Smart Devices And Appliances For Quality Living In Malaysia

Part 1: Smart Devices & Appliances

Technology has become an essential part of our lives, with smart devices being widespread throughout society. Most of us cannot imagine going out without our smart phones or smart watches, and the majority of Malaysian homes have smart TVs installed in their living rooms. But beyond these devices, smart household appliances are growing in popularity too, ranging from washing machines to refrigerators and ovens. 

What makes a device or appliance ‘smart’? They feature added tech functionality such as machine learning and autonomous computing, as well as the ability to network with other smart devices via the Internet of Things (IoT). This allows them to learn and adapt to users’ preferences, giving rise to numerous quality of life benefits. Here are some key benefits that they bring to homeowners:

1. Convenience

Smart devices and appliances bring about unparalleled convenience for their users. Smart phones and tablets allow you to run smart home apps, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. These apps provide convenience within the palm of your hand, ranging from turning on various features while outside your home to creating custom presets. Smart washing machines can automatically dose laundry detergent and fabric conditioner, removing the need for you to manually fill it with each wash cycle. Smart TVs feature screen sharing modes, allowing you to view content from compatible smart phones and tablets on a high-resolution screen, as well as allow you to access the Internet for greater entertainment options.

2. Savings

Many smart appliances are designed to be eco-friendly, saving on energy and resources while helping you enjoy lower electricity bills in the long run. They range from smart air conditioner thermostats that precisely automate the cooling of your home, to the automatic adjustment of smart TV screens’ brightness based on ambient light levels. The best washing machines can analyse the weight of your existing load, before adjusting to use the exact amount of energy and water required for a thorough yet eco-friendly cleaning.

3. Functionality

Smart devices and appliances offer greater functionality in comparison to traditional options. Beyond telling the time like regular watches, smart watches allow you to track your steps and heart rate, while allowing you to stay connected to work on the go. Smart fridges allow you to search for recipes based on what they have stored inside, and can alert them to the impending expiry dates of perishable items, helping users to avoid unnecessary spending or wastage.

You can now get a range of Aqara smart home devices from Harvey Norman, which deliver enhanced functionality for your home. They act as a smart hub to control various appliances such as thermostats, lights, and other devices through one’s smart phone or tablet, allowing users to create customised home automation and scene creation to their personal preferences. Aqara devices also feature voice and app control, compatible with various home management apps, and safety features such as theft prevention as well as elderly care.

To fully reassure our Malaysian customers, Harvey Norman’s Product Care offers comprehensive coverage for all parts, labour, and fees for UNLIMITED repairs. We also work with authorised repairers to ensure your smart appliances and devices return to you as good as new.

Read on to learn more about the various types of smart devices and appliances available, as well as how to choose the right one for your needs.

Part 2: Smart Devices

Smart devices play a key role in helping us stay connected and entertained, while also improving connectivity and convenience. Read on to learn more about smart TVs, smart phones, smart watches, and tablets.

2.1 Smart TVs

Integrating traditional cable and satellite TV access alongside Internet access and the ability to run apps, smart TVs take centre stage when it comes to entertainment. They allow users to tap into popular entertainment options such as Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Viu, while also being able to connect with a wide array of devices, from game consoles to speakers and storage devices, allowing you to enjoy a game night or karaoke session with friends and family.

Just like regular TVs, smart TVs come in various resolutions and display technologies, all the way up to 8K resolution. 4K Ultra HD (UHD) models are the go-to for many homeowners, particularly with popular on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime gradually releasing more 4K content. UHD models also offer more detail and sharpness, helping to create a more immersive visual experience.

OLED TVs blend incredible visuals in a slim design. OLED technology allows each pixel to create its own light, delivering a rich contrast and outstanding colour spectrum as well as the blackest of blacks compared to other types of TVs. They also offer an enhanced refresh rate that greatly reduces motion blur, making action scenes crisp and clear. In addition, OLED TVs deliver consistent picture quality and consume less energy than LCD or LED TVs, helping to lower your utilities bill.

