Technology is moving at a rapid pace.  It's ubiquitous & Ever Evolving. 

I just returned from a speaking engagement in Kentucky and had an epiphany during a session.   A Gen Y attendee responded to homework by saying "I'll just do it now; I can look it up on my iPhone."   Of course you can.   That's just one new development in the speaking business today and it reminded me of recent developments in the technology arena: the smart appliances trend.

As an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) for the eCommerce program, we predicted the smart appliances trend which was met with disbelief.   It seemed so far fetched at the time that our discussion on the topic was spirited to say the least.

Then a recent article in the Chicago Tribune about a Kenmore appliance that calls for service caught my eye.  I realized, that the future is here.

Washers & Dryers

For example, GE’s Profile Harmony Clothes Care System features a washer that talks to the dryer. The washer analyzes the fabrics, size, and weight of the load and delivers that information to the dryer through a computer cable. Source: appliance.com

People who have recently purchased washers or dryers from Kenmore may have bought a new feature they didn't even know existed: an appliance that can talk on the phone.



As seen in the video above, the new feature allows customers to hold a phone up to their washer/dryer and let the appliance tell a customer service rep on the other end what's wrong with it.  The customer service rep can then relay fixes to the appliance owner, or suggest that a repairman come to take a closer look.

The machines talk to each other when they emit a high-pitched computer noise similar to the sounds emitted by dial-up modems from the Internet days of old.   Some users purchase this new feature without even knowing it.  Source: Torontosun.com

Smart Refrigerators

   Some refrigerator models give you the option to leave voice messages.

Depending on the brand and model, the refrigerator will inventory what’s inside, then based on what you normally stock, create your grocery list and send it to the grocery store.  

If you purchase from Peapod, you won't even have to leave the house!  Just consume, replenish, and repeat.  Source high tech appliances

On Flight Check In

 Technology is taking over on flight check in as well.  

Often when boarding a flight to a speaking engagement, I notice that many passengers present mobile boarding passes via a bar code on their cell phone. 

As I present my paper boarding pass, I realize paper boarding passes will soon be extinct.   When checking in online, the option to send the bar code to you cell phone is just a click away.  

According to the TSA website,  "As of August 2010, the pilot is operating at 71 U.S. airports, plus Frankfurt, Germany, with five airlines: Continental, American, Delta, Alaska and United. " 

The Terminator

In the movie The Terminator, the world has been taken over by machines, and humans are on the run.  This post asks the question "are we on our way to that reality?" 

When smart refrigerators, smart ovens, smart microwaves, and other smart appliances can call and talk to each other, or make phone calls, what's next? 

Our appliances are becoming smarter and people seem less smart.  Could this be due to our reliance on technology?  Your comments are welcome.