Vijay Bhardwaj, Marketing Director, UK & Ireland, Beko
We’ve become used to waking up and finding that our phones have quietly updated overnight. A new feature has appeared, the interface feels a little smoother, or the device is doing something it couldn’t do yesterday. We don’t think of this as unusual, instead expect our technology to keep improving long after purchase. Now imagine that same principle in the home.
A washing machine that can receive software updates introducing new functionality. An appliance that can be monitored and controlled remotely, with diagnostics that can identify potential issues before they become faults. Technology that continues to develop throughout the life of the appliance, rather than remaining fixed from the day it is installed. This is the potential of connected appliances and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Take Beko’s HomeWhiz platform as an example. The Wi-Fi-enabled technology allows compatible appliances to receive software updates that introduce new functionality and enhancements over time. Homeowners can also monitor and control appliances remotely, receive notifications and access features designed to make everyday tasks easier.
Connected technology is also becoming more responsive. Features such as Beko’s Adaptive Wash use user feedback to tailor future wash cycles, while Intelligent Guidance helps consumers get the best performance from their appliance and supports ongoing care and maintenance. Predictive Maintenance can also identify potential issues before they become bigger problems, helping reduce disruption and keep appliances performing for longer.
That matters at a time when householders are paying closer attention to what their homes cost to run. Research shows that 82% of UK adults are paying attention to saving energy at home and 64% are looking to reduce their water consumption. HomeWhiz’s Energy & Water Management gives consumers greater visibility over their energy and water use, helping them make more informed decisions over time.
For developers, this creates a different way of thinking about specification. Connected appliances don’t simply meet buyers’ expectations on the day they receive the keys; they can continue to provide useful functionality throughout ownership through software updates, diagnostics and personalised features.
Connectivity is only one part of Beko’s wider approach to innovation. Technologies such as EnergySpin are designed to help reduce energy use during everyday washing, while AeroPerfect™ AirFry Technology gives homeowners greater cooking flexibility without the need for an additional countertop appliance. Together, these technologies focus on practical benefits that homeowners can experience every day.
Ultimately, smart technology should deliver more than connectivity for its own sake. The value comes from what it does for the homeowner: making everyday tasks easier, providing greater visibility and control, and supporting the appliance throughout its ownership.
As understanding of smart-enabled appliances continues to grow, developers have an opportunity to specify technology that does more than add features on day one. It can help create homes that continue to meet homeowners’ needs long after they have moved in.