Haier

China electronics maker Haier on Tuesday displayed its first Android mobile phone, the H7, at CommunicAsia 2009 held at the Singapore Expo.

The H7 is probably the fourth phone we know of that's employing the Google-developed OS, besides the HTC Dream, Magic, and the Samsung I7500. It's understood that the Haier phone will definitely operate on Android OS 1.5, but the company does not dispute that it will ship the handset with OS 2.0 if the firmware is available by then.

As the unit displayed at the booth was just a mockup, we weren't able … Read more

As most people are by now aware, on June 12, full-power broadcast TV stations in the U.S. will stop broadcasting their analog TV signals and will only broadcast TV signals digitally. Obviously, that impacts people who have older TVs and still use antennas to get a TV signal at home. But what's not talked about as much is the thousands of portable TVs that will stop receiving signals once analog signal disappears for good. For those who rely on such sets to tune into sporting events, such as the NBA Finals, the analog switch-off requires immediate action.

It'… Read more

Many traditional agitator washers use about 48 gallons of water for a normal wash cycle. That's a lot of water. But short of washing your clothes in the creek, what exactly are you supposed to do?

Haier has come up with a way to lower water and energy usage with a new top-loading machine that uses just 24 gallons of water for a normal wash, and improves timing on the quick cycle. The Encore washing machine uses a shower rinse system that showers clothes with water, then spins and drains simultaneously, saving water on every load while removing more … Read more

We're fans of many double-duty appliances here at the Appliances and Kitchen Gadgets blog. Haier has another take on that idea--it's a NuCool enhanced fridge and a microwave oven in a stacked combination unit with a power strip. A durable, easy-to-clean spacer anchors the microwave to the fridge.

The configuration is nothing new--college students have stacked microwaves on minifridges forever--but this one is designed for stacking, won't topple, and won't overheat.

NuCool runs quietly and is energy efficient--this is important when you have limited outlets and a lot of cool appliances to run. Speaking of limited … Read more

I don't know about you, but I think it's awesome when high-tech and low energy use come together. Haier's new HyCool refrigerator combines semiconductors and compressor cooling technology to create a cost-effective, eco-friendly minifridge that's downright cool. And really cold.

Are you sacrificing temperature for going green? Not at all--the fridge cools down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit--which is cold enough to store perishables like milk, cheese, and butter.

Let's say the room where your fridge lives is 70 degrees. In just two hours, the HyCool will get chilled inside all the way down to 35 … Read more

Shared offices and dorm rooms are places where space is at a premium. Products that do double duty are a given, as are compact versions of important appliances. The Write Fridge from Haier meets both needs.

Its small size fits into tight spaces, and the integrated dry-erase board, included markers, and specially designed marker storage make it a truly useful addition to your room or office. Think about it: you can scribble threats ("Eat my Chinese food and die") or more practical notes ("Buy milk!!!") the moment you think of them, and you have a place … Read more

You can always count on an exhibition to inspire companies to create and display some pretty cool stuff, and the International Housewares Show in Chicago is no exception. Among Haier's showings this year is the new Piano Black line of small appliances.

The blue LED illumination looks good, but it's the features, like cool-to-the-touch handles, that will really win you over. This is a full line of appliances, including a cordless electric water kettle in standard and dome shapes, digital toasters in a variety of configurations, a food processor and blender combination, a citrus juicer, and more.

I'… Read more

I'm not sure what it is that appeals to me so much about these mini washing machines I keep telling you about. Maybe it's the dream of one day doing far less laundry than I do today. Sadly, that dream is years and years and years away, given the size of my ever-expanding family--and their annoying habit of wearing clothes every day.

But if you don't have as many children as I do, or if you've somehow convinced them that they don't need clean clothes every day, you might love the 1-cubic-foot Pulsator washer from … Read more

Donald and Jasmine discuss Pandora 2.0 and the new Slacker app for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. Also on deck: a bit of info from the NAMM show and a little good-natured ribbing at Haier America's expense. Oh, and we poke some serious fun at Microsoft...prepare for your ears to bleed a little first, though.

Listen now: Download today's podcast… Read more