Whirlpool 6th Sense Live Appliances Have Arrived!

Abt is proud to be one of the few places to find the new Whirlpool 6th Sense Live smart appliances.

The Whirlpool 6^th Sense Live system is one of the newest additions to “The Internet of Things,” the concept of everyday devices that are enhanced with web-connectivity.  The Internet of Things includes products like thermostats, alarm systems, your house lights, and basically anything that isn’t a computer, smartphone or similar device. These products give you control from anywhere, via smartphone or PC. Now, that level of functionality is available in your kitchen and laundry room, thanks to these smart appliances.

The 6^th Sense Live appliance lineup consists of a washer, dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher from the sleek Whirlpool Gold line of stainless steel appliances. At first glance, each of these items might look like just an ordinary appliance, but the real secret is the brain within. The 6^th Sense Live system connects these appliances to the web, keeping you constantly in touch with them, and giving them the ability to automatically carry out intelligent functions. As a result, you get alerted to any potential issues and can even save money. The options can be controlled through the Whirlpool 6^th Sense app, which is currently available in the Apple App Store and as a browser-based application.

One of the main, most useful functions is Whirlpool Rate Revealer. Using this system, the appliance constantly checks for fluctuations in electrical rates, which can vary significantly by time of day or day of the week. The Smart Delay feature then schedules energy-intensive tasks, like defrosting the freezer or running a heavy load in the washer, at times when it’s most cost effective. By carefully scheduling power-hungry operations, you’ll notice the savings almost immediately.

What’s great about the Smart Delay system is that you only need to set it once, and the machine takes care of the rest. If there’s ever a time that you don’t want a task automated, say you have company over and don’t want the washer to kick on, turning this option off is as simple as pressing a single button. Rate Revealer carries the added benefit of not being dedicated to just these appliances. Because you can check electrical rates through the 6^th Sense Live app, Whirlpool encourages you to use that information to schedule all of your electrical consumption, whether that entails running the blow-dryer or your plasma TV, at cost-effective times.

Besides the cost-saving function, each of the appliances has a bevy of unique smart functions, known as Alerts or Nudges, which contact you when issues arise. If your dryer detects a venting blockage, an Airflow Alert will instantly notify you, giving you the chance to prevent a potentially dangerous situation. If the power to your fridge goes out for more than 30 minutes, a Power-Out Alert will help you make plans to prevent food spoilage. Door Open Nudge alerts you if the fridge door is left ajar, while your washer, dryer and dishwasher will send a Nudge when their cycle is complete. No more constantly checking the machine; simply load it up and focus on doing something else until you’re Nudged.

The Whirlpool 6^th Sense Live system makes your life easier by taking all of the guesswork out of common tasks. Your fridge will tell you when it’s time to change the filter, your washer reminds you to add more detergent to the integrated dispenser, and your dishwasher will let you know you’re almost out of Affresh cleaning tablets and even connect you to the nearest place to buy more. Between smart Alerts and energy conservation, you’ll end up saving countless hours and dollars over the life of these appliances.

New technology is often cost prohibitive. We’re happy to say that the Whirlpool 6^th Sense line doesn’t carry a huge price premium over standard models. Yes, they’re a bit more expensive than their non-connected counterparts, but that premium will easily be balanced out by the added convenience and money saved by intelligent energy consumption. Abt, of course, is excited about the 6^th Sense line, as well as the growing trend of connected appliances, and hope you are too. We invite you to stop by our Chicago area showroom and check them out in person, or click the Whirlpool 6^th Sense landing page at Abt.com for more information.