The most popular manufacturers of smart TVs include Samsung, LG, Sharp, HiSense, Phillips, and Sony, amongst others. When choosing a model for your home, one of the most important things to consider is the software platform that it utilises. Samsung smart TVs come with SmartHub access, allowing you to download apps, connect to various digital content platforms, as well as access the Internet. LG smart TVs come with a Magic Remote Control, providing added convenience by doubling as both a cursor and screen remote for your TV and external devices. In addition, LG webOS also provides easy access to apps, entertainment, and digital content.

Other considerations include the desired size and resolution of your chosen TV. It is important to choose a size that allows for comfortable viewing, factoring in your existing seating setup in your living room or other places that you plan to set up your TV. You can also watch our handy TV buying guide for more information.

2.2 Smart Phones

Smart phones are arguably the most staple electronic device that everyone has. There are numerous models available in Malaysia, ranging from iOS to Android and Windows devices. Due to their widespread nature, it is easy to forget that they are smart devices as well; integrating apps, messaging features, and Internet access to deliver entertainment, connectivity, and productivity.

When choosing a smart phone model, there are many considerations to decide on. Ultimately, it boils down to your budget, convenience of use, as well as your preference of operating system and the available selection of apps. Some other factors include:

• Build quality
• User interface
• Battery life
• Camera features
• Processing power
• Display
• Phone size
• Storage
• Ease of data transfer

Generally, iOSand Android smart phones are the most popular options for Malaysian users. Apple iPhones deliver consistent performance across the decades with their smooth and intuitive user interface, wide app selection, as well as seamless integration across other Apple devices, such as iPads and Macbooks. You can also use AirPlay to stream videos or share media from your iPhone to your Apple TV app or a compatible smart TV.

Android smart phones are produced by numerous manufacturers, such as Huawei, Samsung, LG, and Vivo, amongst others. Android users appreciate their phones’ removable storage and battery options, enhanced and universal charging options, as well as customisability. Android phones are also able to utilise the Google Home app to control various compatible devices, further increasing their utility for your smart home. You can also watch our smartphone buying guide to help inform your decision.

2.3 Smart Watches

Smart watches are growing in popularity, and with good reason. They combine productivity and connectivity with in-built features such as step trackers and heart rate monitors, making it a versatile device for Malaysians who find themselves often out and about. Smart watches also keep you connected with their ability to display messages, email and app notifications received on your smartphone.

Smart watches come in both regular watch designs as well as dedicated fitness and activity trackers. Regular designs offer improved aesthetics, allowing you to wear them for a variety of occasions, as well as a larger touchscreen for easier app usage and enhanced work productivity. Some models also offer call functionality, allowing you to leave your smart phone at home as you go about your day or exercise.

Fitness trackers from brands such as Fitbit and Garmin provide extensive information for fitness enthusiasts. Besides being smaller and lightweight, they also feature specific software, such as monitoring one’s blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a GPS chip to accurately track your distance and elevation across your entire workout. They also offer better battery life due to having less power requirements, as well as a comparatively lower price compared to regular smart watches.

When choosing a smart watch, do consider the needs that it will serve. Working adults who seek a versatile and aesthetically pleasing design may prefer a model with some fitness function, while sports lovers and weekend athletes may lean towards a fitness tracker for a more comprehensive usage.

In addition, you should choose a model with an operating system and range of apps that you are comfortable with. Malaysian iPhone users should feel right at home with an Apple Watch, while Android smart phone users should easily adapt to Android smart watches on the market from manufacturers such as Huawei and Samsung.

2.4 Tablets

Tablets serve an invaluable role across many business settings in Malaysia. From presenting to clients on-the-go, to attractive menu displays and taking orders in restaurants, tablets provide powerful and portable versatility. But beyond these roles, tablets also serve an important role of being a smart hub for your smart home setup. Compared to smart phones, tablets offer enhanced battery life, faster speeds, as well as a larger screen, making them more suited as a permanent fixture for your smart hub.

