by Lori Cunningham

Yes, it’s true.  Now you can turn on your shower to get it at just the right temperature…from the comfort of your bed!  Moen’s ioDIGITAL Shower System finally puts you in control of  hot water in your shower, rather than vice-versa.  I saw this at a home show for the home builders trade and I was amazed…what will they think of next?

As we were building our new house, I made sure the Moen ioDIGITAL shower was installed.  It’s been a long process since we started the house, but I’m pleased to say, it’s finally done…well, about 98% done.  We just moved into our well connected home 1 1/2 months ago.  Which means, you’ll be hearing from me as I begin using all of the fun technology we put into the house.

You’re in Control

The remote control comes with a mount so you can mount it on a wall if desired.  It also comes with a magnet in case you have a metal surface you’d like to attach it to.  The remote has an on/off power button and four preset buttons.  Just press your button and the water will warm up to your desired preset.  The remote control can work up to 30 feet away.

Preset Your Temp

The Moen ioDIGITAL shower system as a lot of great features…more than just being controllable by remote.  It includes four presets – so up to four members of your family can set a preset with just the right amount of heat and water flow.  This means you no longer have to move the temperature handle back and forth every time time you shower to get the right temperature.  What if you want to adjust it after you’re in?  No problem, you can easily move the digital knob to your desired temperature.

Adjust the Flow

Like a strong shower flow when you shower?  You can adjust the water flow to your desired strength.  Just turn the water flow dial and the LED lights will flash to let you know your desired water flow is ready.  The ioDIGITAL  Shower head comes with a nice sized 7″ diameter rain shower.  Moen states they have an advanced, self-pressurizing Immersion rain shower that produces three times more spray than most rain showers.  This is my first rain shower, and I was nervous the flow was going to be weak.  But I can tell you, the flow is very good, I’ve been very impressed.  The Moen ioDIGITAL produces a great spray and with very good coverage.

The Pause Button

Don’t you wish you could put life on pause sometimes?  While that’s not possible, it is with your Moen ioDIGITAL shower.  And for the Green conscientious, press the shower’s pause button and you can shampoo or shave without wasting water.  Press the pause button again when you’re done.  I’ve used this feature to put the shower on pause BEFORE I got into the shower.  After it warmed up to the right temperature, I put it on pause to do something really quick for my kids.  It will stay on pause for a minute or two, then turn off.

But Wait, There’s More

Vertical Spa Shower

In case you’re looking for something a little more robust, Moen also created the ioDIGITAL Vertical Spa Shower.  Features include:

• bright lcd screen that displays exact temperature
• 7″ diameter rain shower shower head
• Moen’s advanced, self–pressurizing Immersion™ rain shower technology channels water through the shower head with three times more spray power than most rain showers
• four–function handheld showerhead provides a superior shower experience with personalized settings hand shower
•  hand-shower  slide bar

The Vertical Spa Shower includes a LCD screen to give you more information and control over your experience:

The ioDIGITAL Vertical Spa Shower screen shows that the 2nd preset is on at a temperature of 101 degrees.

This ioDIGITAL Vertical Spa Shower screen shows that the rain shower head is being used, not the hand shower or body sprays.

 

 

 

ioDIGITAL Bath

Yes, believe it or not, there’s actually an ioDIGITAL system available for the bathtub.  This system is a bather’s dream.  The ioDIGITAL control is nearly the same as for the shower except it has three presets and a lock button.  The lock button is a safety feature so when used, kids cannot turn on the tub water.

What I LOVE about the IODIGITAL for the  bathtub is that not only are you presetting the desired water temperature, but also how much water you want in the tub during your bath.  So when you’re ready for a bath, just press your preset number and when the desired water level and temperature is completed, the water turns off automatically!  Isn’t that great?  And wait, it gets better.  If you buy the optional remote control, you can be in the kitchen and press your preset button.  By the time you get to the bathtub, it will be ready, waiting for you.  Love it!

 

How Much?

