Sears smart appliances now chat with Alexa
Kenmore + Alexa Sears is now allowing consumers to buy Kenmore products on Amazon.com — a huge shift in the way the storied brand has sold its appliances from the past. The company is also launching an Alexa Skill that will let customers control their smart Kenmore products by talking to an Alexa-enabled gadget like Amazon Echo.
The full line of Kenmore Smart products are integrated with Alexa, with Sears smart air conditioners one of the first customers will be able to buy on Amazon.com. Want to change the temperature of the room from the sofa? That's now possible, says Sears.
"Voice is a natural interface for the smart home, so we're thrilled that customers can now simply ask Alexa to interact with their Kenmore Smart appliances," said Charlie Kindel, director of Alexa Smart Home, in a release.
Consumers are looking to control more of their home devices by using their voice, speaking through a hub like Amazon Echo or Google Home. Many brands believe Integrating with voice AI systems is crucial for their adoption.
One of the first Alexa-enabled products from Sears, a Kenmore Smart air conditioner, was live on Amazon as of Thursday, starting at $299.99, and available for Prime delivery. The "Kenmore Smart" Alexa skill is available immediately. Just in time for the summer swelter.
Smart blinds? We spent some time with MySmartBlinds, a product that promises to turn your Venetian blinds into a smart home gadget. Our smart home reviewer Stewart Wolpin had some concerns.
Main photo: The main entrance of a closing Sears department in Burbank, California. The company was founded by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck in 1893. After varies struggles some stores are closing in the US, January 8, 2017. Photo via iStock by Getty Images