Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LG announces upgraded Smart ThinQ appliances, average refrigerator IQ set to rise in 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/lg-smart-thinq-appliances/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/lg-smart-thinq-appliances/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/lg-smart-thinq-appliances/#comments ThinQ Were last year's ThinQ appliances from LG just not quite... sophisticated enough for you? Well, noble reader, screw that monocle a little tighter into your eye and get a load of this year's crop, which LG has dubbed Smart ThinQ. This includes a whole range of appliances like washing machines, ovens and even the company's robotic vacuum cleaners. Most promising to us is the refrigerator, which sports an LCD that indicates what food is in the refrigerator, where it's located and when it expires -- information that you can access from your similarly smart phone as well. That sounds fascinating, but it also sounds just like last year's more remedial ThinQ models, so we're not sure how much new functionality is included in this update. We'll endeavor to go find out once these hit the CES show floor next week.

Continue reading LG announces upgraded Smart ThinQ appliances, average refrigerator IQ set to rise in 2012

LG announces upgraded Smart ThinQ appliances, average refrigerator IQ set to rise in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceappliancescesces 2012Ces2012householdlglqrefrigeratorsmart appliancessmart thinqSmartAppliancesSmartThinqthingthinqwashing machineWashingMachineThu, 05 Jan 2012 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Siemens shows off iPad-controlled homeConnect appliances]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/siemens-shows-off-ipad-controlled-homeconnect-appliances/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/siemens-shows-off-ipad-controlled-homeconnect-appliances/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/siemens-shows-off-ipad-controlled-homeconnect-appliances/#comments You use your mobile device for pretty much everything these days, right? So why not the kitchen? That was part of Siemens' pitch today at IFA -- the ability to control your cooking and dish washing from afar. The company debuted homeConnect, a "networked kitchen," which lets homeowners check on their energy consumption, shut down appliances remotely, receive notifications when the washing is done and view the contents of their fridges in real time -- with the help of internal cameras trained at the food. By downloading recipes from the internet, users can also import temperature and cooking times. This isn't the first time we've seen some kitchen-based connectivity, of course -- LG debuted the similar smartphone-based Thinq line at CES earlier this year.

Gallery: Siemens homeConnect

Continue reading Siemens shows off iPad-controlled homeConnect appliances

Siemens shows off iPad-controlled homeConnect appliances originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceappliancesautomationconnected homeConnectedHomehome automationHomeAutomationIfa2011refrigeratorrefrigeratorsSiemenswasherwashing machineWashingMachinewashingtonWed, 31 Aug 2011 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Control4, Sub-Zero get in on the home automation game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/control4-sub-zero-get-in-on-the-home-automation-game/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/control4-sub-zero-get-in-on-the-home-automation-game/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/control4-sub-zero-get-in-on-the-home-automation-game/#comments While brands like LG, Samsung, and Kenmore all showed off their own special brand of Jetsonian appliances at CES this year, Sub-Zero was close by touting a stable of 30 automation-ready products and a partnership with Control4 that could make them a contender for home automation domination. Sub-Zero's ZigBee-based system uses preexisting serial ports (initially installed for diagnostic purposes) to connect users to appliances via touchscreens, smart phones, and other enabled devices. The system lacks full control of potentially dangerous appliances like the oven, instead acting as an alert system when, say, your turkey is done roasting, but it does grant complete access to things like your refrigerator or freezer. Other systems might sport increased functionality, like LG's Thinq, which allows users to set oven temperatures remotely, and Samsung's fridge, which lets you tweet from a built-in touchscreen, but Sub-Zero is hoping a second-quarter release will put them at the head of the pack. We'll see if a head start makes a difference in the glacial appliance market, when Samsung rolls out its smart refrigerator this May and Kenmore's system comes to fruition in 2012.