The MRSP for the Shower with remote is $1,641.90 (ORB oil rubbed bronze, other finishes are less).  The remote retails for 178.60.  The Vertical Spa Shower ORB retails for$2,832.95, including a remote.  The high arc Roman Tub controls sell for $2,433.50 in ORB.

This is what the meat of the ioDIGITAL system looks under the cover.

 

Installation

by Lori Cunningham

I’ve always heard that central vacuum systems are a huge help in your home but the trouble has always been, where do you put the 30-50ft hose?  I’ve seen closets taken over with a 50 ft. hose before.  Seems like such a waste of space.

Electrical vs. Standard

by Lori Cunningham

When you think of home security, you think of an alarm system where an alarm rings and the police are called if someone tries to break into your house.  But an alarm system is only as good as the last person out the door who remembers to set the alarm.  Alarms can be more of a burden than an advantage sometimes.

Our neighborhood had been burglarized quite a bit in the last two years and it always makes me a little uneasy when I run errands…or even worse…go on vacation.  If only there was a better way to keep an eye on the house without actually being there.

When my children were young, I enjoyed the luxury of having a baby monitor.  I could keep tabs on the baby and hear every murmur.  This is the kind of access I’d like to have with the house, only better and with mobility. Fortunately, home surveillance is not just for businesses or part of an elaborate, expensive alarm package anymore.  Home surveillance has gone DIY!  As a tech enthusiast, DIY tech is right up my alley.  So when I was given the chance to test out Logitech’s Alert system*, I jumped on it!

The Logitech Alert System uses your existing power lines (through your plug outlets) to communicate to your computer.  The steps are simple to set up.  Just insert the Logitech Alert System CD in your computer to load the program, plug in a module to your router, plug in your camera, strategically place it towards your back door, and ensure your computer recognizes it once it’s initialized.

Keeping an Eye on Things

I have enjoyed feeling more secure by using the cameras for surveillance around the house.  My indoor camera points towards our back sliding glass door and windows.  I recently wrote an article called Five Tips to Stop Home Burglaries, and in my research I discovered that 22% of burglars enter through the back door.  The other camera is pointed towards my front door, because, believe it or not, 34% of burglars enter through the front door!  Wow, that’s a higher percentage that I thought.

Vacation

I loved using these cameras during our trip to Disney World.  First, I could keep an eye on the house and be alerted by text if  there was any  movement.  Second, we happened to be having an Open House while we were on our vacation.  I watched the “action” from Florida as we got on and off rides.  I was very disappointed to see how little foot traffic we had.  Seeing it really hit home rather than just hearing about it from our Realtor.

Business Travel

Recently, I traveled to Northern California to visit PlayStation.  I LOVED being able to see the kids in the morning as they prepared and ate their breakfast and knowing when the family got home at night so I could give them a call on Skype.  This was SO handy.  Again, I was notified by e-mail when movement was detected, so I could load access the free Logitech app to see what was going on.

Now, I must note that you do need to pay a monthly subscription to to access your live video content through the smartphone app.  For $79.99 you can purchase a one year subscription to the Logitech Alert Web and Mobile Commander.  I’m telling you, this is worth purchasing, especially if you travel a lot.

Home Office

I can view any of the cameras from my Logitech Alert Commander on my home PC.  Yes, I am occasionally watching my kiddos when they are playing in the family room and I am working in my home office.  I find it especially helpful with play dates.  My son was shocked one day when I came blazing into the room telling him and his friend no jumping on the sofas!  See, moms really do have eyes in the back of their heads!  LOL!

Pricing

You can purchase either Master System for indoors or out.  The Master System includes one camera and the component you need to plug into your router.  You can then include Add-On Cameras for the inside, outside, or both.  Logitech Alert encourages Alert users to upload their video footage to their website to see what they captured with their cameras. Logitech Alert cameras have filmed robberies, a neighbor stealing a delivered package, the UPS man throwing a person’s package across the driveway and it busting open, and much more.  See some great “home” videos on Logitech Alert’s site.

