Just about a year ago, LG talked about their futuristic
refrigerator that has multiple “smart” capabilities. Since the fridge is
connected to the Internet through a WiFi connection, it can help manage the
contents inside. It includes features such as when your food is expiring, provides
you with recipes that incorporate those perishing foods, creates an electronic
grocery list of the items you need, and has the ability for you to order
groceries right through the screen on your refrigerator (LG
Smart Fridge Spots Spoiled Food, Orders Groceries).
Today, most manufacturers of appliances are continuing in the
direction of the future by connecting them to the Internet. Similarly, Google
started their virtual shopping experience with Google Shopping Express. So many
new technologies are enhancing the user experience with traditional items. For
example, you may not even need to go to the store anymore; your fridge will
tell you what you need, communicate with an app like Google Shopping Express,
and automatically order it for you.
The future of smart appliances is looking bright and adding a
Virtual Butler to the mix will further simplify the experience of the
Internet of Everything - i.e. coffee machines, washing machines/dryers,
dishwashers, air conditioners, etc. The Virtual Agent comes into play to help
manage all these appliances from one user interface. Instead of having to go to
multiple apps, you can go to a "Siri-like" Virtual Agent and be able
to turn on the washing machine that you forgot to turn on in the morning from
your phone and in the same moment turn off the coffee pot that you forgot that
morning as well.
If a Virtual Butler was within your arm's reach today, what would
you use it for? Can you imagine a world where the butler provides
troubleshooting, support, and sales advice in the same user interface that you
use to control your connected home and devices?
Happy Throwback Thursday!
