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7 Fresh Trends for Connected Appliances
Here are seven ways manufacturers are getting people excited about connected appliances.
Americans stopped getting excited about refrigerators, washers and dryers a long time ago. Once-cutting-edge appliances fell into a rut. Maytag even built its famous repairman campaign around reliability.
Reliability is great, but let's face it -- it's not exciting.
New technology by some manufacturers aims to make appliances logical participants in the connected home, including products that have IP addresses. The ultimate goal, however, is to get people excited about appliances again.
Here are seven trends designed toward that end.
LG Electronics was quick to bring refrigerators with high-definition TVs built into the doors to the market.
Still, Trey Brunson, vice president of appliance and audio/video dealer H&H Lifestyles, Brunswick, Ga., says manufacturers haven't nailed the control-in-refrigerator category yet.
"I haven't seen one really good high-end home that has a refrigerator with a built-in touchscreen."
Connecting via Ethernet, this technology allows manufacturers to keep tabs on critical products. If a product begins to fail, the manufacturer can notify the user.
Miele, a German manufacturer, already has this technology in place. It opens the potential for integrators to possibly control appliances through home automation systems.
Control manufacturers, such as AMX and Crestron, have developed concierge technology, especially for multi-dwelling unit (MDU) living.
There is a logical tie-in with refrigerators. Running low on milk? Perhaps there will be a touchpanel on the refrigerator door with a button that reads "1 Gallon Milk."
Speaking of MDU living, many Americans are living in smaller, urban spaces and many integrators are servicing MDUs.
Appliance manufacturers have recognized this by creating smaller, often stackable washers and dryers that fit in smaller spaces. There are also many create venting options for dryers and stoves that must be placed in the middle of a building.
It's all the rage, or at least that's what many manufacturers said during the International Builders' Show (IBS).
The cooking method, which basically heats the pan only and not the surface, is considered extremely efficient.
It almost goes without saying that the makers of giant appliances have recognized a demand for their products to be more energy-efficient.
Every manufacturer at IBS touted its green products.
Green isn't the only popular appliance color. With more people are living in smaller spaces, they can't always hide their washer and dryer in a laundry room. Sometimes it's right out in the open.
Appliances now come in a slew of new colors, with some manufacturers taking a cue from the automobile industry.
Will we some day start seeing green TVs and blue amplifiers? Already, free-standing speakers are loaded with color.
Reliability is great, but let's face it -- it's not exciting.
New technology by some manufacturers aims to make appliances logical participants in the connected home, including products that have IP addresses. The ultimate goal, however, is to get people excited about appliances again.
Here are seven trends designed toward that end.
Refrigerators with Built-In TVs or Touchscreens
LG Electronics was quick to bring refrigerators with high-definition TVs built into the doors to the market.
Still, Trey Brunson, vice president of appliance and audio/video dealer H&H Lifestyles, Brunswick, Ga., says manufacturers haven't nailed the control-in-refrigerator category yet.
"I haven't seen one really good high-end home that has a refrigerator with a built-in touchscreen."
IP Addresses in Appliances
Connecting via Ethernet, this technology allows manufacturers to keep tabs on critical products. If a product begins to fail, the manufacturer can notify the user.
Miele, a German manufacturer, already has this technology in place. It opens the potential for integrators to possibly control appliances through home automation systems.
Concierge Service
Control manufacturers, such as AMX and Crestron, have developed concierge technology, especially for multi-dwelling unit (MDU) living.
There is a logical tie-in with refrigerators. Running low on milk? Perhaps there will be a touchpanel on the refrigerator door with a button that reads "1 Gallon Milk."
Smaller, Friendly Machines
Speaking of MDU living, many Americans are living in smaller, urban spaces and many integrators are servicing MDUs.
Appliance manufacturers have recognized this by creating smaller, often stackable washers and dryers that fit in smaller spaces. There are also many create venting options for dryers and stoves that must be placed in the middle of a building.
Induction Cooking
It's all the rage, or at least that's what many manufacturers said during the International Builders' Show (IBS).
The cooking method, which basically heats the pan only and not the surface, is considered extremely efficient.
Green Appliances
It almost goes without saying that the makers of giant appliances have recognized a demand for their products to be more energy-efficient.
Every manufacturer at IBS touted its green products.
Other Colors
Green isn't the only popular appliance color. With more people are living in smaller spaces, they can't always hide their washer and dryer in a laundry room. Sometimes it's right out in the open.
Appliances now come in a slew of new colors, with some manufacturers taking a cue from the automobile industry.
Will we some day start seeing green TVs and blue amplifiers? Already, free-standing speakers are loaded with color.
Adding Appliances to Your Showroom
 | Should You Offer Appliances in Your Showroom? As appliances get more 'connected,' integrators must consider branching out and blending the big boxes into their CE showrooms. 7 Fresh Trends for Connected Appliances Here are seven ways manufacturers are getting people excited about connected appliances. 6 Handy Tips For Mixing Appliances and Electronics Location, catering to women, separate sales staffs, selling both, proper demos and builder partnerships work. | |
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About the Author
Tom LeBlanc, Senior Writer/Technology Editor, CE Pro
Tom has been covering consumer electronics for six years. Before that, he wrote for the sports department of the Boston Herald. Migrating to magazines, he was a staff editor for a golf publication and an outdoor sports publication. Now, as senior writer/technology editor of CE Pro magazine since 2003, he dabbles in all departments and offers expertise in marketing. Follow him on Twitter @leblanctom.
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