Logitech Alert Systems can be purchased directly from Logitech at these prices:

Master Systems:

Alert™ 750i Indoor Master System $299.99

Alert™ 750e Outdoor Master System $349.99

Add-On Camera’s to the Master System:

Alert™ 700i Indoor Add-On Camera $229.99

Alert™ 700e Outdoor Add-On Camera $279.99

Mobile Access:

Alert™ Web and Mobile Commander $79.99

Of course, I always compare prices against Amazon.com and found the prices to be similar.

A Homeowner’s Perspective

I have never had an alarm or video security system before, this was my first experience.  It has given me such comfort knowing more about what is going on in and around our house.  I feel so much more in control and less worried about break-ins.

Years ago, you would need to hire someone to put in a video surveillance system.  Not so anymore.  The quality is great and the ability to view on a phone, tablet, or PC gives great flexibility.  I should note that these cameras are not wireless.  They still need to be plugged in.  However, the Alert system uses HomePlug 4.4 firmware which means the cameras can network to the router through the house’s electricity circuits.

If you’re interested in trying out home surveillance, the Logitech Alert system is a great way to go.  If you’re expecting and planning on getting a baby monitor, I would recommend getting a Logitech Alert.  It’s much better quality than most baby monitors and you can add onto it and build a home surveillance system that will give you more peace of mind for your growing family.

Tell me your thoughts on surveillance cameras…do you have one?

by Lori Cunningham

I am pleased to a member of the Kwikset SmartSquad because I have been a Kwikset SmartCode user before theSmartSquad program even started.  I purchased several of the SmartCode Deadbolts with Home Connect for our home.  I wanted an electronic lock for four reasons:

1. To not have to fumble with my keys to open a door.

2.  To allow my kids entry into the house without having to give them a key they could lose.

3.  To allow contractors working on our home a temporary access code into the house that I could later change.

4.  To lock the doors with my phone or iPad without having to go physically to each door to lock it.

Z-Wave Enabled

In order to be able to control my door locks through my iPad or smartphone, I needed an electronic lock that is Z-Wave capable.  According to Wikipedia,

“Z-Wave is a proprietary wireless communications protocol designed for home automation, specifically to remote control applications in residential and light commercial environments. The technology uses a low-power RF radio embedded or retrofitted into home electronics devices and systems, such as lighting, home access control home entertainment systems and household appliances.”

There are two emerging wireless communication protocols growing in popularity in the home automation business.  Z-Wave is one, Zigbee is the other.  Both are pervasive, so most manufacturers, like Kwikset, offer home automation products that cater to both protocols.

by Lori Cunningham

I am a mom tech blogger, so electronics are my gig.    We have an old 53 inch TV that we purchased over 10 years ago.

It’s big and bulky and we are plenty ready for the new LED TV’s.  But we waited this long for several reasons:

1.  To see if plasma was on it’s way out or would it remain the best picture….I have seen the prices drop significantly over the years and the prices are now lower than some of the higher end LED’s.  Although plasma offers a superior picture, I predict they will be harder and harder to find.

–

by Lori Cunningham

Are you a fan of the Speedway?  Kwikset is.  They have a powerful souped up NASCAR  No. 9 race car driven by Marcos Ambrose.  The car has been touring the nation giving race fans a chance to peer inside, take their photos with it, and learn about the car’s upcoming races.

OK, it would certainly be cool to see the car up close, but how about actually seeing the car in a race firsthand and meeting Marcos Ambrose…and Richard Petty in person???

Kwikset recently made me aware of their super cool sweepstakes which will give one lucky race fan and their chosen companion the following:

• A Kwikset Security Home Makeover valued at $1,000.

• Two tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ AdvoCare 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 4 in Atlanta.

• Round-trip airfare and accommodations for two days and two nights, for two to Atlanta for the AdvoCare 500 race on Sept. 4.

• A VIP package, including a meet and greet with Richard Petty Motorsports driver Marcos Ambrose, Richard Petty and Marcos Ambrose autographed memorabilia, etc.

