LG to develop iPod washing machine

LG recently introduced the HDTV Refrigerator, and now it looks like the MP3 washing machine is next

Sorting out your dirty clothes, chucking them in the washing machine and waiting for its spin cycle to finish isn't exactly the height of fun. LG wants to change all that with a new washing machine featuring a built-in MP3 player - at least then you'll be able to listen to your favourite tracks while doing your chores.

LG Electronics , which has previously developed the internet-enabled fridge, has filed a patent application to introduce consumer electronics to white-goods.

Patent application US 2007/0118862 A1 describes a "home appliance with an MP3 player comprising the MP3 player adapted for storing contents; and a washing device for washing or drying clothes, the washing device being connectable with the MP3 player and having a communication function with the MP3 player to play back the contents stored in the MP3 player," according to a ComputerWorld.com report.

In other words, LG wants to develop the first washing machine and/or dryer with a built-in MP3 player.

Has convergence gone too far?

Analysts didn't seem too impressed. "I don't think that there is any ongoing trend involving the addition of MP3 players to everything that doesn't move," said Kurt Scherf, principal analyst at research firm Parks Associates.

"On the other hand, it's not too far-fetched to think that someone might want to listen to their music while participating in a mundane chore, such as doing the laundry. But, honestly, I don't get it - why not just crank up the stereo or clip your Apple iPod to your belt?"

"To me, it doesn't make a world of sense," agreed Tom Dair, president of international design, product development and brand communications firm Smart Design. "Whistling while you work is helpful, but having the complexity of an MP3 player in your washing machine seems like a mismatch. If you love music, you probably have a wireless system set up in your home, so why bring in this device, which is probably located in a small room?

"Another disconnect is that a washer/dryer is not a portable item," Dair added. "An MP3 player makes sense if you're walking down the street, but I'm not seeing many people on the street with a washer/dryer. You're adding a mobile feature to a product that is anchored to the ground in a specific place where you don't spend a lot of time relaxing, or even sitting. But if it makes your clothes come out cleaner, that would be great."

Internet fridge flop

LG has previously added internet and TV capabilities to its fridges. The LG Internet Refrigerator , launched in Korea and the US, was a massive flop. That didn't stop the electronics firm from releasing the $3,999 (£1,976) LG HDTV Refrigerator in May this year though - the first fridge in the world with a high-definition screen.

The LG HDTV Refrigerator unit features a 15-inch high-definition LCD screen and FM radio with remote control, a cable connection and a DVD connection. An additional 4-inch screen can display local weather forecasts, a recipe bank and various organisational tools and reminders. It will also display your family pictures downloaded via a USB port.

TOPICS
Latest in Portable Media Players
FiiO JM21 portable music player on a white surface
I tested the FiiO JM21 portable music player and it's hard to believe an entry-level digital audio device can sound so good for so little outlay
Shanling M8T Hi-Res Music Player laid out on wooden table, with black headphones nearby.
This portable Hi-Res Audio music player has a tube amp and Android, for a serious mix of the retro and modern
We Are Rewind cassette player at CES 2025 on the show floor
This modern cassette player with Bluetooth (and matching retro wireless headphones) might've been my favorite music experience at CES 2025
FiiO M23 on a wooden table
FiiO M23 portable music player review: delicate yet muscular, assertive yet subtle, lavishly detailed and vaultingly dynamic
Activo P1 on a mustard-colored blanket
Activo P1 music player review: Astell & Kern audio quality for considerably less cash
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T portable music player playing Chick Corea on a white surface
Astell & Kern A&ultima SP3000T portable music player review: another huge step forward in energetic, open sound
Latest in News
EA Sports F1 25 promotional image featuring drivers Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman.
F1 25 has been officially announced, with this year's entry marking a return for Braking Point and a 'significant overhaul' for My Team mode
Garmin clippd integration
Garmin's golf watches just got a big software integration upgrade to help you improve your game
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
Marvel is currently making a major announcement about Avengers: Doomsday's cast on YouTube, and I think it's going to be a long-winded reveal
Samsung QN90F on yellow background
Samsung announces US prices for its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, and it’s good and bad news
Nintendo Switch Lite
Forget the Nintendo Switch 2, the original Switch is getting one last hurrah in a surprise Nintendo Direct tomorrow
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch