Belkin: Control new coffee maker with iPhone and Android
(Image: Belkin)
Companies have been pushing appliances connected to the internet for a while, but this may be the first product embracing the internet of things (IoT) you might actually want to own. Belkin and Jarden have teamed up to release a Mr. Coffee automatic coffeemaker that is web-enabled.
The Mr. Coffee Smart Optimal Brew is a 10-cup coffeemaker that can be controlled from any Android or iOS device. It uses WeMo technology and communicates to any device on the WeMo network.
WeMo is technology used for smart home products, especially programmable lighting. WeMo uses Wi-Fi to connect various devices on the network to each other and to the web. The WeMo app used to control all of the products with the technology is available on both Android and iOS.
The Mr. Coffee Smart Optimal Brew can be programmed from the mobile device, and it sends notifications to phones and tablets upon demand. Notifications include letting devices on the network know when the coffee is ready, and can remind you before you go to bed to get the brewer ready for automatic brewing. You don't want to miss that cup as soon as you get up in the morning.
The Mr. Coffee senses when the thermal carafe is in place for brewing, and will prevent a mess by overriding your remote command to start brewing if it’s not. It's smart enough to tell you to change the filter and coffee grounds, too.
If you're the type who likes to have a fresh cup when you get home from work, this coffemaker is for you. Leave it set up to brew when you head out for the day, and start brewing when you get close to home.
This connected coffee maker would feel right at home in the small office. Install one of these smart coffeemakers and put an end to the all-too-common situation of finding burnt sludge in the coffee bar. Put a fresh pot on to brew and have the Mr. Coffee notify workers when it's ready.
The Mr. Coffee Smart Optimal Brew is available from Belkin for $149.99.
(Image: Belkin)
Belkin is known for producing an extensive line of mobile accessories and is just as serious about diversification into the IoT with WeMo.
The company has another new device for those who are into DIY and wireless gadgets. The WeMo Maker from Belkin has several sensors that can be used to work with virtually any connected device using WeMo technology.
According to Belkin, the WeMo Maker can be used as a controller, sensor, or manager of other devices. The company warns that you must be comfortable with electrical wiring to use the device.
The WeMo Maker is available from Belkin for $79.99.
See also:
