Can you believe it's 2014?!
Those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile will know that I go to Las Vegas every January. Of course, the fantastic food that Las Vegas offers is a huge reason that we go (as evidenced by the numerous Las Vegas restaurant posts I have on this blog). However, the main reason we go each year in January is to check out the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the largest trade show of its kind.
So why am I talking about an electronics show on a food blog?
After all, isn't CES the place where they show off all the latest tech gadgets? Like uber-thin flat screen TVs?
Cool touch screen projectors?
And the latest in 3D technology?
Yes and no.
CES is huge. There is a lot of all that gadget-y stuff (which, frankly, my husband loves). But there's also a lot of other really, really cool technology that has nothing to do with flat screens: things like the latest technology in music, cars, lighting, audio systems, and even the kitchen!
That's right.
CES has a huge section devoted to the newest innovations in kitchen technology. It's super fun to check out what tomorrow's appliances will be able to do.
This year, I have the privilege of partnering with Whirlpool at CES. I'll be blogging (live from Las Vegas!) about some of the cool new things they'll be showing. I don't have all the information yet, but here's a sneak peek at some of the stuff.
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Jan. 7 – 11 in Las Vegas, Whirlpool® brand is showcasing how its three pillars, Connection, Expression, and Innovation come together in both new products and innovative concepts for the future as part of Whirlpool® 20/20.
Connection
Imagine . . . . appliances that talk to you as well as to each other.
Connection means creating appliances that connect you with your world. That speaks volumes to me. I love my current thermostat which I can control with my smartphone. Not only does it save me money by lowering the temperature when I'm not home, I can turn it on remotely with my phone once I know I'm on my way home. In cold Boston, it's very, very nice to come home to a nicely heated house.
At CES, Whirlpool will be featuring some concept appliances that do just that - talk to each other and also to your smartphone. Just imagine how much easier life would be if you had information and control over your appliances at the tip of your fingers anytime.
I can't wait to learn more about it.
Expression
Imagine . . appliances designed to reflect each person's unique style
Expression is about having appliances that are customized to your individual style. Why should handbags, cell phone cases, and cars have all the fun? It's about time that boring appliances get an upgrade in style. I've always enjoyed funky furniture, novelty kitchen appliances, and unusual office supplies. I like being different, so having customizeable appliances totally makes sense to me. It would be fun to pick the color, design, and other features of an appliance, if possible.
Whirlpool is featuring several things at CES including 1) MaxArt Microwaves, colorful, expressive microwaves designed by two Mexican artists using graffiti techniques and 2) Designer Duets - a washer and dryer customizeable with a huge array of colors and designs.
Giveaway #1!
Throughout the week of CES, consumers will have the chance to win a custom laundry pair of their own with the You Be The Designer Sweepstakes.
- Create your perfect Duet® Design and enter for a chance to win a new Duet® Washer and Dryer
- One winner picked daily during CES wins a new Duet® washer and dryer
- One lucky grand-prize-winner takes home the very first Duet® Designer pair from Whirlpool®
To enter the sweepstakes, click here.
Innovation
Imagine . . . the coolest technology you can dream up applied to your everyday appliances
Innovation very important for any company that relies on technology. Although it's true that most appliances rely on basic, fundamental technology to work, there are still many ways in which our lives could be made so much easier with more innovative solutions.
Whirlpool will be featuring a concept of their Interactive Cooktop, a flat surface on which you can cook anywhere as well as interact with social media, look up recipes, and manage appointments all on one device. I think I have to see this to decide how useful it is, though I do admit that I do use my iPad a lot right now when I'm in the kitchen - mostly to look up recipes!
They will also be featuring CoolVox™, a refrigerator that can play music using bluetooth technology, which can be controlled using a smartphone.
If you want to learn more and/or can't make it out to Vegas next week, free to browse Whirlpool's CES website, which will be constantly updated throughout CES (January 7-11). You can also check in here, where I will be writing at least a couple more posts once I'm there in Vegas.
Of course, even if you're not in the market for appliances right now, I'll also be blogging (or at least posting photos on Instagram, Facebook, or Google Plus) about all my Vegas eats, so definitely stick around.
Hope you're enjoying 2014 so far!
Giveaway #2!
- Since Whirlpool 20/20 is all about a future focused on you, we, want to hear your ideas for it. Sharing a comment below, tell us your idea for the future for your home and be entered to win a $1,000 grand prize.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
- Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
- Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
- Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
- For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
BlogHer will pool entries from participating blogs and select a sweepstakes winner at random and will contact the winner with details about fulfilling the prize.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 1/2/14 – 1/18/14.
All Rights Reserved
[…] Las Vegas In January we took our annual trip to Las Vegas to attend the Consumer Electronics Show. This year was different in that I had an opportunity to […]