Chinese electronics and appliance maker Haier is the first in its industry to announce a smart appliance with Apple’s Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad (MFi) certification. The company made the announcement at CES 2014.
Haier’s Tianzun air conditioner (press release) is the first smart appliance to pick up Apple’s Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad seal which notes Apple’s standards for ease-of-use, quality, and functionality were met. Haier, which manufactures other appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, plans to implement the same connected technology found in its MFi air conditioner in other products as well potentially leading a move toward more user-friendly smart home appliances…
Consumers see Apple’s MFi certification as a seal of approval for products that carry the designation. “It used to be complicated to control smart appliances, but it is very easy now. The operation is greatly simplified and all of us, including adults, children and the elderly, can use it as we want to,” a merchant from India at the exhibition said.
Haier will be using Apple’s MFi technology to allow users to use their iOS device to control their appliances via an app.
