Internet Refrigerator
from LG Electronics
by Rick Smith (January 31, 2001)
While many new refrigerator/freezers have water and ice cubes “in the door” (so does this one) the Internet Digital DIOS from LG Electronics has much more. Way more. It features a complete Internet “WebPad” in the door that also:
features a high quality 15.1 TFT-LCD with electronic pen
captures and records still digital images with its built-in digital camera.
is capable of Internet shopping, videophone calls and e-mailing
doubles as a TV
can be used to get more information on cooking off the Web and to access new recipes.
has its own LAN port for Internet connectivity
can take voice messages
While these technological features are truly state of the art -- this refrigerator/freezer has over 75 technology patents -- it also has several high tech “refrigeration features” as well. The most compelling is its noise output, or really its lack of sound output -- this refrigerator is VERY quiet. This 23 dB output is accomplished using “the industry's first application of the inverter function to the two-door refrigerator”. It also consumes about half the energy of a typical refrigerator.
While quite unique to the US marketplace, the DIOS was first shown off at a trade show in Dubai last year. Why Dubai? Well, Dubai is in a desert where refrigeration might be a desirable thing and this oil-rich area also happens to be very affluent. No doubt, LGE needs to find buyers with as much affluence and desire as it can, since this "i-icebox" sells for a mere ten thousand dollars.
Copyright
© 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.
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