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 .