Control4, Sub-Zero get in on the home automation game originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceappliancesautomated homeAutomatedHomeconnected homeConnectedHomecontrol4Home AutomationHomeAutomationkitchenkitchensovenovensrefrigeratorrefrigeratorsSamsungRf4289smart appliancesmart appliancesSmartApplianceSmartAppliancessub zerosub-zeroSub-zero appliancesSub-zeroAppliancesSubZerowirelesszigbeeFri, 21 Jan 2011 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung WiFi-enabled RF4289 fridge cools, eats and tweets; we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/samsung-wifi-enabled-rf4289-fridge-cools-eats-and-tweets-we-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/samsung-wifi-enabled-rf4289-fridge-cools-eats-and-tweets-we-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/samsung-wifi-enabled-rf4289-fridge-cools-eats-and-tweets-we-go/#comments
Other brands may view networked fridges as the key to going green, but it seems Samsung is more interested in letting users access Pandora or tweet while grabbing a snack. At least that's the impression we got from its staff while playing with the RF4289 fridge at CES, which the brand touts is the first of its kind to feature integrated WiFi. To be fair the unit provides a few pragmatic features too like the ability to view Google calendars, check the weather, download recipes from Epicurious, or leave digital notes -- though we'd have been more impressed by functions such as remote temperature adjustment or food spoilage alerts. We also found that the stainless steel exterior made reading the 8-inch LCD touchscreen screen difficult from more than a few feet away. Otherwise, further details on the software and definite pricing are nonexistent at this point, but we do know the appliance will be available to cutting-edge Canadians sometime in May. For more details check out shots of the UI in the gallery below, and hit up Samsung's vague press release after the break.

Gallery: Samsung Wi-Fi-enabled RF4289 fridge

Continue reading Samsung WiFi-enabled RF4289 fridge cools, eats and tweets; we go hands-on

Samsung WiFi-enabled RF4289 fridge cools, eats and tweets; we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceappliancesappscesces 2011ces2011connected homeConnectedHomeepicuriousEpicurious.comfridgegoogle calendarGoogleCalendarhands-onInternetpandorarefrigeratorrefrigeratorsRF4289samsungSamsung RF4289SamsungRf4289smart appliancesmart appliancesSmartApplianceSmartAppliancestwitterwi-fiwifiWed, 12 Jan 2011 22:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Electrolux Bio Robot Refrigerator: because you want to store your food in ectoplasm]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/electrolux-bio-robot-refrigerator-because-you-want-to-store-you/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/electrolux-bio-robot-refrigerator-because-you-want-to-store-you/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/electrolux-bio-robot-refrigerator-because-you-want-to-store-you/#comments Well, what do we have here? Oh, just an insane fridge concept that we can really get behind... because we want to store our food in green goo without using any electricity. The Bio Robot refrigerator works by cooling a biopolymer gel via luminescence. Food gets loaded into the gel, and the surface tension of the gel creates an individual pod for each piece added, meaning that nothing is touching anything else, and no odors transfer. The refrigerator itself would take up a lot less space than current models, and could apparently be stored horizontally, vertically, or in zero gravity conditions! So how close to reality is this thing? Sadly, probably not very. Hit up the source for more images of this kitchen beauty.

Electrolux Bio Robot Refrigerator: because you want to store your food in ectoplasm originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconceptsfridgekitchenrefrigeratorthe futureTheFutureyanko designYankoDesignMon, 21 Jun 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar buildings, solar stadiums, and an algae-powered lamp]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/inhabitats-week-in-green-houses-stadiums-and-an-algae-powere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/inhabitats-week-in-green-houses-stadiums-and-an-algae-powere/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/13/inhabitats-week-in-green-houses-stadiums-and-an-algae-powere/#comments
The Week in Green is a new item from our friends at Inhabitat, recapping the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us.
The past week Inhabitat saw solar-powered transportation soar into space as Japan successfully unfurled the world's first solar sail aboard its Ikaros spacecraft. We continued our transportation coverage by taking a took a look at a futuristic plant-powered photosynthetic concept car that seats riders within an enclosed jungle canopy. However if the Inhabitat editors commuted to work, it would probably be via these amazing solar-powered shrub cars!