What I like about this sweepstakes is that it only runs from July 25th to August 21st, so the timing is pretty short to gather a lot of entries.  To me, this equates to better odds of winning!

If you’re interested in entering the Kwikset Smart Security Sweepstakes…HURRY! You only have until August 21st! Enter here: Make me a Winner!

Kwikset offers a number of security solutions to help protect your home.  I particularly am found of the SmartCode deadbolt, which I purchased and recently installed in my home.  For other safe tips in protecting your home when you’re away see 10 Tips for Protecting Your Home While You’re Away and Five Tips to Stop Home Burglaries.

*I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.

by Lori Cunningham

When preparing for a vacation, there is a lot of excitement about the destination, planned activities, and thoughts of planting wonderful family memories.  My family and I took a great family vacation this Summer to Disney World and Harry Potter’s new theme park ( a part of Universal’s Islands of Adventure).

We showed the kids the fun rides we would be riding on YouTube ahead of time to really build up the excitement and anticipation.  But in addition to all of the airplane travel, hotel booking, securing theme park passes, and packing, I began to worry about our home safety.  Our neighborhood is the target often of teenage burglaries and I wanted to ensure things were well locked down before trooping off to Orlando.  Here are some tips I follow and new ones I researched to help secure your home before leaving on vacation:

1. Stop your mail and have it delivered when you arrive back home. I love the convenience of stopping my mail online at USPS.com.  You can stop your mail anywhere from 3-30 days.

2.  Turn off your home computers to protect against unwarranted attacks.  Turning off your computers saves energy too.

3. Keep your dog at home to protect the house - ask a trusted neighbor to check on, walk, and feed your dog daily.

4. Ask the same neighbor to keep watch on the house and pick up any advertisements/flyer’s. Sometimes advertisements can build quickly at your door, a sure-tale sign you’re not home.

Ensure no keys are hidden outside

5. Remove all “hidden” outside keys (1.) If someone notices that your home looks deserted, they may start looking for hidden keys.  Installing a digital lock like Kwikset’s SmartCode electronic deadbolts allows you to grant access to trusted neighbors and not worry if they lose the key.  This happened to me once when I was a teenager, I lost the key to the neighbors’ house I was watching over and couldn’t feed the dog!!!  Yikes!  Fortunately, they left one of their windows unlocked and I was able to climb through to feed the poor pooch.

6. Lock your windows! Double check to ensure every window is locked.  Believe it or not, windows are often overlooked by vacation-goers (like the family’s house  I was watching!)  Buglers will try doors and windows first.

7. Don’t mention anything on Facebook, Twitter, or other social sites/games (FarmTown, Farmville, etc.) that you’ll be gone on vacation.  Ask a friend to tend to your online gardens so they don’t wither!

8. Park a car in your driveway, but ask your trusted neighbor to move it for you every other day or so, giving the appearance that someone is home.

9. Give your trusted neighbor your contact number and tell them where you will be. I often tell a couple of neighbors we’ll be out of town, but it makes sense to write down the info. as to where we are and when we’ll return.

10. Tell your local police department the dates of your vacation, if you’ll be gone for a week or more.  As time is available, they will make extra patrols of your neighborhood. (1.)

Fortunately, our home was safe and sound when we returned from Orlando.  We had an awesome vacation and I didn’t even worry once about our home.  Oh, and for those of you wondering if the Harry Potter park is worth going to…the answer is YES!

Have some great tips to add about protecting your home?  Leave a comment to share.  Thanks!

1 http://www.batescountysheriff.com/help/vacation.aspx

images provided by: Microsoft Office.

I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.

10 Tips for Protecting Your Home While You’re Away]]> http://thewellconnectedhome.com/2011/08/09/10-tips-for-protecting-your-home-while-youre-away/feed/ 2 http://thewellconnectedhome.com/2011/05/02/five-tips-to-stop-home-burglaries/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://thewellconnectedhome.com/2011/05/02/five-tips-to-stop-home-burglaries/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 17:24:19 +0000 Lori Cunningham http://thewellconnectedhome.com/?p=157 Five Tips to Stop Home Burglaries

Ahhh, you made it to work on time.  Now all you have to worry about is the stresses of work deadlines, meetings, and e-mail’s, right?  Well, not exactly.  With the downturn in the economy, it is no surprise that there is a rise in home burglaries.  Is your home safe?

