Post by mac on Jan 4, 2018 22:54:17 GMT
BY ANGELA MOSCARITOLO 4 JAN 2018, 8:22 P.M.
Whirlpool has created an Alexa skill that will let customers easily configure, start, and operate their connected microwaves with just their voice. Expect other manufacturers to follow.
Microwaves are about to get a whole lot smarter, and even more convenient, thanks to Amazon Alexa.
In a Thursday post on the Alexa Blog, Amazon's Mike Mass introduced new tools that will let manufacturers add Alexa support to their cloud-connected microwaves. Whirlpool has already created an Alexa skill that will let customers easily configure, start, and operate their connected microwaves with just their voice.
"Customers can ask Alexa to set microwave cook times, modes, power levels, and more instead of using the traditional and often confusing microwave experience," Mass wrote. That skill is expected to launch soon.
On top of that, support for other cooking devices, such as conventional ovens, should arrive in the near future as well, Mass said. A number of other big-name manufactures, including GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG, and Samsung are also planning to add Alexa to their ovens and other appliances.
"Customers are increasingly using voice user interfaces as a hands-free way to manage their lives, and hands-free control is especially valuable when cooking," Mass wrote to developers. "Instead of pressing multiple buttons to enable advanced microwave features, your customers can now use their voices. For example, a customer can say 'Alexa, defrost three pounds of chicken' or 'Alexa, microwave for 50 seconds on high.'"
Meanwhile, Amazon also announced that its venture capital arm, Alexa Fund, has invested in June Life, makers of the June Intelligent Oven. Customers can already use Alexa to control the June Oven with their voice. Going forward, those customers will be able to use shorter, simpler voice commands when using Alexa to control their oven, and receive updates on their food as it's cooking.
uk.pcmag.com/news/92698/alexa-will-soon-control-connected-microwaves
Whirlpool has created an Alexa skill that will let customers easily configure, start, and operate their connected microwaves with just their voice. Expect other manufacturers to follow.
Microwaves are about to get a whole lot smarter, and even more convenient, thanks to Amazon Alexa.
In a Thursday post on the Alexa Blog, Amazon's Mike Mass introduced new tools that will let manufacturers add Alexa support to their cloud-connected microwaves. Whirlpool has already created an Alexa skill that will let customers easily configure, start, and operate their connected microwaves with just their voice.
"Customers can ask Alexa to set microwave cook times, modes, power levels, and more instead of using the traditional and often confusing microwave experience," Mass wrote. That skill is expected to launch soon.
On top of that, support for other cooking devices, such as conventional ovens, should arrive in the near future as well, Mass said. A number of other big-name manufactures, including GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG, and Samsung are also planning to add Alexa to their ovens and other appliances.
"Customers are increasingly using voice user interfaces as a hands-free way to manage their lives, and hands-free control is especially valuable when cooking," Mass wrote to developers. "Instead of pressing multiple buttons to enable advanced microwave features, your customers can now use their voices. For example, a customer can say 'Alexa, defrost three pounds of chicken' or 'Alexa, microwave for 50 seconds on high.'"
Meanwhile, Amazon also announced that its venture capital arm, Alexa Fund, has invested in June Life, makers of the June Intelligent Oven. Customers can already use Alexa to control the June Oven with their voice. Going forward, those customers will be able to use shorter, simpler voice commands when using Alexa to control their oven, and receive updates on their food as it's cooking.
uk.pcmag.com/news/92698/alexa-will-soon-control-connected-microwaves
