CES2014 - Whirlpool Artistic Appliances

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

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You need an "app" for laundry??

Really?

Not to get all "conspiracy theorist" here, but aside from the usual objections most of us who prefer truly MECHANICAL appliances would have (inability to override pre-programmed computerized functions, for instance), that Whirlpool "connected" cooktop scares the hell out of me.

It just opens the door to the kind of data-collecting abuses we hear about daily -- with growing alarm -- from Edward Snowden types.

Consider the fact that you're cooking on that "connected" cooktop and want to "browse" ingredients for "recipe ideas". Presumably, "connected" means this unit is somehow connected to the Internet, rather than being a closed system with its own Encyclopaedia Britannica database of every recipe imaginable.

So now *someone* out there knows what you're cooking -- or at least planning on cooking.

"So people know what I'm eating. What do I care?"

You should care plenty. Got health insurance? Don't think that AIG/Aetna/Oxford/etc. won't be tapping into that same database you're accessing. They know your cholesterol numbers, thanks to your doctor's compliance. Don't even THINK of using real butter, or you can expect a spike in next month's premium.

Grilling up a nice steak? Your doctor told you to avoid red meat. He also shared that information with your insurance carrier -- which is now monitoring your every move on that "connected" cooktop.

Isn't the future amazing??
 
And it's not just insurance abuses ...

… it could even be CRIMINAL.

In most states (particularly New York), unbelievably, it's ILLEGAL to buy and consume raw milk unless (at least in New York state) you're a member of a dairy co-op.

The dairy co-ops here in New York City have lengthy waiting lists. I don't want to wait, so -- not unlike buying any other controlled substance -- I'm forced to go "underground" to find my own supplier.

Now I'm browsing my "connected" cooktop for raw milk recipes. Uh oh! Some government agency's aggregation program is silently running in the background, cross-checking my cooktop's IP address with all the "legitimate" dairy co-ops in my state. I'm not on any registry.

I get a knock on the door …

Don't think it can't happen.
 
CES is about showing what is possible, what a manufacturer is able to make. This doesn't mean that it will get on the market. Apps are a hype nowadays, so they have to incorporate them in their designs. It will not mean that we will control our appliances by apps in the future. When the hype about apps is over the design will change again and make use of new hypes. These appliances are like concept cars on auto shows. In the future these some of these things will seem totally odd.
 
Connectivity

Recently read about Samsung SmartTVs that could catch a virus via the internet, allowing whoever managed to hack your TV to spy right into your living room via the TV's own camera and microphone.
 
Oh Harley ...

... read up on the benefits of raw milk.

PASTEURIZING milk is the worst thing we could have possibly done to it. And the real reason for Pasteurization, when you look at the history, is totally non-existant today.
 
Yes,go along with NYCWRITER and many others-will just stick to electromechanical controls as much as I can.Not only to prevent electronic "spying" but in the part of the country where I live-thunderstorms are very prevelant-A nearby strike will blow out these electronic systems-yes ,they can be protected-but the manufacturers don't want to do that-they want you to have to purchase service plans and repair services and the parts.I gave up on a newer WP-KA dishwasher after its timer board has been blown TWICE from thunderstorms.An old KA-Hobart dishwasher mechanical timer--not bothered a bit and works-the mechanical parts can last DECADES over the electronic ones that last a few weeks -to few years.And I HATE that term "APP" sounds like something an animal of some sort would say.Just sat "Application"--PLEASE So many folks saying "App" makes you want to crown them over the head with your nearest frying pan!
I remember as a child drinking raw milk on my uncles farm---Would sit near him while he was milking the cow-he would occasionally squirt the milk in your direction-just like some do with cats or dogs-or he would squirt the milk into a glass or cup for you to drink.Actually liked it-had a pleasent,sweet sort of taste-and rich.And enjoyed cranking the cream separator!was sort of neat.After drinking the milk along with my brothers and sister-we are still alive.Guess you do have a risk if you drink such milk daily.And my uncle would put the milk into those large milk cans(so valued by collectors today)to be sent to the pasturization plant and market.
 
It will become increasingly difficult to live in a world that isn't connected (to the internet) as the youngest generation seem to have little regard for privacy. They don't remember a world without Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter.

NYCWriter-- You mentioned raw milk recipes. Does raw milk behave differently than pasteurized milk in recipes? I could swear I used to see raw milk in the grocery store when I was a kid (1960s-early 1970s). Was the product once above ground?
 
As for the appliances:  It's inevitable that appliances will connect to the internet, especially since we've nearly hit a wall concerning energy usage.  You'll have the option to let the 'net scan your energy supplier for low-demand rates and start your dishwasher or washer at those times. Electricity is basically the same price 24/7 out here on the lone prairie, so that won't apply.  And I can see how having a recipe flash up on your cooktop would be enticing.  No bulky iPad or phone on the countertop.

 

I agree with you about Whirlpool's dryer, Malcolm.  It's the 21st century, for god's sake! If you're going to give the world a window into your dryer, then at least dress it up a bit.  The washer interior gleams, while the dryer looks cheap.

 

Art elements:  Reminds me of when a couple of companies tried putting "mod" art elements on appliances in the late '60s-early 70s. Remember the garish flower-power wallpaper look?  Yeesh.  Probably great from a collector's standpoint, but I wouldn't want one.
 
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