LG is bringing a host of smart appliance tech to CES this year, including a new service that lets you control your air conditioner, washer, dishwasher, and Wi-Fi speakers via text messages. Also on the docket? A fridge with a built-in camera that lets you see what’s inside—even when you’re at the grocery store
HomeChat, which LG calls a “virtual assistant,” lets users talk to their home appliances and electronics in plain English via natural language processing. Smart appliance owners just have to download the LINE messaging app (available for most smartphone platforms, including iOS and Android), add their appliances as contacts, and start texting them the same way they would a real, live human being.
The refrigerator is evolving into a new member of the household. Consider FirstBuild’s ChillHub, a refrigerator with eight USB ports, an iOS smartphone and tablet app and built-in WiFi connectivity. Users can plug 3D-printed accessories into the USB ports, like a milk scale that records how much milk is left. The fridge’s Green Bean circuit bridge board allows users to create their own custom accessories. Competing for the title of “smartest refrigerator” is the LG RF874SBSS, a HomeChat-equipped refrigerator that uses a Smart View built-in camera to enable homeowners to check the meat compartment’s contents via their smartphone app.
New LG Translucent fridge
LG showed off their new Signature Refrigerator, that comes packed with some innovative new features. The right door has a translucent window embedded into it, that when knocked on, will activate the light inside. This allows you to check inside the frige, without opening the door, saving energy on lost cool air. The door also has an auto-open sensor — so it can open when your hands are full.