In other news, the world of architecture is heating up with the onset of summer as countries around the globe gear up to unveil high-tech sun-powered homes at the European Solar Decathlon. This week we took a look at two of our favorites - the solar shelled Armadillo Box House and Finland's hyper-insulated Luuku House, which is expected to generate more energy than it consumes. We also celebrated the launch of the 2010 World Cup by taking a look at the technologies behind five stunning green stadiums that will be hosting this year's games in South Africa.

Speaking of the World Cup, this week were also excited to see the unveiling of a brand new version of the sOccket, an energy-generating soccer ball that scores a goal for green power in developing countries. We also took a look at a cheap solar-powered refrigerator for the developing world that can be assembled using local materials and could save millions of lives by storing and distributing vaccines.

Renewable energy was also a hot topic this week -- the UAE is blazing a trail with plans to construct a record-toppling solar plant that eclipses the size of every photovoltaic farm to date. We also saw home-grown algae power make its domestic debut in this gorgeous green Latro Lamp, which is fueled by a pond-scum powered bio-battery. And renewable energy took to the streets this week as telecom provider Orange unveiled a set of spiffy set of thermoelectric galoshes that charge your cellphone using heat from your feet.

Finally, this week we unveiled some incredible new uses for everyday materials as we announced the grand-prize winners of our 2010 Spring Greening DIY Design Competition. Speaking of innovative examples of repurposed design, we were also blown away by this open-source printer made from LEGO bricks and a felt-tip pen. And if you insist on continuing to use a standard printer, you can rest assured that there's an inspired re-use for those expired ink cartridges - Australia recently unveiled a bike path made from them!

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar buildings, solar stadiums, and an algae-powered lamp originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armadillo box houseArmadilloBoxHouseaustraliacareuropean solar decathalonEuropeanSolarDecathalongaloshesikarosinhabitatlatrolegoletro lampLetroLampluuku houseLuukuHousephotosynthesisrefrigeratorsoccketsolar carsolar powersolar power plantSolarCarSolarPowerSolarPowerPlantspring greeningSpringGreeningthermoelectricthermoelectric galoshesthermoelectric generatorThermoelectricGaloshesThermoelectricGeneratorthermoelectricityuaeweek in greenWeekInGreenSun, 13 Jun 2010 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Drozid: the tune-playing, gun-toting, unmanned autonomous mini-fridge (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/drozid-the-tune-playing-gun-toting-unmanned-autonomous-mini-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/drozid-the-tune-playing-gun-toting-unmanned-autonomous-mini-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/22/drozid-the-tune-playing-gun-toting-unmanned-autonomous-mini-f/#comments
When Katie Wilson, media designer with our friends at Make, went to pick up her pup recently, she was greeted not by the dog-sitter. Instead, it was Drozid -- part electric wheelchair, part refrigerator, part robot, wielding a laser-scoped air rifle -- that arrived with her change (and a cold beer). Technical details are scant, but it appears to have some obstacle avoidance capabilities (it deftly maneuvers around the parking lot, and even engages in a little soccer with a blue ball) and sports a front-mounted camera for POV monitoring from the inventor's remote compound (garage). Hit the coverage link below to see the thing in action.

Update: Just got a pretty awesome email from Shawn, the man behind the robot. He says it's currently being controlled remotely (as demonstrated in the video), but he is working on "a micro-controller brain with ultra sonic sensors and all that other stuff (compass, IR proximity, X-Bee, and more cameras)." And the impetus behind this project? "To fetch beer from the store around the corner." Brilliant!

