LG Electronics (LG) has introduced a new next generation of smart refrigerator, called Smart InstaView™ embedded with an array of features provided by Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service and powered by LG’s own webOS smart platform.
Unveiled at CES® 2017, LG’s new flagship Door-in-Door® refrigerator features a 29-inch touch LCD display, which, thanks to its InstaView feature, instantly turns transparent with just two knocks of the screen and allows users to look inside the refrigerator without opening the door. WebOS, gives consumers a way to explore a host of WiFi-enabled features directly on the refrigerator. LG’s goal is to create a food management system housed directly on the front of the fridge door.
Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service can take it even further into voice control – search for recipes, play music, place Prime-eligible orders from Amazon.com including groceries, add items to a shopping list and more.
The kitchen is today’s hub in a home, which would suggest that tech innovations would offer the most progress in functionality. The question is exactly what technology innovations offer consumers the lifestyle upgrades they want.
“By working with Amazon, we are able to broaden LG’s Smart InstaView refrigerator’s capabilities and provide consumers with a new smart home service that enhances the at-home cooking and dining experience,” said Song Dae-Hyun, president of LG’s and Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company. “Our newest innovation will allow users to enjoy their kitchens like never before with new abilities to ‘speak’ to the fridge, control the home’s connected devices and connect with the family in a new way.”
“For many families, the kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, and a place where they often find their hands tied. Now consumers have even more convenience in their homes, all just by using their voice and Alexa,” said Mike George, vice president, Amazon Alexa. “In working with an innovative home appliance company like LG, we can truly showcase how much better life can be for consumers everywhere starting with updating one of the most important appliances in the home.”
Technology is fast evolving. With Alexa, daily tasks in the kitchen – such as cooking or planning for the day – can indeed turn into a dynamic, entertaining experience, or is it plain too intrusive? This is the big question every consumer has to answer for him/herself. Do consumers want to spend $6,000 on a tech fridge? Are LG’s tech advances lifestyle enhancements that consumers are looking for? Time will tell.