Whirlpool Corp. appliances are going to be getting a little smarter due to a new partnership with Google that is designed to bring voice-control capabilities through the Google Assistant on Google Home to new smart home appliances launching across Whirlpool’s brands.
The collaboration positions Whirlpool among the first in the home appliance category to give consumers the ability to connect their appliances to Google Home.
“We’re excited to join forces with Google Home and to be among the companies (that are) part of its inaugural introduction to the home appliance category,” says Brett Dibkey, vice president of integrated business units at Whirlpool. “As we continue to pursue innovations that meet consumer needs and improve their lives, the activation of Google Home capabilities delivers on what we know is an increasing consumer desire to interact with appliances in new and unique ways.”
Google Home compatibility will be introduced in more than 20 Jenn-Air and Whirlpool brand models in 2017, starting with Jenn-Air connected wall ovens.
By interacting with Google Assistant on Google Home devices and remotely enabling their appliances, consumers will be able to operate their Whirlpool appliances in a number of ways, including setting oven and range timers.
Customers also can check how much time is remaining on a microwave by voice, vocally operating and changing cycles on a dishwasher, and getting customer support through Google Assistant.
