LOUISVILLE, KY—GE Appliances, a Haier company,  recently announced that it is the first manufacturer to offer full suites of connected appliances that work directly with the virtual Google Assistant, which is powered by artificial intelligence. This capability helps consumers more easily build and operate a Smart home.

GE Appliances collaborated with Google to make its many connected kitchen, laundry and comfort products even more convenient and clever. Previously, it was necessary to use GE Appliances’ Geneva Home Action to have a conversation with Google. Now, consumers can skip the Geneva step altogether. Instead of saying, “Hey Google, ask Geneva Home to preheat the oven to 425 degrees,” just say, “Hey Google, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.”

“Working with Google, we have created a more natural way to communicate with your appliances that allows you to speak your request like you would with any friend or family member who’s helping around the house,” says Shawn Stover, vice president of GE Appliances’ SmartHome Solutions team.

According to Stover, product owners want connected convenience that enables a way of life that didn’t exist just a few years ago. In response, GE Appliances delivered a complete lineup of WiFi Connect appliances that talk directly to the Google Assistant, creating simple solutions and efficiencies within the home.

GE Appliances offers a full range of products that include connected refrigerators, ovens, ventilation hoods, dishwashers, air conditioners, washers and dryers. The company uses the U+ Connect platform as the “smart connection” that seamlessly integrates the Google Assistant with appliances. Through an open interface protocol, the platform allows for “dialogues” that enable a variety of appliances and services to connect.

“Simply link your account in the Google Home app to U+ Connect, and you are ready to go,” adds Stover. “The platform is highly expandable, so you can connect the appliances you buy today or in six months and know they will sync up without a problem. The same goes for our current connected appliance owners as well. The platform is backward-compatible, so you get all the new functionality, too.”