Dummies, Wireless

Figure 19-2:
The first
LGE Internet
refrigerator
was
wirelessly
enabled.
Chapter 19: More Than Ten Devices to Connect to Your Wireless Network
Samsung (www.samsung.com/us/) has the RH269LBSH Digital Network
Refrigerator, which is equipped with Internet access, a videophone, and a
TV. In addition to storing food, consumers can send and receive e-mail, surf
the Net, and watch a favorite DVD by using the refrigerator’s touchscreen
control panel, which also serves as a detachable wireless-enabled handheld
computer. Pretty neat.
All this is still pricey though — you may spend $4,000 or more on an Internet
refrigerator. Sadly, due to this high cost and other reasons, these connected
home appliances have not really taken off. The market demand has not been
there for the all-in-one products — people still seem tied to their TVs and
PC screens as separate from the appliances. Indeed, the latest moves by the
consumer electronics and appliances industry seems more focused on
making TVs more functional.
More wireless changes are coming too. With recent developments in radio
frequency identification (RFID), Near Field Communications (NFC), and other
low-power and low-priced technologies, you may indeed get to the point
where your kitchen monitors all its appliances (and what’s in them —
“We need more milk”).
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