Whirlpool Brand Smart Appliances Get a Little Smarter with Amazon and Google Collaborations

Voice control capabilities in kitchen and laundry lineup help families care smarter

News provided by

Jan 08, 2018, 09:05 ET

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Care is hectic. From juggling laundry to prepping dinner to tackling homework, the day's responsibilities can seem daunting and many times hard to manage. That's why select Whirlpool® smart appliances now support the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing families to control their appliances from anywhere in the house with simple voice commands.[1] So whether in the other room helping with homework or cooking dinner with messy hands, families can care for their loved ones better, faster and smarter.

"We believe a smart home should learn, adapt and grow with how families care for each other," said Jennifer Tayebi, communications brand manager, Whirlpool brand. "By teaming up with Google and Amazon we're providing families with a unique way to interact with their appliances to get chores done their way and on their time."

Benefits of the Google and Amazon collaborations include:

Hands-free Help From the Google Assistant: With voice command capabilities throughout the kitchen lineup, families can ask how much time is left on the microwave, set and adjust cooking mode, set temperature and time on the range, start a cycle on the dishwasher or set temperatures in the refrigerator.
Voice-control Appliances with Amazon Alexa: In addition to capabilities in the kitchen, simple voice commands in the laundry lineup allow families to start, stop and pause the washer or ask how much time is left on the dryer. We're also making it easier than ever to use voice control through Alexa-enabled devices. Now families can simply ask "Alexa, defrost five pounds of chicken." or say "microwave for two minutes on high."

"With more connected home devices introduced each year, it can be a challenge to make sure they all remain interconnected," said Ryan Craig, senior manager, internet of things global strategy and partnerships. "By introducing the collaboration with the Google Assistant on Google Home in addition to our previous collaboration with Amazon, we're hoping to offer a more connected smart home ecosystem for families."

In addition to voice-controlled capabilities with Amazon Alexa, Whirlpool brand is also introducing Amazon Virtual Dash Buttons to its refrigerators that have touchscreens. With virtual Dash Buttons, Prime customers can order their favorite everyday products like beverages, snacks or paper towels straight from their LCD screen on their appliances. Running low on sparkling water? Simply press your Dash Button and it will arrive with fast and free Prime shipping.

From January 9-12, CES® attendees can get up close to all Whirlpool brand innovations with voice control capabilities at booth #41725 in the Smart Home section, located at the Sands Expo Center.

For more information on the company's care-centric product innovations and to join the conversation, visit ces.whirlpool.com and follow #CareSmarter.

[1] Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App required. Features subject to change. For details and privacy statement, visit whirlpool.com/connect

About Whirlpool Brand
For more than one hundred years, Whirlpool brand has been inspired by how people care for their families. Whirlpool brand is designing home appliances that are focused on improving how families give and get the care they need with the latest technologies and innovations – whether that means most flexible refrigerator storage for all types of family needs, induction technology for efficient cooking and easier cleaning, or laundry pairs that sense and adapt to clothes with the latest in connected technologies. Whirlpool brand is part of Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Whirlpool Corporation is also one of Habitat for Humanity's largest corporate partners for over 15 dedicated years, donating a refrigerator and range to every new Habitat for Humanity home built in North America. For more information on Whirlpool, please visit whirlpool.com/everydaycare or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/whirlpoolusa or Twitter at @WhirlpoolUSA. Additional information about the company can be found at whirlpoolcorp.com.

SOURCE Whirlpool brand