Monday, February 06, 2012

By John Voket In our previous segment, I took a look at some of the connected or smart appliances hitting the market this year. But will having all that remote command of appliances take a toll on our environment, or spur greater energy consumption—along with higher costs?

Prior to the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Whirlpool—which is introducing a kitchen full of connected appliances—took a look at a survey the company conducted along with Harris Interactive.

According to company officials, while consumers want to be green, they still want to retain control. However, they will change their energy consumption choices if they are given real-time information about how much energy is being used. More importantly, consumers don't want to just monitor and manage energy—they want to control appliances and handle other home management functions including security systems, water and temperature management.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation found that:

• Seventy-eight percent are interested in monitoring their household's energy use.
• Most want to use their smartphone to make life easier. In fact, 90 percent of 18-34 year olds who have a smartphone would be happy to have their smartphone tell their appliances anything; 17 percent want to know when it's time to switch the laundry and 17 percent want to know when items are ready (food, etc.).
• When asked about smartphones communicating with appliances, respondents were split on what would be most useful. Their top concerns?
o Alert when the washer is done;
o Notify me when items are ready (i.e. cooked/clean);
o Preheat my oven or turn it off;
o Start appliances for self-clean;
o Tell me what I need to stock in the fridge;
o Start or refresh the laundry;
o Start the dishwasher.

Company officials noted that bringing all of this functionality together for the end user is the current focus for manufacturers, utilities and software companies. Ultimately, Whirlpool is designing to the concept that SmartGrid won't consist of just one app but multiple ways of accessing it through a bundle of applications.

This will also affect product design. For example, some controls on appliances may be eliminated. Instead, they will be controlled via mobile phone.

Additionally, appliances will be able to provide even more feedback to consumers whether it is the concept of preventative maintenance or use and care guides. For example, a clothes dryer needs to have the lint cleaned out of the venting pipe periodically and the appliance could automatically notify consumers when this should be done.

With many washers now offering bulk detergent dispensing, the washer could connect and alert the owner that the reservoir needs to be refilled.

We'll be looking into other connected / smart home and appliance innovations coming to the consumer market in future segments, so stay tuned!

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