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Ever since Xiaomi was founded 15 years ago in Beijing, it has expanded from producing smartphones to AR glasses, robotic dogs, and even electric cars. Now, the company has introduced another innovation: a smart blanket with voice control that also fights mites. The Mijia Smart Electric blanket is designed to be used as an additional layer on top of a mattress, technically making it an electric pad, rather than a blanket.
In addition to its digital remote control with a screen, the blanket can be operated through a mobile app or voice control. As part of the Xiaomi Home system, it connects to the XiaoAi voice assistant via Wi-Fi and responds to basic commands, such as “Set the blanket to 30 degrees” or “Turn off the blanket.” Also, since both body and room temperature can change during the night, you can preset the blanket’s temperature to adjust automatically in different sleep zones using the mobile app.
The product consists of four layers of polyester, and it has a soft, velvety surface. Its heating element is made of double-helix wires with special insulation that are woven through the fabric between the layers, reportedly making them impossible to feel under your body. This technology also helps distribute heat evenly. The material is described as durable, the wires are resistant to bending, and the blanket is quick to heat up, with an 80W power output.
Although this new single-bed edition by the company cannot be machine washed, the blanket can be set to run a disinfection cycle at 70 °C (158 ºF) when not in use. The company recommends using this feature at least once per season, and claims that it will eradicate up to 99 percent of dust mites.
Considering the potential hazards electric blankets may pose, Xiaomi has implemented eight levels of protection for this one: over-heating and short circuits prevention, an anti-scald feature, lightning protection, and a child lock. There are six temperature levels, and if the blanket runs continuously for an hour at the highest setting, the temperature automatically lowers. There is also a standby mode; if left on by mistake, it will automatically switch off after 15 hours of inactivity.
With the dual-zone temperature control, the blanket can provide individual heating for different body zones—an attractive feature for those with cold feet.
Source: Xiaomi