You know the world of small appliances has gone nuts: Smart Phone integrated Rice Cooker

[mattl]

I think the appliance world has past it's zenith with this, we really have to be on the down-slope side.  You have to be VERY dedicated to your rice if you actually want one of these.  Not to mention the price --- a modest $1075.00!  Yes, I did not misplace the decimal...

 

 

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/03/16/panasonic-reveals-worlds-first-smartphone-integrated-rice-cooker-no-wonder-they-have-a-10-2bn-deficit/

 

[autowasherfreak]

I'll pass, LOL.

 

[arbilab]

Do you call it to order dinner? Or does it call you when rice is ready?

(spoof) In the US we hire illegal aliens to do that and they don't cost $1075.

 

[qualin]

Sounds like the engineers were practicing a bit of ChinDogu!

I once got into a very good discussion with an engineer at V-Tech. He mentioned to me that they have Chindogu days where they try and "Invent" a product nobody would use.

The best I heard was a combination portable wireless phone and tire gauge.

Chindōgu - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[hunter]

while I wouldn't want this either...

...I'm reminded of the invention of the adhesive that has led to post it notes.

 

[58limited]

product nobody would use: The best I heard was a combination

I'd probably use that.

 

[mattl]

qualin, I like that word and the concept behind it.  Might apply to many items in today's world.

 

[arbilab]

I've got it! A cellphone that controls the shower temperature but is NOT waterproof!

 

[qualin]

You know the strangest thing? I've actually seen solar powered flashlights...

One could say that there are plenty of small appliances and kitchen gadgets which seem to be the epiphany of chindogu...

 

[rapunzel]

I think it's just another example of the 'lets do it because we can' syndrome, instead of 'lets not do it, because it's fundamentally pointless' rationalism. Interestingly, with all this connectivity going on people are becoming more and more isolated, socially dysfunctional, depressed and afflicted with eating and behavioral disorders. Or, maybe, this is the answer to treating our afflicted young. This could enable them to connect with their rice cooker in meaningful ways.

 

[revvinkevin]

Hmmm.....

 

 

I think this (and other) companies need to be reminded or tought.... less is more!

 

Kevin