its Series 8 washing and drying unit, featuring i-DOS smart dosing technology that measures the weight and soiling of laundry to optimize detergent use precisely—allowed by a sophisticated algorithm capable of exact measurements down to one milliliterBosch’s senior executive emphasized that the appliances have vice versa enhanced intelligent functionalities that benefit consumers across product lines ranging from washing machines to dishwashers, underlining a commitment to smart technology solutions.

As the exhibition showcased varied examples of AI's integration into products, numerous kitchen and small appliance manufacturers made their own announcements centered around similar AI-enhanced technologies

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A noteworthy trend among these brands is the endeavor to create a cohesive home appliance experience that captures the essence of smart living.

Amid the growing complexity associated with the integration of home appliances and smart technologies, Haier's three-winged bird brand aims to establish an optimal platform where efficiency and user experience reign supremeThey aspire to create an integrated home appliance ecosystem that allows consumers to customize their home intuitively.

Looking to the future, Haier's upper management posited that their strategy would leverage the capacities of traditional appliances and the home sector, unlocking enhanced potentials and re-defined market access through innovative models.

As consumer demand shifts towards smart appliances, the retail share of smart products in major categories is projected for continuous growth, as evidenced by GfK's data indicating an increase from 24% to 27% in retail share from 2021 to 2023. Moreover, the global smart appliances market has experienced a dramatic transformation, rising from near-zero share in 2014 to over 25% in 2023.

In response to this transformation, numerous appliance giants are actively expanding their footprints in international markets, aiming to uncover opportunities in these lucrative landscapes.

For example, Casarte shared its participation in prominent international events, such as the Milan Design Week and the Singapore Electromechanical Expo, and its recent foray into the Pakistani market through flagship stores

Their endeavors are helping to establish a high-profile reputation abroad, enhancing their product's appeal among diverse demographics.

Notably, Casarte's growth illustrates Haier’s ongoing mission to penetrate global markets; reports confirm that Haier has maintained its position as a leader in retail volume for large home appliances for the 15th consecutive yearAdditionally, GE Appliances has ranked as the leading appliance company in the U.Sfor two years running.

Changhong, an early player in the global appliance landscape, has similarly reaped success in overseas marketsIn 2023, the company reported record setting revenue growth and attained significant milestones in television exports, instantaneously positioning itself within the top tier of industry leaders.

As long-term forecasts suggest recovery in the appliance export markets, stakeholders recognize that overseas consumer sentiments remain promising