Apple iPad tablets are well-known and established in Malaysia, offering ease of use along with aesthetically pleasing Liquid Retina displays. They can be utilised in conjunction with Siri and HomeKit, which is Apple’s proprietary smart home platform. HomeKit allows you to control HomeKit-enabled smart accessories, ranging from thermostats to window blinds, speakers, and lightbulbs. You can also utilise voice commands via Siri for hands-free control, as well as customise them based on your own preferences.

With a wide range of models from manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, Lenovo, and Asus, Malaysians are able to find well-priced Android tablets suited to their own budget. They have various options available for their smart home, such as utilising the Google Home app together with Google Assistant to control living room lights, integrate with Google Nest speakers, and using Chromecast for streaming. Another option is using Amazon’s Alexa app together with Echo smart speakers to get real-time information and updates, have entertaining conversations, and communicate with other compatible smart devices as well.

Part 3: Smart Appliances

Smart appliances aren’t just limited to phones, watches, and TVs. We cover other types of smart appliances that provide added convenience as well as cost savings; such as refrigerators, washers & dryers, as well as air conditioners.

3.1 Smart Fridges

Smart refrigerators are increasingly becoming a common fixture in many Malaysian kitchens, due to their connection to the cloud and access to the Internet of Things. This allows them to provide certain functions such as:

• Searching up recipes online based on the contents of your fridge, or based on your voice instructions.
• Monitoring and informing you on the expiry dates of various groceries, creating a customised grocery list based on what you have left.
• Display photos, to-do lists, and notes on a touchscreen that you can easily customise and interact with.
• Scheduling mealtimes and plans through personalised calendars for family members.
• Connect to your smart phone, allowing you to see your fridge’s contents while outside and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Some popular refrigerator or fridge manufacturers include LG, Samsung, and Sharp, amongst others. There are various factors that influence your decision on which smart fridge to buy, such as your budget, desired features, fridge capacity based on the number of people living in your Malaysian household, as well as available kitchen space. You can watch our refrigerator buying guide to learn more.

LG’s smart fridges and appliances come installed with ThinQ™ technology, allowing them to synchronise with your smart phone or tablet and respond to voice commands via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Some benefits include sending notifications if you accidentally leave the door open, activating the ice maker or switching to power-saving modes remotely from your phone. Some models come with Instaview Door-in-Door™ technology, allowing you to double-tap the glass to see the contents of your fridge without opening the door, reducing cold air loss and keeping food fresher.

Samsung’s Family Hub™ smart fridges feature a highly customisable AI that acts as a personal butler for Malaysian homeowners. It allows you to plan your meals and shopping in advance, synchronise your family’s calendars, entertain friends and family with music, photos, and videos, or simply watch an episode from your favourite series while preparing meals in the kitchen. You can send instructions to preheat your smart oven, and adjust cooking times and temperatures as well.

3.2 Smart Washers & Dryers

Just like smart fridges, washing machines and dryers come in smart options as well. The best models incorporate network access and can communicate with other smart devices, delivering added convenience to Malaysian households. Some of these examples include:

• Auto-dosing models help you fill up detergent and conditioner in advance without your manual input, utilising the right amount based on your current load.
• Remotely control and start your wash cycles using your smart phone, even if you are outside your home.
• Analysing the weight of your current load before adjusting energy and water usage, helping to reduce your utility bills.
• Eco bubble technology, which froths detergent with air and water to create cleansing bubbles for enhanced cleansing.
• Instant diagnosis and notification of operational problems to your phone, allowing you to solve issues promptly and seek professional support if required.

Washing machines traditionally come in front load and top load designs. Front load washer machines generally consume less water and energy, are more energy efficient and use less water, as well as offer greater capacity. Top load washing machines tend to take up less space and allow one to add laundry in the middle of a cycle, as well as offering minimal vibration when active. Smart washer models come in both varieties, providing added choice for Malaysian homeowners.

