Thursday, March 11, 2010:
The United States may lead the globe on the technology frontier, but this is one sector where it really falls behind: high-tech toilets! While the majority of bathrooms in America are the usual types, toilets in Japan and in a few parts of Europe are high-tech wonders, featuring amenities such as heated seats, sound effects, built-in bidets and lids that raise automatically, reports msnbc.com.
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High-tech toilets are now slowly making their way into the US market. The American plumbing manufacturer TOTO USA, is making a foray into this sphere with both its high-tech “Neorest” toilet, which can set users back by several thousands of dollars, depending on the model, and the retrofitted toilet seat, “Washlet,” with a starting cost of around $500.
The “hands-free” units are equipped with heated seats, built-in deodorizers, motion sensor lids, and remote control seats, automatic flushing, dual flushing, self-cleaning capabilities and antibacterial coating. They also include built-in bidets and a warm air dryer.
The increasing complexity of commodes is becoming a familiar subject of talk. Peter Czech, a 31-year-old American Web designer, says the smart toilets at a Japanese resort where he stayed recently was discussed among guests. “People would talk about it breakfast,” he says. “They’d come down to the restaurant in the morning and say, ‘How about that toilet seat?’ ”
“It’s like the ultimate gadget,” he opines. “I think it’s the next big thing.”
Ashish Joshi, EFYTIMES News Network
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