Samsung and LG both unveiled new ranges of smart refrigerators at this year’s CES consumer electronics show in Las Vegas (January 5-8).
LG’s new flagship Smart InstaView refrigerator (pictured) is powered by Amazon’s Alexa with its voice control feature, combined with LG’s own WebOS platform.
Using Amazon Alexa’s voice service, users will be able to search for recipes, play music, order groceries, book a car service or check the weather.
The refrigerator’s 29in touch LCD display instantly turns transparent with just two knocks on the screen, allowing users to look inside the fridge without opening the door.
“By working with Amazon, we are able to broaden our smart refrigerator’s capabilities and further provide our customers with a pleasurable cooking and dining experience,” said Song Dae-Hyun, president of LG Electronics and Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company. “Our Smart InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator will allow users to enjoy their kitchen experience like never before.”
Samsung unveiled its second-generation Family Hub 2.0 refrigerators. The latest models feature Samsung’s voice technology, which has been integrated across many of the Family Hub 2.0’s apps. The Family Hub 2.0 expands the range from four to 10 models and includes a 21.5in LED touch-screen for access to more entertainment features, as well as food management capabilities.
Other new lines of smart built-in appliances introduced at CES include a new ‘combination wall’ oven microwave and an upgraded dishwasher.
On the laundry side, Samsung also revealed its FlexWash and FlexDry washer and dryer to “meet the needs of today’s busy families”.
The FlexWash is equipped with a 5.0 cu ft capacity washing machine, which it claimed is the largest in its class, to handle normal or bulky loads. Another cubic foot of capacity is provided in a separate compartment on top for washing smaller loads separately. Both washers can run separately or simultaneously with different programs.
The FlexDry tumble-dryer is also said to be able to tackle large laundry loads, while gently drying delicate items at the same time in a separate compartment on top of the cabinet.