Whirlpool Corporation has announced multiple upcoming improvements to its voice command platform as part of its ongoing collaboration with Google Home. These improvements include global availability of the service, expansion to additional Whirlpool Corporation brands, and more succinct functional voice commands for connected appliances.
“We’re thrilled to offer a better experience for our consumers with our smart appliances, not just in the U.S., but now around the world,” says Jason Mathew, Whirlpool Corporation senior director, Global Connected Strategy. “We’re constantly trying to improve and have worked tirelessly to address consumer feedback and simplify the command process for those who are using this connected technology in their own homes.”
More than 25 of the Whirlpool Corporation’s connected appliance models under the Whirlpool and Jenn-Air brands will no longer require users to state the specific brand in their voice commands. Instead of having to say “OK Google, ask Whirlpool to preheat the oven to 350 degrees,” consumers will be able to ask their appliances to perform the same task by saying “OK Google, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.” These appliances will be certified as “Works with Google Assistant” appliances.
Google’s personal assistant program, Google Assistant, will soon be available on select connected appliances in regions within Europe, India, Canada, and Mexico, in addition to the U.S. Whirlpool Corporation also intends to expand Google Home capabilities to appliances in the KitchenAid and Maytag brands later this year.
