LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Since inventing the over-the-range microwave and introducing industry-exclusive products like the Advantium™ speedcook oven, GE Appliances has long owned that convenient, accessible space above the range. Now, this high-activity zone of kitchen real estate is getting even smarter with GE Appliances’ industry-exclusive kitchen hub, premiering during this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
GE Appliances’ kitchen hub is unlike any other kitchen smart device—in both functionality and location. Its placement over the range puts tech where it belongs: at a comfortable viewing level and above the one appliance family and friends gather around while making dinner and conversation at the end of the day.
“The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the range is the heart of the kitchen,” said Shawn Stover, vice president of GE Appliances’ SmartHome Solutions team. “The original concept was conceived by FirstBuild, GE Appliances’ co-creation community. With the vision of a lot of creative, smart people, we now have the kitchen hub, over the range so owners have the convenience to enjoy the many smart features we have to offer now and in the future.”
By becoming part of the Haier Appliance Company, GE Appliances can now leverage a ubiquitous global technology. The smart kitchen hub is enabled by the Haier U+ Smart Life Platform, a proven operating system that is global, open and secure, with virtually endless interoperability possibilities.
Mom’s famous pasta primavera is sure to wow your dinner guests, but you wonder: Was it one clove of garlic—or two? That’s when you invite her to video chat through the kitchen hub and suddenly she’s cooking with you, watching as you add the perfect pinch of this and just a dash of that. Suddenly your doorbell rings, you pull up the video and see your guests have arrived. You thank your mom for the help, start a playlist for hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and go greet your guests for an amazing meal.
At the time of its official launch later in 2018, smart features will include:
- Live video chat functionality with multiple camera angles, a forward-facing lens so owners can call mom for cooking advice or simply catch up with friends
- Access to recipes and guidance to explore new culinary possibilities that will impress family and guests
- A cooktop-facing camera and ample task lighting make sharing your latest culinary masterpiece on social media easier than ever
- Improved organization with access to calendars and schedules to keep it all straight at the start of a busy day
- Over-the-air updates keep the kitchen hub current and in tune with the latest features
Interactivity and sharing life’s moments are just two uncommon advantages of this over-the-range kitchen hub. This 27-inch smart screen can communicate with other connected appliances including GE brand washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, wall ovens and, of course, ranges. GE Appliances kitchen hub, also provides exhaust hood ventilation.
Experience It at CES
The GE Appliances kitchen hub will be shown at CES in the Haier exhibit (LVCC, Central Hall—11421). Several prototypes, featured in a Black Slate premium finish, will be on display and will take attendees through an interactive demo.
Showgoers can also learn more about the Haier U+ Smart Life Platform that seeks to create a unified world where appliance makers can connect with each other freely, allowing a variety of smart household products and services to communicate.
Look for GE Appliances’ newest and smartest over-the-range product to arrive in the second half of 2018. In the meantime, fans of easier, more enjoyable living can learn more about real connections for real life by visiting GE Appliances online.
About GE Appliances WiFi-Connected Technology
GE Appliances, a Haier company, a leader in WiFi-connected appliance technology, makes owners’ lives easier while improving their daily routines. With its connected suite of GE Appliances, owners can monitor and maintain their home from virtually anywhere. From the kitchen to the laundry room, connected products work with Amazon Alexa, Dash Replenishment, Nest Labs, Drop, IFTTT, Innit and now Google Assistant—allowing owners to stay on top of their appliances from near or far using their voice or a mobile device. Connected appliances also are updated remotely with new capabilities and can assess their own performance, allowing for unparalleled service. To learn more, visit http://www.geappliances.com/ge/connected-appliances/.
About GE Appliances
GE Appliances, a Haier company, creates “good things, for life” through our passion for great appliances and the happiness they can bring to every household. With the Hotpoint, GE®, Haier, GE Café™, GE Profile™ and Monogram® brands, owners have more choices for making their kitchens and homes amazing each day. Our products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners and water filtration systems. For more information, visit www.geappliances.com/our-company.
