Got milk? Smart fridge and app mean you’ll never run out again!

BY GAIL BARNES
SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST

The Internet Of Things and smart appliances are big at this year’s CES Consumer Electronics Show, which has just kicked off in Las Vegas. There are internet connected coffee makers, toasters, and ovens all designed to make consumers’ lives easier by letting them manage everything from their mobile phones.

Upping the ante on smart connected appliances, MasterCard and Samsung announced a partnership which will let people buy groceries directly from their fridges! Samsung’s new Family Hub refrigerator comes with an Internet enabled screen that people can use to order their groceries through a MasterCard app.

Consumers must upload a credit or debit card to their account only once and after that can add an item to a cart, much like when ordering groceries online, and then approve the final list by entering a four-digit pin. Groceries will then be delivered at a selected time by FreshDirect and the supermarket chain ShopRite.

The app will automatically suggest items for consumers to buy based on shopping histories and grocery lists. Eventually the app will include recipes and video tutorials, and will expand to other grocers in different regions.

According to MasterCard the service will also eventually include the ability to order delivery from local restaurants. For now though, the service is only available in the US in New York and the Northeast.

Breakfast is saved! No need to run out of milk or make the midnight run to the convenience store ever again!