We live in an age where some tech gadgets and household appliances are sexy while others are decidedly dull.
We’ve all seen breathless consumers salivating over an Apple watch, a scene not normally associated with, say, a refrigerator.
Some of it relates to branding (just think Apple computers) while some appliances (think washing machines) are not always built for style.
Another appliance that hasn’t traditionally been at the top of the hierarchy of sex appeal is the air conditioner.
But that is definitely changing. We’ve all seen some pretty sleek units hitting the market in recent years.
Just last week we saw the launch of Aryabot, the world’s first satellite air conditioner.
Launched by Videocon, Aryabot is an intelligent device with futuristic features based on the Internet of Things (IoT), a phenomenon which describes how an increasing number of objects, with embedded technology and machine-to-machine communication have the ability to connect and share information.
Aryabot runs on a platform that enables the device to align itself to a user’s usage patterns and preferences. The user can even engage in voice commands and pair the air conditioner up with other gadgets (even an Apple watch).
That’s right. Aryabot can be easily paired up with smart phones and smart watches allowing GPS access through connectivity to multiple satellites.
It can also sense the temperature outside to make adjustments inside. And it has the ability to contact the service centre on its own and log in service requests.
I won’t list all the features here except to say that there are plenty.
The IoT trend is set to change the world of heating and cooling and I am not just referring to air conditioners.
Technavio research analyst, Navin Rajendra, said HVAC service providers are forming commercial partnerships with smart thermostat providers for mutual benefit.
Providers can use the data collected from smart thermostats to calculate servicing requirements and to roll out predictive maintenance schedules.
A few of the vendors embracing this growing trend include LG Electronics, Carrier and Samsung Electronics.
We all love new technology. In fact, it’s a bit like space exploration. It reminds us that we are members of that incredibly ‘modern and intelligent’ club called the human race.
Could we be entering a new frontier, one that is giving the air conditioner space age sex appeal?
Email comments to CCN Editor, Sandra Van Dijk, at sandravandijk@yaffa.com.au.