No, it’s not a joke, it is actually real and LG have actually filed a patent to have an IPOD dock and speakers on the top of a washing machine.
We’ve seen convergence devices where TV’s have been put on fridge doors and the likes, but this is just insane!
LG have catchily dubbed it their “Home Appliance with MP3 Player”. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see the point of this at all.
Let’s face it, most washing machines are installed under a worktop so this is about as much use as a chocolate firegaurd to, well, just about anyone really.
The patent application details a washing machine with a USB connector for MP3 players. There is a display, shared between the two devices to show both washing status and information on the current track, and also a set of controls for the IPOD and some built in speakers for both music and also for the washing machine to tell you how long there is left till the cycle is completed. There is also mention of a remote to control the whole operation, which will send signals over power lines.
Why LG… why? Were you all bored one afternoon in the design department?
If we ever do see one though it should be amusing watching the claims for damaged IPODS that got thrown off on spin.