Amazon's new microwave can be controlled with your voice
On September 20, Amazon held an event in Seattle to showcase its latest line of smart products, including a microwave capable of taking voice commands. The new product, launched under the company's AmazonBasics brand, looks just like a standard microwave but works with Alexa - Amazon's smart-assistant. It has been priced at $60, about Rs. 4,300. However, there is no information about its availability in India.
A smart microwave or a marketing gimmick? Or both?
Once the new microwave is installed and configured, it can start taking voice commands. However, it is worth noting the microwave neither features a mic/speaker configuration nor comes with built-in Alexa support. It works more like a companion device, which would pair-up with your Alexa-powered Echo speaker. When voice or manually activated, the device will take commands and get the microwave working accordingly.
And, what can be cooked?
If you have an Alexa-powered Echo speaker in proximity of the microwave, all you have to do is 'yell' at the device. You can either use Alexa's wake command or the dedicated button on the microwave to enable the voice assistant. Once Alexa is taking commands, you can ask it to make popcorn, heat soup, or anything else a normal oven would do.
Watch: Amazon's Alexa-powered microwave in action
A bit about the look and feel of the microwave
AmazonBasics' 700W microwave looks pretty similar to a normal one, at least on the first glance. Its black boxy structure looks pretty neat and features vents, metal enclosure, and a rotating tray. Also, you won't get too many buttons on its side panel because most of the presets for different food recipes are accessible from Amazon's cloud service.
A sneak-peek into future: Integrating home appliances with smart assistants
Although this device is rudimentary in nature, it is definitely a sneak peek into the future of smart appliances. The launch of this product shows Amazon's focus towards turning routine appliances into smart ones with Alexa. Appliance-makers may use Amazon's Alexa connection kit as a plug-and-play solution to make their products talk with the smart assistant and work with voice commands.
Finally, when will it be available in India?
Amazon has opened pre-orders for the new microwave in the US and will begin shipping in a few months. However, as of now, there is no word on when the product might come to India. AmazonBasics products are available on Amazon's India website, but this one hasn't been listed, at least not yet.
