Whirlpool Updates Voice-Command Functions With Google Home

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) has recently enhanced the voice-control capabilities across its connected appliances in collaboration with Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Home. Per Whirlpool, this development will have global availability of remote appliance command across all regions, where the connected appliances are available, besides being more concise and customer-friendly. It will also include expansion of the Google Home facility from additional Whirlpool brands.

Notably, this latest upgrade has enabled over 25 connected appliance models from Whirlpool and Jenn-Air brands to automatically mention the particular brand while requesting Google Home to complete an action. Earlier, users of these connected brands would give a detailed command to operate the devices remotely. The upgraded models will be certified as “Works with Google Assistant” appliances.

In late 2018, Whirlpool plans to expand Google Home capabilities to its KitchenAid and Maytag brands. Also, Google Assistant will be launched globally for connected appliances wherever the company’s connected appliances are available. Apart from the United States, Google Assistant will be launched in Europe, India, Canada and Mexico.

Whirlpool is among the few companies that heavily invest in technologies to produce differentiated products to suit the needs of their end consumers. Last year, the company inked a deal with Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) to launch voice-activated home appliances. This feature is accessible through Whirlpool’s skill on Alexa-enabled devices such as Echo and Echo Dot.

Alexa, developed by Amazon, enables users to interact or control compatible devices by saying a wake-word or a word, which awakens the software and makes it functional. Alexa allows users to run their smart home equipments with voice commands, enabling them to simultaneously engage in various household chores.

Whirlpool regularly makes innovations in its smart home appliances to better serve its customers. We believe that the latest improvements regarding voice-command capabilities will simplify the command process, thus reducing users’ tasks and developing the home ecosystem.

A glance at Whirlpool’s price performance shows that it has outperformed the industry it belongs to. In a year’s time, the stock has lost 16.9%, narrower than the industry’s decline of 28.5%.

Whirlpool carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

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