Electrolux has announced that it has joined Google’s Early Access Program for its Brillo operating system and Weave communications protocol for the Internet of things (IoT), aimed at developing connected appliances for smart homes.
Speaking at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Electrolux chief operations officer and R&D head Jan Brockmann commented: “Electrolux is committed to shaping the future of connected appliances to deliver great experiences to consumers every day, whether it’s making great tasting food for their families or better managing their homes. We are very excited about this cooperation with Google and look forward to working together to develop smart home solutions based on Brillo and Weave.
“Electrolux also remains firmly committed to the open platform initiative AllSeen Alliance, where we are one of the premium partners. There are several initiatives active now to establish standards for the smart home. While we prefer an open global platform, we have consistently said that we will be open for different solutions in the best interest of our consumers.”
Google invited a limited number of early access partners in May 2015 to work on Brillo operating system (OS) and Weave communication protocol. In October it was opened up to the broader developer community. Electrolux cooperation with Google started in September 2015.
At CES 2016, Electrolux demonstrated connected ovens running on Google Weave/Brillo in Google’s displays. Electrolux also showed connected ovens running the AllJoyn protocol in the public Allseen Alliance booth and in Qualcomm’s booth at the Springhill Suites.
The Electrolux connected steam ovens on display at CES are equipped with the CookView camera; a camera that provides a live feed directly from the oven to a mobile device (iOS or Android). Through the mobile application and WiFi access, the camera gives consumers an overview of the food in the oven, Electrolux explains.
With the accompanying app, consumers can start the cooking process through a mobile device and also respond instantly, changing temperature and humidity level or switching function, with a simple touch or swipe on the smartphone or tablet. Users can choose from hundreds of professional recipes in the app database. Notifications alert consumers as to when to get actively involved in the cooking process.
Within the social feed section of the app, consumers have access to food inspiration from social channels and can also share cooking results with friends, captured live from the camera in the oven.
“We have a consumer-focused approach to connected appliances and believe that smart homes will become truly interesting to consumers when we offer products and services that enhance the experience of their everyday tasks,” added Jan Brockmann. “Our connected appliances will deliver value by addressing their unmet needs – it’s not just technology for technology’s sake.”
The connected oven based on the AllJoyn platform will be launched in Europe in April 2016.
