Upstairs, in a hall closet on the second floor of our home, sit my washer and dryer. While we rely on them heavily, they aren't very exciting to look at it and certainly aren't what I would consider high tech. One washes. The other dries.
And, if I remember to do those things in a timely manner, our belongings come out smelling good and looking fairly clean.
Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and during my trip took time to check out how manufacturers are integrating technology into appliances like washers and dryers. On the list of new options observed:
Kenmore Connect - Appliances with Kenmore Connect will be able to send information to a technician over the phone, who can use the information provided to diagnose the issue, order a new part or set up an appointment to visit.
Kenmore App - Those of us who forget to switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer (sometimes for days), will appreciate the new iPhone/iPad app from Kenmore which, starting in 2012, will allow you to monitor how much time is left for the current load.
Nucleus GE Brillion - Nucleus' GE Brillion wirelessly connects with enabled appliances to gather energy usage information. It's more than about idle curiousity – it's also about determining how you can manage your energy consumption by making smart choices (like adjusting the thermostat) or shifting consumption to off-peak hours.
While some of these high-tech appliances were impressive, there were others that felt like manufacturers were adding "technology for technologies sake."
And am I the only one worried that more technology means more things that could break?
As a member of the Intel Advisors, I received support from Intel allowing me to attend the Consumer Electronic Show. Opinions stated here and elsewhere are my own.