At CES 2024, everything is smart, from vacuum cleaners to grills to lawnmowers, but one smart device almost made me take a public shower; The latest smart home wellness devices from Kohler.
In particular, I was struck by the Anthem+ digital control and system, which offers an immense multi-sensory shower experience in which the washers customize the water, light, sound and even steam. In fact, I was so enamored that I almost jumped over myself, crowds of onlookers be damned.
Best of all? Anthem+ can integrate with the Kohler Konnect app, offering voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Home. There’s no Matter support, but that’s not surprising; Matter support is only now rolling out to some of the major types of smart home devices, and smart plumbing will still be a while away.
OK Google, make me clean
This elegant integrated digital control offers an intuitive, touch-sensitive surface that is capable of managing up to 12 water outlets, offering complete control over a variety of different shower types and up to nine preset settings.
If you have multiple sprays, you can even customize the zones so different parts of the body receive different treatments.
The smart part comes with the Kohler Konnect app, which allows remote control and preset settings on smartphones, and voice control through Alexa and Google Home. Users can adjust maximum and default temperature settings, and manage water usage and other presets.
It’s an expensive piece of kit, starting at $2,800, but if you’re looking for a truly luxurious shower experience, it’s worth every penny. It will launch in February 2024 and will be available in a variety of colorways that vary by region; Polished Chrome, Vibrant Polished Nickel, Vibrant Brushed Nickel, Matte Black and Vibrant Brushed Modern Brass.
Happy bidet to you
Also on display was Kohler’s new smart bidet toilet seat, the PureWash E930, which is once again compatible with Alexa and Google Home.
Otherwise, the bidet also offers motion-activated opening and closing, UV self-cleaning, two user-programmable presets, enhanced rinse and flush, adjustable water temperature and pressure, and even a child-safe mode. Its spray can oscillate or pulse, and there’s also a booster spray if you want a more powerful clean. The seat is ergonomic and heated, and there is a customizable hot air drying system and automatic deodorization, all of which offers a truly luxurious experience.
With the Kohler Konnect app, users can set preferences and presets, or use voice control to activate spray, air dryer, and UV cleaning functions hands-free.
It’s available right now, starting at $2,149.00, in white and biscuit colorways, with black arriving soon in late February.
