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As the unpredictable and innovative world of technology continues to
grow at an express rate, smartphone users could soon find themselves
paying their phone provider for more than just their calls.
It seems the ever-changing digital landscape has forced marketers to
continually rethink content and come up with further and better ways to
connect with consumers.
Just as the American multinational telecommunications corporation, AT&T,
announced its forthcoming Digital Life Home Security and Automation
project, which allows users to control aspects of their home, via their
smartphone, Samsung has launched its versatile home appliance range (Smart Appliances).
So if having a bill from your network for your smartphone was not
enough, users could soon begin racking up additional costs for
appliances, such as the fridge.
The South Korean-based phone giant has launched its T9000-LCD
French-door Refrigerator, which not only comes complete with a 10-inch
LCD Screen featuring calendars, weather and recipes, but also comes with
pre-loaded apps, such as Evernote.
In-built fridge tablet
The Android-based Samsung refrigerator has a tablet installed on the
front of the fridge, allowing the user to create a shared grocery list
on the refrigerator.
If someone adds to the list, even while another person is shopping, the list will update and appear on their mobile device.
The fridge’s ‘grocery manager’ also helps you keep track of what’s
going into the fridge so after you set an expiration date, a note pops
up on the screen letting you know what is about to expire.
You can also tell the program what options you have available for dinner and it searches the food and cookery site Epicurious, to find a recipe using your ingredients.
A Samsung spokesman said: “Convenience, ease of use, organization and connectivity are the heart of Samsung home appliances.”
Control lights and locks from home
Another company looking for more ways to weave into consumers’ lives
is AT&T. From March, the company will offer users the opportunity to
control, secure and manage their homes from ‘virtually’ anywhere – at a
price of course.
The venture will allow users to turn down the thermostat at home
without leaving the office, catch a live video of what is going on at
home, or lock the back door from the other side of town.
“Whether you’re concerned about intruders, want to check in on your
loved ones or pets, or simply want to monitor your energy use, AT&T
Digital Life gives consumers control to secure and manage their homes
from virtually anywhere,” an AT&T spokesman said.
The plan equips customers with control of their homes from a
smartphone, tablet or PC – regardless of wireless carrier or broadband
provider.
Users can chose from a variety of packages involving an array of
wireless enabled devices and options – such as appliance and lighting
controls, window/door sensors, smoke, carbon monoxide, motion and glass
break sensors, door locks, thermostats, cameras, moisture detection and
water shut-off.
What would you like to control at home from your smartphone?