Drozid: the tune-playing, gun-toting, unmanned autonomous mini-fridge (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydrozidfridgehackmodrefrigeratorThu, 22 Apr 2010 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY mini-fridge is just big enough for a can of soda, just odd enough to scare the FBI]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/diy-mini-fridge-is-just-big-enough-for-a-can-of-soda-just-odd-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/diy-mini-fridge-is-just-big-enough-for-a-can-of-soda-just-odd-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/27/diy-mini-fridge-is-just-big-enough-for-a-can-of-soda-just-odd-e/#commentsDIY mini-fridge is big enough for a can of soda, odd enough to scare the FBI Full-sized refrigerators are awfully easy to come by. Your average yard sale has one keg-sized example sitting in the corner (probably with the door removed), but what if you need something smaller? That's when you turn to instructables and learn how to put together this peltier-powered mini fridge. It has a trio of coolers (under)powered by a 55 watt, 5 volt power supply sprouting enough exposed transistors, wires, and fans to make it all look like something the Department of Homeland Security warned you about. It'll drop a can of soda down to a perfectly frosty 46F, but sadly nobody bothered to mention exactly how long that process takes -- hopefully a little less time than was required to stick the thing together with expanding foam.

[Via Hack A Day]

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DIY mini-fridge is just big enough for a can of soda, just odd enough to scare the FBI originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know, it seems that bigger is always thought to be better when it comes to refrigerators. Each year, we see these already goliath boxes growing even larger, though you won't catch us kvetching about making room for integrated LCDs. To that end, Fisher & Paykel is looking out for those of us cooped up in tiny apartments with the introduction of its IZONA CoolDrawer. As you can see, the unit looks more like a standard cabinet than a real deal fridge, and it reportedly does an outstanding job of preserving the few essentials that bachelors and space-constrained citizens keep on hand. Your guess is as good as ours when it comes to price, but let's just say you'll probably end up paying more for less, sadly.

[Via core77]

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IZONA CoolDrawer refrigerator chills with your pots and pans originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceCoolDrawerdrawerIZONAkitchenrefrigeratorFri, 27 Feb 2009 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung's CES household appliance lineup: everything but the kitchen sink]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/samsungs-ces-household-appliance-lineup-everything-but-the-kit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/samsungs-ces-household-appliance-lineup-everything-but-the-kit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/samsungs-ces-household-appliance-lineup-everything-but-the-kit/#comments
If you thought Samsung would stop at the home theater at CES 2009, you've got another thing coming... from the kitchen. The RFG299 French Door refrigerator not only includes an eco-friendly design, high-rate urethane insulation, LED interior lighting, an EZ-Open handle and 28.5 cubic feet of storage, but it also boasts a 7-inch LCD on the outside. As we make our way down to the laundry room, we find the WF448 front loading washer, which features the firm's VRT technology to reduce noise and vibrations; better still, the included Steam Refresh and Odor Removal settings are perfect for neutralizing those absolutely rotten tees that grow increasingly rank with every passing deathmatch. No prices are mentioned, but they should fit just fine on your wedding registry.

Gallery: Samsung's CES household appliance lineup: everything but the kitchen sink

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Samsung's CES household appliance lineup: everything but the kitchen sink originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, you want to keep that keg of Natural Ice you scored nice and cold, but what did Al Gore say about global warming? According to Professor Qiming Zhang and Penn State University, we can see a more eco-friendly kegerator appliance on the horizon -- courtesy of the growing field of ferroelectric polarpolymers. Instead of relying on gasses similar to Freon, a process which can only be performed with energy-intensive compressors and heating coils, the new kegerators will rely on something called magnetic field refrigeration. In magnetic field refrigeration, electricity is introduced to a polarpolymer, causing the usually disordered molecules of the polarpolymer to become highly ordered. As this happens, heat is dispersed and the material grows cold. When the electricity is switched off this process reverses itself. And this doesn't just mean more fun for the college crowd: someday Zhang predicts this technology will be used in everything from self-cooling gear for firefighters to chilling your CPU.

