Smart Appliances: The Future of Convenience or a Marketing Fad?

The consumer electronics industry has been abuzz with the introduction of smart appliances, from vacuums to refrigerators, that promise to revolutionize the way we live and work. But are these features that people want, or are they just a marketing gimmick to get us excited about the latest and greatest tech?

• Samsung’s new line of Bespoke AI appliances includes a vacuum cleaner with text and call alerts, a refrigerator that can play trivia games and watch videos, and a combination washer/dryer that can display incoming calls on its screen when linked to a phone.
• GE boasts of its “AI-powered kitchen, laundry, and shopping innovations,” including a refrigerator that can give recipe suggestions based on a photo of its contents.
• LG claims its “Affectionate Intelligence” can “thoughtfully care for everyone in your home.”

Industry watchers are divided on what’s driving manufacturers to push the boundaries of AI and smart appliance tech. Some believe it’s to create media buzz, while others think it’s to test out new use cases and see what sticks.

1. Stacey Higginbotham, a policy fellow at Consumer Reports, suggests that companies are using AI to create “fancy new objects to gain attention.”
2. Rick Kowalski, the senior director of business intelligence at the Consumer Technology Association, says that companies are testing out new use cases to see what might stick in the years to come.
3. Elizabeth Parks, the president and chief marketing officer at Parks Associates, believes that new AI appliances often incorporate features to maximize energy efficiency.

Some experts believe that the data collected from these smart appliances can help create a service model, where manufacturers sell the appliance and then offer maintenance and support.

“It creates a service model, right? You sell the large appliance, the refrigerator or the washer dryer, and then maybe you sell the maintenance that goes with it.” – Elizabeth Parks, president and chief marketing officer at Parks Associates.

However, there are also concerns about hacking and privacy implications when connecting devices to the internet. Consumers should be aware that devices will need software updates, and it’s not always clear how long they will be supported.

Despite the concerns, some experts believe that the benefits of smart appliances outweigh the risks. For example, a refrigerator can provide energy efficiency and suggest maintenance, which can save consumers money.

What Do People Want?

Manufacturers have a long way to go in getting people to buy into smart and AI appliances. Only 15% of households own a smart large appliance, according to a survey by the Consumer Technology Association and Consumer Reports.

• Some people are attracted to the promise of a “smart home ecosystem,” where all devices can be controlled by an app on the phone or on a central hub.
• Others want the latest and greatest tech, but may not be willing to pay the premium for it.
• Cost is also a major factor, with many people hesitant to pay for premium AI appliances due to concerns about added value and security and privacy implications.

Despite the challenges, manufacturers are committed to making smart appliances a reality. As one expert noted, “Manufacturers talk a pretty good game about this, but the features they deliver are not really there yet.”

“Ultimately, I don’t think AI features are worth the premium compared with buying a simpler, high-quality appliance from a reputable brand at a similar or lower price,” wrote CNET’s Ajay Kumar.

Conclusion

Smart appliances are a complex and multifaceted topic, with both benefits and drawbacks. While some experts believe that the data collected from these appliances can help create a service model, others are concerned about hacking and privacy implications.