Smart Appliances

Appliances are going "high tech" and will be integrated into "networked homes". Sun, GTE, Cisco and other industry partners (Sears, Whirlpool, and Bosch included) are working on a home technology network referred to as "Connected Family" architecture. This new technology links appliances to various modes of communication such as the Internet, cable, satellite, and phone lines. Installing cable or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) service is suggested.

It will work like this--a toy is thrown in the family's Bosch dishwasher and causes a malfunction. The dishwasher, being networked, contacts the Bosch service center. The problem is diagnosed remotely and an appointment is made with the homeowner for service. If the homeowner is not home when the technician arrives, a camera at the front door takes a picture of the technician and sends it to your mobile phone. You will then see the image on the mobile phone and can talk to that person and let them in the door remotely. This technology goes even further-you can also have a "Web panel," TV, or screen phone show the image of visitors at the door before you answer it.

Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Thalia Products, Inc., a company owned by Sunbeam Corporation, are also developing communications technology linked to appliances. The network is known as HLT™ (Home Linking Technology™) and plans to network electrical devices such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, kitchen consoles, coffeemakers, electric blankets, etc. "in a simple, reliable, and affordable manner."

Other future options include getting a discount from your utility company for automatically setting appliances to start during off-peak hours and taking private cooking lessons from your favorite chef in the privacy of your own kitchen.

ADDITIONAL READING:
"Smart Homes for Dummies" by Danny Briere and Pat Hurley, published by IDG Books