Lachlan Cannon has some interesting thoughts on LG’s Internet Fridge. He thinks that LG might be engaged in some M$-like mission to take over the world through white goods. He could be right.
Personally, I have to ask not “why internet fridge” but why a fridge with a built-in UI? That makes no sense to me. Why the hell would I want to stand in front of my fridge and search Yahoo! ?
I’m really interested in the concept of network (ideally WiFi) enabled home appliances, but surely the way forward is to forget the expensive in-built TFT gadgetry and “replace your PC with a chiller cabinet” mentality, and instead focus on a device that is accessible from anywhere.
The real value in a network enabled fridge is the ability to connect in from work and check the date on the milk before driving home past the store. Right? Or you’re at the store and you can’t remember what’s in the fridge, you can simply connect to your fridge’s internal web server via your mobile phone’s built-in browser and view the contents.
If you need to access the fridge[1] when you’re already in the kitchen, it’s surely easier to have one terminal [2] to connect to all your devices from your choice of location?
Internet fridge? I say pah! Network enabled home appliances? That’s more like it!
[1] I can’t believe I’m using “access the fridge” in a non-ironic context.
[2] This could be a regular PC on a bench with a stool (more comfortable than standing at your fridge), or more likely your PDA/phone.
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