Maytag, Microsoft To Team Up

Maytag Corp. and Microsoft Corp. are joining forces to develop “smart home” appliances that will talk to each other via computer.

“Imagine watching a cooking program on your interactive TV,” Maytag Chairman Lloyd Ward said in a statement Friday. “You like the recipe so you choose to send it to your fridge, which takes an inventory of ingredients needed.

“The fridge sends back a list and places an order with your online grocer.”

Microsoft has extended its “Universal Plug and Play” technology of its Windows software to allow household appliances, computer devices and other high-tech gadgets to work together. Other appliance makers, including General Electric, also are working with Microsoft to produce high-tech home appliances.

“Across home and commercial appliances, we are building the capability to deliver intelligent appliances and meaningful benefits to consumers at home and away from home,” Ward said.

Earlier this month, Maytag said it had acquired the technology to allow vending machines to sell cameras or clothing, accept credit cards and notify owners of any malfunction over an Internet connection.

The Iowa-based appliance maker said it had taken substantial minority ownership in e-Vend.net, a company that allows network servers to monitor and control vending machines.