bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sponsorType

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Andrew Barclay

This article originally appeared on ABACUS
Not content with being the world’s fourth-largest smartphone vendor, China’s Xiaomi has launched a mini wall-mounted washing machine that it says is perfect for washing your, uh, delicates.
The promotional photos for the device show it hanging above a regular washing machine, begging the obvious question: Why do you need a second one?
(One suggestion: Using it as a “piece of art.”)
 ​
The device is controlled by an LED touchscreen that lets you choose the wash cycle either on the panel itself, or (surprise!) through a smartphone app -- although given the small size of the unit, it’s safe to say it’s best not to use it for towels or even too many t-shirts.
The product’s website suggests using it for nappies and bras.

It’s actually from MiniJ, one of the companies in Xiaomi’s huge ecosystem. Xiaomi invests in many of these companies, which make products that it will then sell in its stores and sometimes even promote at company events. It allows Xiaomi to expand into a whole range of products -- toys, scooters, even pens -- without the risk of having to develop and build them in-house.
It’s not even the first miniature washing machine product from Xiaomi. The company released a crowdfunded, portable washing machine back in 2016.
 ​
They are both only available in China, so you’ll have to keep washing your underwear in your normal machine -- for now.
Five of the weirdest products from Xiaomi

For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.



Chinese EV maker Li Auto enters crowded AI glasses field with cheapest offering on market

China’s Xiaomi says returns from AI investments ‘far exceed expectations’

Tesla’s China Gigafactory sees shipment surge ahead of government subsidy expiry

China’s Tsinghua University sets up research institute in latest push for robotics talent

Xiaomi

Xiaomi launches a mini wall-mounted washing machine... for underwear?

Xiaomi says its latest washing machine is perfect for your, uh, delicates. (Picture: Xiaomi)

The washing machine can be controlled using an LED touchscreen or a smartphone. (Picture: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi released a 'portable' washing machine in 2016. (Picture: Xiaomi)

Abacus

Tech

Big Tech

The MiniJ washing machine will go on sale for US$379


On Monday, we wrote about the five weirdest products Xiaomi sells. Turns out we should have waited a couple of days to add this one: A small wall-mounted washing machine designed for... underwear. (And yes, of course, you can control it with your smartphone.)


Abacus - China Tech News