Consumers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium were interviewed as part of the Bauknecht Connectivity Survey 2015. Connectivity is a technology that enables people to connect their household appliances via Wi-Fi to the internet and control them via an app. The basic results of the survey found European consumers are receptive to the benefits and advantages of networked household appliances but, at the same time, they have high expectations of connectivity solutions and often still wish to be convinced of their utility.
- Benefits of connectivity: Consumers appreciate functions that support sustainability, provide safety and cut costs.
- Intelligent laundry care: Washing machine is top seller among networked household appliances.
- Usage: Belgium and Denmark are less familiar with networked appliances but use them more than average.
- Open: The Swiss value connectivity functions more than average.
- Technical games: Men value the gadgetry of networked household appliances.
European consumers are accustomed to a very high level of technology and expect a great deal from technical products. “Our appliances have already convinced the participants of a one-year test programme,” says Vladimir Cherevko, Marketing Director Brands & Consumer Insights EMEA at Whirlpool Corporation. “We achieved this with household appliances that combine networked intelligence with practical robustness, that are easy to control, reliable and impress with high-quality materials, first-class craftmanship and outstanding design.” For the very first time, the Bauknecht Connectivity Survey 2015 provides insight into the way European consumers view these issues and renders this complex topic transparent.
The findings confirm the underlying approach of the connectivity range that Bauknecht presented at the IFA in Berlin – PremiumCare washing machine and dryer, Ultimate NoFrost fridge/freezer combination and PowerDry dishwasher are intelligently networked and easy to use. The BLive app turns a smartphone or tablet into the control centre for Bauknecht’s connectivity-capable household appliances.
Further information: emediarelease.de/Bauknecht_IFA2015.html
Picture is available at AP Images (www.apimages.com) and www.presseportal.de/nr/116753
4 September 2015