[Via The Future Of Things]

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Ferroelectric polarpolymers will chill your beer, save the planet originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kegkegeratormagnetic field refrigerationMagneticFieldRefrigerationPenn State UniversityPennStateUniversitypolarpolymerProfessor Qiming ZhangProfessorQimingZhangrefrigerationrefrigeratorSat, 13 Sep 2008 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Space-age Hitachi refrigerators spray your eats with antioxidants]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/01/space-age-hitachi-refrigerators-spray-your-eats-with-antioxidant/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/01/space-age-hitachi-refrigerators-spray-your-eats-with-antioxidant/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/01/space-age-hitachi-refrigerators-spray-your-eats-with-antioxidant/#commentsWe won't even pretend to act like we're fluent in Japanese, but based on our best understanding of machine translation, Hitachi has a few new refrigerators that will actually spritz your food with antioxidants and vitamins to keep things exceptionally fresh and clean (clean). The R-Y6000 and R-Y5400 will evidently sense what types of foods are stored in what compartments, after which a specified amount of nutrients will be emitted in order to keep things from spoiling too soon. We aren't too keen on a robotic fridge having the power to douse our grub with whatever chemical it pleases, but so long as it uses FDA-approved vitamins, minerals, HGH and anabolic steroids, we suppose we'll live.

[Thanks, Penny]

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Space-age Hitachi refrigerators spray your eats with antioxidants originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You think your liquid-cooled rig is pretty snazzy, don't you? After Purdue researchers get their technology on the streets, that stuff will seriously look like old hat. The team is working on a "miniature refrigeration system small enough to fit inside laptops and personal computers," which would hopefully boost cooling performance while enabling computers to be smaller. According to Suresh Garimella, they have "a very good handle on the technology," but it's still a ways from being implemented in end products. Don't worry though, we're sure the likes of Alienware and Voodoo PC will have it up as optional equipment just as soon as it clears the quality assurance lab.

[Via TheFutureOfThings, thanks Iddo]

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Purdue researchers want tiny refrigerators cooling your PC originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compressorcoolingevaporatorfrdigeoverheatoverheatingPurduerefrigeratorresearchuniversityThu, 24 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Whirlpool's centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/whirlpools-centralpark-system-reels-in-igo-charging-solution/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/whirlpools-centralpark-system-reels-in-igo-charging-solution/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/whirlpools-centralpark-system-reels-in-igo-charging-solution/#commentsThough Whirlpool managed to pick up a few new partners to make gizmos that played nice with its life-simplifying centralpark connection system back in January, there still aren't many options out there to make good use of it. Thankfully, the outfit has just lassoed in Mobility Electronics, which is all set to reveal its iGo charging station for centralpark refrigerators; the unit will enable users to juice up cellphones, DAPs, laptops and pretty much any other rechargeable gadget out there from the comfort of their own kitchen. The forthcoming device will obviously be compatible with every last iGo tip, theoretically allowing you to recharge "over 2,700 different gadgets with the simple switch of a tip." No word on pricing / availability, however.

[Via CNET, thanks Yossi]

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Whirlpool's centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 19:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>centralparkcookingfridgeiGokitchenMobility ElectronicsMobilityElectronicsrefrigeratorwhirlpoolWed, 21 May 2008 19:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Audiovox reveals Digital Message Centers: perfect for refrigerators]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/audiovox-reveals-digital-message-centers-perfect-for-refrigerat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/audiovox-reveals-digital-message-centers-perfect-for-refrigerat/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/audiovox-reveals-digital-message-centers-perfect-for-refrigerat/#comments
Yeah, it's true -- we've got a soft spot for quirky refrigerator magnets, so we're inclined to take favor with Audiovox's Digital Message Centers. As you can see above, the fridge-mountable units enable users to display photos for family to see, and folks can even record audio or video messages (on the DPF711K only) for others via the integrated camera / microphone. As if that wasn't snazzy enough, you can even tag messages to a calender for playback on specific dates, and we'd imagine the content would look fairly decent on the 7-inch 480 x 234 display. Think your kitchen's ready for it? You can grab the video-capable DPF711K for $199.99 or the audio-only DPF710K for $40 less.

