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A year in the life of the Whirlpool Smart Home

August 10, 2016 – How will our lives change with the advent of more devices connected to the Internet and constantly connected to each other and humans? Remote control of various devices is just an exciting toy for high-tech connoisseurs, or the Internet of Things could really change our daily lives? According to a new study by Whirlpool

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, Remote appliance control has already impacted the lives of real families. The ability to remotely connect to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators is transforming the way appliances are used, making them even easier and more enjoyable to use, and optimising water and electricity consumption.

Whirlpool

After launching the first series of products that work as a single unit in networked mode in 2015, Whirlpool – the world’s number one major appliance company – released the results of a long-term study that evaluated the real performance of remotely controlled devices.

A year-long qualitative study of 21 families, each using a new set of remote-controlled Whirlpool appliances. Launched in mid-2015, the Whirlpool 6th Sense Live Suite collection of appliances, which includes the SupremeCare washer and dryer, Supreme NoFrostCombi refrigerator and PowerDry dishwasher, suggests using Wi-Fi to remotely monitor and control appliances via tablets and smartphones based on the Whirlpool 6th Sense Live Suite mobile app.


Marco Signa, Senior Manager Strategic Development Whirlpool EMEA“It was important for us to create innovative, yet simple and intuitive home appliances, as well as to develop quality new features that bring real value to the consumer. The smart home must adapt to the needs of modern families, and work in perfect harmony with their daily wishes. Not only did we create the first appliance kit that really makes everyday life easier, but we also continue to continually research the experiences of real families, which helps us a lot to improve our products and technology”.


Whirlpool

During an interview one year after using Whirlpool’s innovative solutions, families rated the Whirlpool 6th Sense Live Suite mobile system positively. The washing machine received the most rave reviews – it was with this product that users could really appreciate the interaction through the app. In addition to the overall pleasant experience of using the app, families noted the ability to remotely control a household appliance and set a wash cycle at the most appropriate time, such as when the cost of electricity is significantly reduced. Interestingly, the simple “fan-factor,” “learning through fun,” also helps involve more family members in the day-to-day chores.

Real savings

The main advantage of Whirlpool 6th Sense LIVE has been the informative nature of the app. Users appreciated the information on energy consumption, cycle time and amount of water used, which helped them decide how and when to use the appliance. Information about costs and advantageous water and electricity tariffs, depending on the time of use, was also useful. As a result, users not only got a great result from their appliances, but they were also able to cut costs.

Intuitive functionality

Often modern appliances are equipped with many functions, which are mostly not used by consumers because of the lack of information about their purpose and capabilities. One of the main advantages of Whirlpool’s remote-controlled appliances was the intuitive interface both of the products themselves and of the mobile app . The Whirlpool 6TH SENSE LIVE app sends interactive prompts for every function and option, which gets well-deserved high marks from users.

Home Appliances

Ongoing monitoring

Another advantage of remotely controlled devices is the ability to know what’s going on with an appliance, even when you’re away from home. For example, the user will be notified when the dishwasher and washing machine cycle is complete, as well as when the refrigerator door has been left open. This simple feature has proven surprisingly useful for those parents whose children don’t always close the refrigerator door behind them.

Interactive training

As well as changing the way household appliances are used in the information age, Whirlpool’s entertainment-learning interface is designed to involve more members of the family in household chores. Using the Whirlpool 6TH SENSE LIVE app for mobile devices, even more family members began to manage appliances themselves and have a fun and rewarding experience. Thanks to the entertainment element in the remote control of the appliances, a huge part of the housework usually done by women wives, mothers became evenly divided between men husbands, fathers and children.


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Whirlpool Corporation CUFT, in-house research, June 2015. Based on results from a series of interviews with 15 families involved in a test in Brescia, Italy. Participants talked about their individual experiences with appliances, between 2014 and 2015.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 2
  1. Aspen

    What specific features and functionalities does the Whirlpool Smart Home offer?

    Reply
  2. Jack Wallace

    I’m intrigued by the concept of the Whirlpool Smart Home! Can you share some insights into its functionality, and how it has improved your daily life? Has the integration of smart technology simplified household tasks, and is it worth investing in for someone looking to make their home more efficient and convenient?

    Reply
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