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(Image: Whirlpool)
Most new appliances have Wi-Fi connectivity. Whirlpool, Samsung, LG and Samsung have all spent years developing and expanding the "smart appliances" category. They offer machines that can be controlled remotely from their smartphones. However, even though these machines are popular, most people don't use their smart features.
According to the Wall Street Journal, LG's ThinQ smart appliance category is not connecting to the internet in half of its WiFi-compatible devices. Whirlpool has seen about half its smart appliance customers connect to Wi-Fi. Both brands have dedicated a large portion of their appliance resources in making and selling smart ranges and dishwashers, microwaves and washing machines. It's frustrating for them to see a relative lack interest from customers who already own these machines.
Smart appliances such as those made by LG and Whirlpool have many convenient features like cycle completion notifications, refrigerator water filter monitoring, smart textile laundering and energy-saving "vacation mode" modes. These appliances can also receive over-the air updates that fix user experience issues and introduce new features like Cafe Appliances' "air fry" mode.
(Image: LG)
However, all that glitters isn't gold. These smart appliances have as many disadvantages as they have advantages, according to customers. Some users worry that smart appliances could spy on them, as LG smart TV and Roomba robot vacuum. This is despite growing consumer privacy concerns. LG even stated to the Wall Street Journal smart appliance users that they cannot opt out from data sharing. These concerns are so validated that the Mozilla Foundation maintains an "Privacy not Included" list to keep track of devices' privacy oversteps.
External interference is also possible with Wi-Fi connectivity. Every smart home appliance and device that connects with the internet can be hacked. This led PCMag colleagues to create a smart home protection guide. Many people are concerned that government agencies and appliance manufacturers could form partnerships to steal customer data, or shut down devices after they have not been paid. You'll also need a Wi-Fi password to change or an app interface that is difficult to use, and you have an offline appliance.
LG stated to the Wall Street Journal more than 80% its major home appliances are connected. It could be that other appliance manufacturers are following similar statistics. This could indicate that consumers have stopped looking for smart appliances. Smart device companies often sell their products at a cost knowing that they will make a profit on the accessories and customer data later. This is how my home's builder installed smart home devices for the entire duration of my construction. True to form, I have never used those smart features.
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By: Adrianna Nine
Title: Report: Only Half of Smart Appliance Customers Connect Them to Wi-Fi
Sourced From: www.extremetech.com/internet/342590-report-only-half-of-smart-appliance-customers-connect-them-to-wi-fi
Published Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:22:20 +0000
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