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Audiovox reveals Digital Message Centers: perfect for refrigerators originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiovoxCESces 2008Ces2008Digital Message CenterDigitalMessageCenterhomebasepost-itrefrigeratorMon, 07 Jan 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Thermoacoustics behind all-in-one cooker, fridge, and generator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/thermoacoustics-behind-all-in-one-cooker-fridge-and-generator/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/thermoacoustics-behind-all-in-one-cooker-fridge-and-generator/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/thermoacoustics-behind-all-in-one-cooker-fridge-and-generator/#commentsSure, building up a campfire in order to roast some eats in the wilderness could be fun for awhile, but for the reported "two billion people that use open fires as their primary cooking method," we're sure it loses its luster somewhere along the line. The University of Nottingham is hoping to change all that, however, by attempting to develop an all-in-one gizmo that acts as a "cooker, a fridge, and a generator," and relies on biomass fuels for energy. The £2 million ($3.96 million) SCORE (Stove for Cooking, Refrigeration and Electricity) project seeks to create a "wood-powered generator capable of both cooking and cooling food," and it will purportedly rely on thermoacoustics to cut down on pollutants, increase efficiency, and be more reliable to future consumers in Africa and Asia. No word just yet on when this newfangled kitchen appliance will be ready to ship, but a portable version would probably do quite well in the camping market.

[Via CNET]

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Thermoacoustics behind all-in-one cooker, fridge, and generator originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2007 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-oneburningconglomeratedeveloping countriesDevelopingCountriesdo-it-allefficiencyelectricityemerging marketsEmergingMarketsenergyenergy efficientEnergyEfficientfiregeneratorkitchennottinghampovertypowerRefrigeratorscorestoveThermoacousticswoodWed, 16 May 2007 15:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Siemens refrigerator gets hacked, adds RFID communication]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/siemens-refrigerator-gets-hacked-adds-rfid-communication/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/siemens-refrigerator-gets-hacked-adds-rfid-communication/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/siemens-refrigerator-gets-hacked-adds-rfid-communication/#comments
Although we'd prefer at least a few things in our domicile remain non-intelligent, hooking our refrigerator up with a mind doesn't sound like a half bad idea. Sure, Samsung's already on the ball, but anyone interested in receiving SMS alerts about how out of date their milk is, which peanut butter not to buy, and whether Sally's favorite sherbet is all but empty isn't down with waiting another year. Thanks to Kim Otto of Denmark's Innovation Lab, along with RFID labels / readers, copper wiring, a PragmaSoft-enabled computer, and a (previously) TV-equipped fridge, the task has already been accomplished. Reportedly, the Siemens smart fridge prototype can judge all sorts of facts from foodstuffs that are tagged with RFID, and considering that it's also connected to the internet, it can be made to beam out emails or text messages to alert you of dwindling supplies or warn you of recalled produce. Best of all, the folks even took the time to video the newfangled creation, so be sure to click on through for the not-even-for-sale fridge of your dreams.

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading Siemens refrigerator gets hacked, adds RFID communication

