Internet Home Alliance wants your laundry machines to call you

The Internet Home Alliance is teaming up with Microsoft, Panasonic and Whirlpool to make washers and dryers that will send updates to your PC or mobile phone.  Three families are already testing the new technology that will notify you when the wash is done, for example.  The smart appliances will notify the owner when maintenance is needed or when the wash is done.  Owners will be able to start the appliances remotely if they forget to turn them on.  One of the testers of the appliances that send a message when the wash is done points out the evil behind this technology:

"If my husband sees a message," she said, "maybe one day he’ll actually help out."

(USA Today via CIO Tech Informer)

-jk