Samsung and LG offer some of the best washing machine models in Malaysia. Samsung’s smart washers deliver supersonic wash speeds and downloadable cycles for various types of laundry loads, with convenient control via the SmartCare app. LG’s smart washers feature SmartThinQ™ technology, which is also incorporated into their other appliances. It allows you to remotely monitor your laundry from your smart phone or tablet, tracking notifications, energy consumption, and allowing you to add new custom wash cycles.

Dryers come in three types: vented, condenser, and heat pump designs. Vented models pump out hot and damp air via a flexible hose, while condenser models condense steam and turn it into water that can be easily emptied via a removable reservoir. Heat pump models send warm and humid air through an evaporator to remove moisture before reusing it, making them a highly energy-efficient choice.

There are also washer-dryer combos, where a front load washing machine is combined with a condenser clothes dryer into a single appliance. It offers the functions of both appliances, making them ideal for saving cost and space. LG's SmartThinQ™ technology is incorporated into their smart washer-dryer models, featuring the same benefits that their smart washer machines have. With Eco Hybrid technology, homeowners can also choose between Eco and Speed modes for significant cost-savings or saving time through faster drying.

3.3 Smart Air Conditioners

Air conditioners are a common sight in Malaysia’s warm and humid climate, and have been a staple in many homes for decades. Similarly to other smart devices, smart air conditioners are connected to the Internet of Things, bringing various benefits to Malaysian homeowners such as:

• Using your phone as a remote, allowing you to turn on your aircon while outside and returning home to a cooling and comfy space.
• Diagnostic features to facilitate maintenance and track energy usage, along with auto-restart function to swiftly restore default settings if a power trip occurs.
• Automated thermostat settings that detect a room’s temperature and change accordingly, improving energy efficiency and reducing electricity bills.
• Custom settings that can accommodate your daily or weekly schedule, automatically shutting off your AC when not needed and saving on electricity bills.
• Voice control in conjunction with other smart devices via smart phone apps, helping to create a routine for your home across the day.

There are various types of air conditioners, such as central, split, and portable models. Central aircons combine the evaporator, condenser, and compressor into a single unit, and require ductwork to distribute the air. Split aircons feature separate compressor and air-handling units linked by a conduit. They bring about quieter performance and greater flexibility in temperature zoning, as well as cost savings from not needing to install ducts in your home.

LG’s Dual Inverter split system air conditionerutilises a compressor with wider rotational frequency that constantly adjusts its speed to maintain desired temperature levels while delivering greater energy savings. It also operates with minimal noise and provides fast cooling, while also utilising SmartThinQ™ technology via your phone for convenient control and coordination with other LG smart appliances in your home.

Portable air conditioners are self-contained and freestanding units that can be moved from room to room and plugged into an outlet, much like a standing fan. They are ideal for smaller apartments or rented accommodation, allowing you to save on installation costs as well as enjoy cooling wherever you are in your home. Many smart models also feature quiet operation and can be adjusted via your phone, allowing you to control it in conjunction with your other smart devices.

Part 4: Conclusion

Smart devices and appliances bring about numerous benefits for life, from automation to customised presets and significant cost savings. In addition, your smart phone or tablet provides a one-stop control hub of all your smart appliances, be it fridges, air conditioners, washers and dryers, or your TV. By integrating them together into a common setup, you gain the freedom and flexibility to enjoy convenience and comfort on your own terms.

For the utmost in comprehensive coverage and protection, Harvey Norman offers Product Care for our Malaysian customers. It covers all parts, labour, and fees for UNLIMITED repairs, as we collaborate with authorised repairers to ensure your smart appliances and devices return to you as good as new in the event of any faults. With Harvey Norman, you’ll be able to enjoy your smart home for many years to come.

Visit our website to see our full range of smart devices and appliances, and take the step towards embracing smart living today.