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Siemens refrigerator gets hacked, adds RFID communication originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denmarkdiyfridgehackInnovation LabInnovationLabintelligent fridgeIntelligentFridgeinternetKim OttoKimOttokitchenkitchenwarerefrigeratorrfidSiemenssmstextingvideoMon, 23 Apr 2007 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Whirlpool unveils LCD-equipped centralpark Connection refrigerator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/whirlpool-unveils-lcd-equipped-centralpark-connection-refrigerat/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/whirlpool-unveils-lcd-equipped-centralpark-connection-refrigerat/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/whirlpool-unveils-lcd-equipped-centralpark-connection-refrigerat/#commentsWe already you know like to host parties at your pad rather than skirting out to a nearby club, but what good is a Party Dishwasher without a LCD-equipped refrigerator beside it? Enter Whirlpool's centralpark Connection, which boasts an "interchangeable interface (built-in LCD shown) that allows you to plug in an MP3 player, cellphone, digital photo album or a DVD / CD player" to keep your kitchen guests entertained. Aside from all the party luxuries, it also boasts an obligatory brushed aluminum finish, automatic ice / water dispenser, and a vertical freezer compartment. Notably, Whirlpool also states that this unit can keep family members in touch with "an interactive message board, web tablet, or family calendar," yet doesn't give us the slightest clue about how these nifty features are actually pulled off. Nevertheless, for folks looking to add a dash of excitement to an otherwise mundane kitchen mainstay can check out the centralpark Connection when it lands in limited quantites this Fall (mass rollout next Spring), but for now, click on through for a closeup.

[Via BornRich]

Continue reading Whirlpool unveils LCD-equipped centralpark Connection refrigerator

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Whirlpool unveils LCD-equipped centralpark Connection refrigerator originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appliancecentralparkentertainmentfridgekitchenrefrigeratorwhirlpoolMon, 29 Jan 2007 05:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung prepping RFID-enabled refrigerator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/04/samsung-prepping-rfid-enabled-refrigerator/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/04/samsung-prepping-rfid-enabled-refrigerator/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/04/samsung-prepping-rfid-enabled-refrigerator/#commentsSure, there's always that heated debate over whether or not RFID use in our everyday lives is beneficial or voyeuristic, but Samsung's forthcoming refrigerator most certainly falls in the former category. No, it doesn't sport a built-in LCD monitor, automatic thawing, pizza nook, or an invisibility cloak, but it does manage to keep a close on the amount of food remaining in your refrigerated containers. Moreover, this eagle-eyed fridge will purportedly be able to send a shopping list the owner's cellphone or directly to the supermarket when it detects your milk, juice, eggnog, or assortment of critical condiments are reaching dangerously low levels. As if this wasn't enough to lay down a pre-order, it will supposedly offer up recipes to users as well based on what's currently residing in your fridge. Of course, there's no (presumably lofty) pricetag attached to this pipedream just yet, but it is slated to hit retail floors "around 2008 or 2009," and maybe they'll enable it to physically visit the grocery store and shop for you in the meantime.

[Via textually]

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Samsung prepping RFID-enabled refrigerator originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foodfrdigegroceryhealthkoreareciperefrigeratorrfidsamsungshoppingThu, 04 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's dual screen, HDTV-equipped refrigerator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/03/lgs-dual-screen-hdtv-equipped-refrigerator/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/03/lgs-dual-screen-hdtv-equipped-refrigerator/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/03/lgs-dual-screen-hdtv-equipped-refrigerator/#comments LG's upping the LCD equation in its gadget-happy refrigerators once again, with its latest model, the LSC27990TT, sporting dual displays so you won't have to forgo a minute of your compulsive TV viewing to check the weather. The main display is a 15-inch 1,024 x 768 number -- able to connect to a DVD player if you choose -- while its smaller counterpart takes things down to a wee 4-inches for use with LG's "weather and info center." Other non-traditional refrigerating capabilities include an FM radio, recipe bank, calendar, and digital photo album, as well as a "CustomCube" ice maker -- though we're guessing there's probably a strict limit to its customization (meaning we'll have to keep carving out our Engadget "e" ice cubes by hand). While the folks at Electronic House are sayin' that this $3,600 appliance won't be available until next year, it looks like there's plenty of retailers listing it as in stock.