With the recent outbreak of burglaries in my own neighborhood, I decided to investigate when most break-in’s occur and how.  And more importantly, how to protect your home from uninvited intruders.

Be In The Know

Did you know that the average burglar is a teenage male that lives less than a mile away from the houses he burglarizes?  Here are some more startling facts:

• Home burglaries account for 70.3% of all burglaries.
• Burglaries accounted for $4.6 billion in lost property in 2008.
• The average residence burglary loss is $2,079.
• 61.2% of burglaries were the result of forcible entry…32.3% occurred without force!  (Don’t forget to lock those doors!)
• 34% of burglars enter through the front door! *
• 23% enter through a window on the first floor.*
• 22% enter through a back door. *
• You’re three times likely to be robbed if you don’t have an alarm.
• Nonetheless, many alarmed houses are broken into because owners didn’t set their alarm.

What Can You Do?

1. Lock Your Doors and Windows.  OK, we all know this.  But inevitably, one door will get overlooked.  Train your kids when they are young to always lock the door when they are done using it.  It just needs to become a habit.  I am pleased to report my kids (ages 5 and are quite good at locking the door.  My husband on the other hand, uggghh, not as good.  So obviously, there is a hole in our home protection armor.

TIPS:       o Windows:  place metal or strong wood bars in the tracks of all downstairs windows and sliding doors.

o  Doors: consider purchasing SmartCode Deadbolts with Home Connect**.  Amongst its many features, you can program the lock to automatically lock a door 30 seconds after it has been opened.  Aha!  That will teach my husband!  Because the locks include a keypad, he can easily enter the code to re-enter.  Ensure every outside door should have a deadbolt.

2. Set Your Alarm. Again, another easy one.  For those of you with alarms, don’t forget to use them!  For most people, remembering to set the alarm every time they leave the house is either 1.) a hassle or 2.) something they forget to do.  Your chances of deterring a potential thief dramatically decrease if the alarm is not set.

TIPS:      o  put a few hooks for your family’s home keys right next to the alarm system.  Yes, the keys might be out of the way, but they will remind you to set the alarm when you leave the house.

o  call your alarm security company to see if they now offer additional ways to help ensure your alarm is turned on when you leave the house without you having to remember.

3.  Consider purchasing a surveillance camera(s). I have been amazed

at how prices have declined for surveillance cameras.  Considering the front

door and back door are the biggest targets, a camera positioned in these areas will give you the likeliest view of your potential intruder.

TIPS:         o  if you own a home alarm, check with your current alarm provider to see if they provide this surveillance features.

o  you can also buy wireless or wired cameras that can connect to your computer for monitoring.  Some surveillance software packages, like Logitech Alert, even allow you to observe your cameras from your smartphone.

4. Get a Dog. Believe it or not, there are open online forums you can read about ”pro” thieves giving tips to want-

to-be robbers.  I know, I’ve read them!  If you can wade through all the bad language, you can really pick up some useful insight.  Thieves don’t like dogs because 1.) they’re noisy and 2.) their teeth are scary.

TIPS:       o  put a mean dog sign up on the front of your fence.

o  have a dog to back up the sign.

o  if you can, allow your dog to be inside while your gone.  If not, make sure he has full access to the side yard where your gate is as well as the backyard.

o  want to learn more about robbery strategies from the horse’s mouth?  Just Google “best ways to break into a house.”

5.  Answer the Door. The easiest way for a burglar to see if you’re home or not is to ring the doorbell. If you don’t answer, they figure there’s no one home.  I know what you’re wondering…”but what happens if I am home, will they force their way in?”  Most likely no.  They will be hiding somewhere in the neighborhood to see if you open the door.

