Sensors working overtime: LG's SmartThinQ Sensors recognise changes in temperature, movement or vibration.
A new sensor, set to debut at this week's IFA 2015 in Berlin, Germany can be fitted to a host of existing home appliances in order to make them smarter and more connected.
The LG SmartThinQ Sensor can be fitted to everything from washing machine doors to the inside of a refrigerator and is designed to recognise changes in temperature, movement or vibration.
So it can instinctively tell when a washing machine's spin cycle is coming to an end or if someone has left the fridge door open and send that information to a supporting app.
"Adoption of smart home appliances has been slow because of the perception that the technology is not easily accessible," said Jo Seong-jin, president and chief executive officer of the LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company.
And because it is simple to install, the device could prove to be an equally straightforward way of allowing skeptical consumers to test drive the Internet of things before committing to connected appliances wholeheartedly.
Although the buzz around the technology is reaching a crescendo, studies highlight that, for the moment at least, consumers are only intrigued by devices and services that offer tangible benefits now.
When questioned, people are most likely to say that they are interested in connected home security systems for ultimate peace of mind – or in smart thermostats as a means of cutting utilities bills.
At the start of the year, 37% of US broadband homes were getting ready to take a bet on their first connected home device, according to Parks Associates. However, as 2015 has progressed, consumers appear to be cooling on further connectivity.
One issue is interoperability. People are worried that a device from one company won't work with another appliance or service provided by a competitor. And the other is cost. For example, a smart fridge can cost between US$3,500 (RM14,675) and US$5,000 (RM20,960).
The SmartThinQ Sensor tackles the first issue by being compatible with AllJoyn. An open Internet of Things platform created by the Allseen Alliance, AllJoyn ensures that differing devices speak the same language. The organisation has already signed up 180 different companies including LG, Microsoft, Electrolux, Qualcomm, Sony and Philips, and its open nature means that individual programmers with a great idea could develop apps using the platform that will link different devices – say for example thermostats, lighting systems and the oven together – to create potentially valuable services or features.
LG is yet to confirm pricing for the sensors which are to be showcased alongside the company's latest flagship connected home appliances, the Smart Lightwave Oven and Smart Air Conditioner. — AFP Relaxnews
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