[Via CE Pro]

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LG's dual screen, HDTV-equipped refrigerator originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdlcdlglsc27990ttrefrigeratorFri, 03 Nov 2006 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's dual screen, HDTV-equipped refrigerator]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/03/lgs-dual-screen-hdtv-equipped-refrigerator/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/03/lgs-dual-screen-hdtv-equipped-refrigerator/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/03/lgs-dual-screen-hdtv-equipped-refrigerator/#comments LG's upping the LCD equation in its gadget-happy refrigerators once again, with its latest model, the LSC27990TT, sporting dual displays so you won't have to forgo a minute of your compulsive TV viewing to check the weather. The main display is a 15-inch 1,024 x 768 number -- able to connect to a DVD player if you choose -- while its smaller counterpart takes things down to a wee 4-inches for use with LG's "weather and info center." Other non-traditional refrigerating capabilities include an FM radio, recipe bank, calendar, and digital photo album, as well as a "CustomCube" ice maker -- though we're guessing there's probably a strict limit to its customization (meaning we'll have to keep carving out our Engadget "e" ice cubes by hand). While the folks at Electronic House are sayin' that this $3,600 appliance won't be available until next year, it looks like there's plenty of retailers listing it as in stock.

[Via CE Pro]

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LG's dual screen, HDTV-equipped refrigerator originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fridgehdtvlcdlcd tvLcdTvlglsc27990ttrefrigeratorFri, 03 Nov 2006 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sharp refrigerator freezes, then thaws]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/07/new-sharp-refrigerator-freezes-then-thaws/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/07/new-sharp-refrigerator-freezes-then-thaws/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/07/new-sharp-refrigerator-freezes-then-thaws/#commentsYou know, we love a good "love hot warehouse" (thanks Google Translation!) as much as the next guy, but we're not really sure what that has to do with Sharp's new refrigerator. From what we can tell based on our poor Japanese language reading skills and our uncanny ability to decipher strange cartoons, it appears that this fridge has a thawing mechanism inside one of the drawers so that you can unfreeze that meat you bought a month ago. We're still not exactly sure how it this fridge works its magic other than by blowing warm air into the thawing tray, but perhaps all you Nipponophiles can help us out, ok? The only other information that we can glean from this cartoon is that apparently this mechanism takes place by sacrificing your right eye to the Japanese fridge gods.

[Thanks, xman]

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New Sharp refrigerator freezes, then thaws originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 03:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanjapanese cartoonsJapaneseCartoonsrefrigeratorrefrigeratorssharpthawing fridgeThawingFridgeThu, 07 Sep 2006 03:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Gorenje Eye-Catchers: Get an iced out fridge for £10,000]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/27/gorenje-eye-catchers-get-an-iced-out-fridge-for-10-000/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/27/gorenje-eye-catchers-get-an-iced-out-fridge-for-10-000/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/27/gorenje-eye-catchers-get-an-iced-out-fridge-for-10-000/#comments
Clearly there's one niche market that the über-rich must have been clamoring for to the appliance manufacturers of the world: how to combine a fridge with obscene amounts of shinyness? Fear not, Gorenje UK, the British division of a company from <strike>the former Yugoslavia</strike> Slovenia, has developed an extremely limited line of refrigerators (known appropriately as "The Eye-Catchers") lined with rows upon rows of Swarovski crystals (7,000 to be precise). Act now kids, because Gorenje is only making 10 of these, and they retail for £10,000 (nearly $19,000). For that price, the combined 331 L (87.4 gallons) capacity fridge-freezer also comes with a radio receiver, a "cookery book" (we assume that's a cookbook), voice messages and a voice alarm. You can catch a glimpse of one of these on the company's website, and at Harrods in London. This fridge too rich for you? Don't worry, there's a budget model priced at only £1400 -- but it only comes with 3500 crystals, so really, what's the point of that? More photos on the flip side.

[Via Pocket Lint]

Continue reading Gorenje Eye-Catchers: Get an iced out fridge for £10,000

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Gorenje Eye-Catchers: Get an iced out fridge for £10,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Aug 2006 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blingcrystalsenglandfridgegorenjelondonrefrigeratorswarovskiyugoslaviaSun, 27 Aug 2006 23:57:00 EST