TIPS:        o  If you answer your door and there’s no one there, close the door and cautiously look out a window from your upper floor or non-obvious window on the ground floor.  Most likely, the burglar will strike again at a neighbor’s house.  Report any activity you see to the police as soon as possible.

o  Park a car in front of your house to give the impression that someone is home.

With the rise in home burglaries, it’s best to take some time to ensure your house and family is safe.  You can’t count on your neighbors to be home and catch suspicious activity for you.  Most likely, they are at work too.  In the “best ways to break into a

house” forum I visited online, I was surprised by the fact that most thief’s don’t care as much about the noise of breaking glass anymore. Thieves commented that breaking glass doesn’t seem to be an alarming sound.  They recommended skipping the step of taping glass (so it doesn’t make much noise when it breaks) because it’s no longer necessary and it takes extra time.  They also suggested wearing everyday clothes or even an electrician’s work clothes if possible.

These times are a changin’.  But with making proactive changes in your home and with your family’s habits, you’re less likely to be the next victim.

** I am a member of the Kwikset-sponsored SmartSquad and occasionally receive incentives to discuss issues related to home safety and security.

* According to a survey conducted in Pennsylvania:  As reported by Alarm.org: http://www.alarm.org/indinfo/quickfacts/index.html

Sources:

FBI: http://www2.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2009/data/table_07.html

http://www.alarm.org/indinfo/quickfacts/index.html

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/9-ways-to-protect-your-home-from-burglary-8.aspx

As I mentioned in my last article, Smart Appliances from CES 2011, one of the highlights of my trip to CES was my scheduled booth tour with Fulton Innovations.  Fulton Innovations has been busy recreating the way we will utilize power in our homes. They have developed some very innovative ways to make consumer packaging and our kitchens more enhanced and efficient.  During my interview with Josh with Fulton Innovations I learned more about their plans for Innovative Consumer Packaging and the Changing Wireless Kitchen.  I’ve outlined both concepts below.  Be sure not to miss the video at the end of this article to see these things working! 

Innovative Consumer Packaging  

Ready for some cool stuff?    Although it’s hard to tell from this picture, the Trix and Cheerios logos are glowing along with other elements on their packages.  Fulton Innovations, the main innovator behind eCoupled wireless power technology, has combined wireless power with printed conductive inks to create printed electronics.  This new ink, which costs no more than an extra layer of ink and is compatible with most printing presses, can be utilized by product manufacturers to call attention to their products on the shelf.  Have a shopping list on your smartphone while in the store?  This printed electronic technology can communicate with your cellphone to let you know the Trix on your list is in the aisle you’re standing in.  Fulton believes this type of technology will also allow the consumer to comparison shop through their smartphone as well.      

The Changing Wireless Kitchen 

All I can say is…Wow!  The innovation of printed electronics doesn’t stop at the store.  With eCoupled enabled sensors in your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator, not only will you be able to keep inventory of the products you have on-hand and their expiration dates, but you will also have access to view online how much of that product you have left.  Pretty slick.    

In the picture to the right, Josh is showcasing some kitchen cabinets with the eCoupled wireless power built-in.  Product inventory and content consumption can be viewed on your smartphone or Internet-enabled device.       

This picture depicts a “typical” kitchen counter in future.  Today’s electrical outlets and  cooktop are replaced with eCoupled inducers that can provide electricity to a blender, food processor, smart pan, and even to a package of soup!  No wires involved.   Josh gave a demonstration on how water in the smart pan can boil within no time.  When he removed the pan I touched the inductor and the pan and they were not hot!  What’s more, you can actually control the smart pan from your smartphone.  So if you’re outside during a party and realize it’s time to simmer your sauce, you can turn down the heat without leaving your backyard.    

Josh then showed how a package of soup, taken right out of the cupboard, could be placed on an inductor and cooked…right in it’s own packaging!  The heating of the soup can be adjusted on the package to get the soup inside just at the  right temperature.  When removed from the heat, only the soup inside was hot…not the packaging.   To make this concept environmentally friendly, the plastic packaging can be recycled as well as the metal disc (used for heating) inside the packaging.      

