Alexa to Control Microwaves as They Get Smarter
Amazon has developed capabilities for its Alexa Smart Home Skill API that allow other developers to create skills to allow Alexa-powered devices in the U.S. to control cooking functions on microwave ovens, according to Amazon’s Alexa developers blog.
Support for other cooking devices, such as conventional ovens, is coming soon, and capabilities will eventually be available in other countries, according to the post.
Whirlpool has already created (but not yet launched) such a skill for its line of connected microwaves that allows customers to ask Alexa to set cook times, modes and power levels.
The microwave oven was once the apex of technological development, really almost on par with putting a person on the moon. The control keypads on the ovens were supposed to be one of the things that made them so cool, allowing users to defrost, cook, reheat for any length of time all at the touch of a few buttons.
Yet, in the age of voice activation and instant gratification, keypads have become cumbersome. Whirlpool isn’t the only appliance maker interested in Alexa-powered cooking capabilities. The blog post also stated that GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG and Samsung are starting to work with the cooking capabilities in the Smart Home Skill API, too.
