Fridges are getting smart. A new model out earlier this month runs apps to help users browse recipes, create shopping lists and manage the expiration dates of items like yoghurt and milk.
The T9000 refrigerator by South Korea’s Samsung has a 10-inch wi-fi-enabled touchscreen and includes apps for recipes and taking notes.
“The fridge, because it’s the hub of the family and the kitchen, is now another access point without having to drag around your tablet or have your phone with you in the vicinity of where you’re cooking or entertaining,” Samsung Canada home appliance vice-president Warner Doell said.
The display enables users to follow the news, weather and even Twitter from the fridge door.
Shopping lists can be created with the Evernote app, which will sync to smartphones, and recipes can be found at Epicurious.
“You can say, ‘I have these ingredients in the fridge – what can I make?’ and it will show you recipes you can prepare,” he said.
For people who have trouble keeping track of expiration dates, there’s an app for that, too.
“I get asked a lot ‘why do you need a screen on a refrigerator?’ And it’s a good question,” said Doell. The main reasons, he explained, were ease of use in managing settings and for convenience because consumers were demanding pervasive connectivity.
“This isn’t only about today, it’s about what will the next five to 10 years look like.” – Reuters