Sounds pretty futuristic, huh?  Nonetheless, all of these technologies are available today.  Fulton has been working with their numerous partners to begin bringing these  technologies to the marketplace. 

A Homeowners Perspective

Although this technology is available today, much work needs to be done in incorporating it into products.  Though, it’s only a matter of time before we see them in the marketplace. 

So should you wait on that kitchen remodel?  No.  But definitely keep abreast on new technology changes in the home.  I have been amazed how quickly these technologies are being created, bringing a great array of new products never imagined by homeowners.  Furthermore many of these new technologies are simplified enough for hhomeowners to install themselves.  The times are a changing.  Be sure to subscribe to theWellConnectedHome.com to learn more of what’s possible for less for your home. 

Are you a big fan of home technology?  Are you a DIY’r?  TheWellConnectedHome.com is looking for contributing writers to join the team.  Please contact lori@thewellconnectedhome.com for more details.   

by Lori Cunningham

Earlier this month I spent a week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Vegas to see the latest home tech products and learn about the trends for mobile, home tech, connected appliances,…the list goes on.

I was excited this year for the new section on “smart appliances” as I was gravely disappointed at CES 2010 to not see any appliance companies at the show.  Although I believe smart appliances still have a ways to go to be worth the extra money, this year’s new smart appliances are on the right track.  As a result, I listed smart appliances as one of the top trends in my article, Top 6 Tech Product Trends of CES 2011.

At CES 2011, most of the big appliance companies had smart appliance prototypes running at the show…LG, Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, Samsung, etc.  Most expect their smart appliances to be ready by mid-to-late 2011.  Smart appliances include refrigerators, ovens, and washers & dryers.  Most smart appliances will connect to the Smart Grid and text owners about relevant matters.  A number of manufacturers have also planned for Internet-assisted troubleshooting when the appliances are having issues.  Although the features differ from company to company, here are some of the “smart” features touted by various manufacturers:

• Refrigerators- pretty much all of them have a LCD touchscreen – from 2inches to 7 inches. Various features include WiFi access, alerting homeowners when the door is left ajar, keep tabs on the number of times the door is opened, reports on electricity consumption, access to your Google calendar, ability to play YouTube videos and Pandora radio stations, writing notes for family members, checking the weather or latest news, connection to the Smart Grid,etc.
• Ovens- some offer touchscreens with thousands of recipes and basic cooking instructions (how to roast, how to use a meat thermometer, etc.).  Smart ovens offer great convenience…you can schedule the oven to turn on at a certain temperature and for a certain time to bake!  Want to be alerted when your lasagna is done?  Ovens can now text you to alert you when cooking times have finished. 
• Washing Machines – some washers can now communicate with the dryer to help the dryer better anticipate the drying cycle of its clothes.  Smart appliances connected to the Smart Grid can delay the start of the wash until a less cost consuming time is available.  Some companies will offer “upgrades” electronically and automatically such as advanced wash cycles.

 According to Pike Research in Boulder, CO, the market for smart appliances could add up to $6.2 billion by 2015.  Whirlpool is the largest appliance maker with 41.5% of the market.   Samsung has only 1% of the market but is making marked progress with its innovative appliances.   LG holds 8.7% of the market, according to research IBISWorld based in Santa Monica, CA. (1)

With regards to refrigerators, one of the  features people ask for most is inventory management.  It would be handy to know when the salad dressing or hamburger meat will expire.  Although LG has been promoting its new inventory management in it’s smart refrigerator, it is preliminary and a bit crude as in many cases, the consumer needs to speak the inventory dates of the products into an app on the refrigerator.

Not to worry Fulton Innovation is working on some very innovative technologies that will make product inventory at home a snap as well as change the way you heat products and utilize your small appliances.  This upcoming article entitled “Future Home Technology for the Kitchen” you won’t want to miss!  Be sure to subscribe!