You're running low on milk.
Oh, and that yogurt only has a couple of days left on it.
But don't take my word for it. Check your cell phone.
"The connected home" has become a central theme at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with electronics companies showing off what an Internet-connected refrigerator, stove or television could do for your home.
One of those appliances, from LG, touted the ability to text a shopping list based on what is low in the fridge and what is about to expire. LG unveiled the new line of smart appliances Wednesday. All are based on the company's Thinq (pronounced "think-you") technology, which connects each appliance to the Web using a home's Wi-Fi network.
"It's saving consumers time, saving energy and saving hassle while offering peace of mind," said Patrick Steinkuhl, product insight strategist for home appliances at LG.
The Thinkq technology also allows the appliances to cater their energy use to operate more cost effectively, the company says. Users can select whether they need to do the laundry right now, or whether they can let the machine decide when it would be most energy-efficient.
LG also showed off its Smart Access system, which will allow consumers to operate all of their Web-enabled appliances remotely from a smartphone or tablet computer.
LG didn't reveal pricing or availability on the new appliances.
Whirlpool's Smart Appliances
Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool will offer details on its line of smart appliances later this year, said Warwick Stirling, its global director of energy and sustainability.
Stirling said many more factors must fall into place before these smart appliances make a big impact. An industry-wide standard is needed for appliances to communicate to one another, as many customers aren't often in a position to buy a whole suite of appliances from the same manufacturer.
"As the largest player, we have a responsibility to ensure there are some interoperability standards across the industry," Stirling said.
Whirlpool has approached the Environmental Protection Agency's EnergyStar program about offering a 5% price break or rebate, as early models will be too costly for many buyers, he said.
It can be hard to explain to consumers all the promise of a Web-connected dishwasher or washing machine, but Stirling said they're inevitable.
"I think it's going to be a long journey," Stirling said.
TVs Get More Web-Enabled
The television will continue to see changes brought by Web connectivity.
Web-enabled TV got a big boost from the Google TV announcement this fall.
But many of those platforms for Web content delivered to your living room have seen some growing pains. Google reportedly asked TV manufacturers to delay launches of their Google TV-enabled products until CES is over. And major networks are blocking their content from being streamed on Google TV-enabled televisions.
But on Wednesday, LCD powerhouse Sharp unveiled its new, stunning 70-inch Aquos Quattron LCD television.
The monster TV includes a Wi-Fi connection that gives access to Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, Flickr and on-demand video from Netflix, CinemaNow and YouTube.
Other manufacturers, including LG, Apple, Boxee and Roku, have offered small set-top boxes that hook up to any HDTV to offer similar Web video streaming.
Bob Scaglione, chief marketing officer for Sharp USA, said the company is exploring ways to include 3G wireless technology in its TVs, but is committed to Wi-Fi for now.
Sharp did not reveal a price or release date for its new 70-inch offering.
Sharp also boasts Aquos Advantage Live, which lets a Sharp representative commandeer the television over an Internet connection to troubleshoot issues that the customer is having.
"It's human customer support delivered right to your TV," said John Harrington, president of U.S. consumer electronics at Sharp.
Oh, and that yogurt only has a couple of days left on it.
But don't take my word for it. Check your cell phone.
"The connected home" has become a central theme at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with electronics companies showing off what an Internet-connected refrigerator, stove or television could do for your home.
One of those appliances, from LG, touted the ability to text a shopping list based on what is low in the fridge and what is about to expire. LG unveiled the new line of smart appliances Wednesday. All are based on the company's Thinq (pronounced "think-you") technology, which connects each appliance to the Web using a home's Wi-Fi network.
"It's saving consumers time, saving energy and saving hassle while offering peace of mind," said Patrick Steinkuhl, product insight strategist for home appliances at LG.
The Thinkq technology also allows the appliances to cater their energy use to operate more cost effectively, the company says. Users can select whether they need to do the laundry right now, or whether they can let the machine decide when it would be most energy-efficient.
LG also showed off its Smart Access system, which will allow consumers to operate all of their Web-enabled appliances remotely from a smartphone or tablet computer.
LG didn't reveal pricing or availability on the new appliances.
Whirlpool's Smart Appliances
Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool will offer details on its line of smart appliances later this year, said Warwick Stirling, its global director of energy and sustainability.
Stirling said many more factors must fall into place before these smart appliances make a big impact. An industry-wide standard is needed for appliances to communicate to one another, as many customers aren't often in a position to buy a whole suite of appliances from the same manufacturer.
"As the largest player, we have a responsibility to ensure there are some interoperability standards across the industry," Stirling said.
Whirlpool has approached the Environmental Protection Agency's EnergyStar program about offering a 5% price break or rebate, as early models will be too costly for many buyers, he said.
It can be hard to explain to consumers all the promise of a Web-connected dishwasher or washing machine, but Stirling said they're inevitable.
"I think it's going to be a long journey," Stirling said.
TVs Get More Web-Enabled
The television will continue to see changes brought by Web connectivity.
Web-enabled TV got a big boost from the Google TV announcement this fall.
But many of those platforms for Web content delivered to your living room have seen some growing pains. Google reportedly asked TV manufacturers to delay launches of their Google TV-enabled products until CES is over. And major networks are blocking their content from being streamed on Google TV-enabled televisions.
But on Wednesday, LCD powerhouse Sharp unveiled its new, stunning 70-inch Aquos Quattron LCD television.
The monster TV includes a Wi-Fi connection that gives access to Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, Flickr and on-demand video from Netflix, CinemaNow and YouTube.
Other manufacturers, including LG, Apple, Boxee and Roku, have offered small set-top boxes that hook up to any HDTV to offer similar Web video streaming.
Bob Scaglione, chief marketing officer for Sharp USA, said the company is exploring ways to include 3G wireless technology in its TVs, but is committed to Wi-Fi for now.
Sharp did not reveal a price or release date for its new 70-inch offering.
Sharp also boasts Aquos Advantage Live, which lets a Sharp representative commandeer the television over an Internet connection to troubleshoot issues that the customer is having.
"It's human customer support delivered right to your TV," said John Harrington, president of U.S. consumer electronics at Sharp.
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