Developers Brew Up Wireless Future From Today's Digital Blends

摘要

Among the many products emerging from the electronics industry today, those relating to wireless technology, mobile connectivity, and home networks garner particular attention. Many such products were on display at CEATEC Japan 2002 this October. Interest in wireless technology for home networks is growing as manufacturers of home electric and electronics speed up the development of network-compatible TVs, refrigerators and microwave ovens. Such products will link to one another or to a central server through home networks. They hold the promise of enhanced efficiency and convenience (Fig. 1). Among the companies working on home appliance networks is Toshiba Corp. This spring, Toshiba brought out three products for such networks, including a refrigerator and microwave oven, in its Feminity series. White goods that link wirelessly in a network can offer capabilities missing from conventional appliances. For example, through a home computer or some other terminal, a user can gain access to an Internet site, and enter information about all the food in the home refrigerator. Then, when the user goes shopping, he or she can check the Web site through a portable terminal to verify what is in the refrigerator at home. Besides reminding people of the products they need to buy, this approach also helps users avoid buying too much food.