Whirlpool showcases appliance concepts at CES. by Megan Wollerton January 7, 2014 5:02 AM PST (Credit: Whirlpool) We've seen plenty of appliances get bogged down by "smart features" that don't really deliver in practice. They have a high novelty factor, but don't actually make it easier for you to cook dinner or do laundry, etc. That's why we're intrigued by Whirlpool's CES unveil -- it features a whole host of innovative appliance concepts, but they are all supposedly designed with a nod toward simplicity. (Credit: Whirlpool) Connected Suite The Whirlpool Connected Suite is all about the home and how appliances are gaining an increasingly "connected" role in our lives. So instead of you having a one-way interaction with your appliances, your washer could let you know the best times for energy usage and your fridge could send your food preservation notifications. The idea is that these appliances should adjust to you to make it easier than ever for you to get things done. (Credit: Whirlpool) WashSquad Laundry App Along those lines, Whirlpool has launched the WashSquad Laundry App. It's designed around the idea that only one person handles laundry for the entire home in most U.S. households. This app would help you trouble-shoot stain solutions, learn how to treat different clothing labels, etc. -- all in the spirit of simplicity and to ensure that your clothes turn out as well as possible. (Credit: Whirlpool) Interactive Cooktop Whirlpool is also showcasing an interactive cooktop. This would establish the cooktop as a sort of center of command in the kitchen. It would become a place where you can access weather reports, a calendar, and even brainstorm ingredients for your next meal. It can be controlled by voice or touch. (Credit: Whirlpool) Refrigerator with CoolVox Sound System The CoolVox fridge is another interesting concept from Whirlpool that's actually becoming a reality. Traditional fridges serve as the nostalgia center for a kitchen with photos and magnets, but this fridge will come with Harman/Kardon speakers and have the ability to connect with any Bluetooth-enabled device. There's no pricing info for now, but it is expected to go on sale at Lowe's in summer 2014. (Credit: Whirlpool) Max Art Microwave This highly conceptual project is part art installation, part appliance display. It's a collaboration between Whirlpool and two artists from Mexico, Isauro Huizar and Tomas Guerena. The artists turned 50 microwaves into an exhibit that depicts Mexican culture. (Credit: Whirlpool) Duet Laundry Designs Whirlpool outfitted washers and dryers with custom designs. This lets you imagine how you could design your own laundry pair to perfectly compliment your home decor. (Credit: Whirlpool) Black Ice Suite Finally, Whirlpool's Black Ice Suite is a kitchen design with a modern vibe. It's yet another way to demonstrate that appliances can be seen as stylish additions to the home rather than something you try to hide in a corner.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Whirlpool showcases appliance concepts at CES.
January 7, 2014 5:02 AM PST
(Credit: Whirlpool) We've seen plenty of appliances get bogged down by "smart features" that don't really deliver in practice. They have a high novelty factor, but don't actually make it easier for you to cook dinner or do laundry, etc. That's why we're intrigued by Whirlpool's CES unveil -- it features a whole host of innovative appliance concepts, but they are all supposedly designed with a nod toward simplicity.
(Credit: Whirlpool) Connected Suite
The Whirlpool Connected Suite is all about the home and how appliances are gaining an increasingly "connected" role in our lives. So instead of you having a one-way interaction with your appliances, your washer could let you know the best times for energy usage and your fridge could send your food preservation notifications. The idea is that these appliances should adjust to you to make it easier than ever for you to get things done.
(Credit: Whirlpool) WashSquad Laundry App
Along those lines, Whirlpool has launched the WashSquad Laundry App. It's designed around the idea that only one person handles laundry for the entire home in most U.S. households. This app would help you trouble-shoot stain solutions, learn how to treat different clothing labels, etc. -- all in the spirit of simplicity and to ensure that your clothes turn out as well as possible.
(Credit: Whirlpool) Interactive Cooktop
Whirlpool is also showcasing an interactive cooktop. This would establish the cooktop as a sort of center of command in the kitchen. It would become a place where you can access weather reports, a calendar, and even brainstorm ingredients for your next meal. It can be controlled by voice or touch.
(Credit: Whirlpool) Refrigerator with CoolVox Sound System
The CoolVox fridge is another interesting concept from Whirlpool that's actually becoming a reality. Traditional fridges serve as the nostalgia center for a kitchen with photos and magnets, but this fridge will come with Harman/Kardon speakers and have the ability to connect with any Bluetooth-enabled device. There's no pricing info for now, but it is expected to go on sale at Lowe's in summer 2014.
(Credit: Whirlpool) Max Art Microwave
This highly conceptual project is part art installation, part appliance display. It's a collaboration between Whirlpool and two artists from Mexico, Isauro Huizar and Tomas Guerena. The artists turned 50 microwaves into an exhibit that depicts Mexican culture.
(Credit: Whirlpool) Duet Laundry Designs
Whirlpool outfitted washers and dryers with custom designs. This lets you imagine how you could design your own laundry pair to perfectly compliment your home decor.
(Credit: Whirlpool) Black Ice Suite
Finally, Whirlpool's Black Ice Suite is a kitchen design with a modern vibe. It's yet another way to demonstrate that appliances can be seen as stylish additions to the home rather than something you try to hide in a corner.
