Study the technology press for any length of time and one thing you hear about repeatedly is mythical “convergence” products, Basically two or more bits of technology wrapped into one device.
It was almost inevitable that, one day, whitegoods would also become afflicted, meet Whirlpool’s “Centralpark”…
According to what can be found out about it the fridge, to be launched in the US for the moment, has an interface that allows you to have a screen to browse photos, a satellite radio receiver as well as a built in calender function as well as various other plug in modules. Things like an MP3 player, DVD/CD player and the likes.
Initially looking at this you may think it’s rather cool (no pun intended), but when you stop and think about it it’s really rather pointless. For example, if I want to see my calender for the day I simply look at my laptop or my phone, which is synchronised with my office and home PC so why do I want it on the fridge? More importantly, would I pay a premium to have it there?
And, I don’t know about other people, but when I’m in the kitchen I’m working or there for a reason, not to browse my family photo album. Again, I don’t get it.
Quite what the point is I don’t know but I guess it will appeal to some well-heeled gadget freaks.