Not content with walk-in wardrobe sized “refrigerators”, all those fridge fanatics out there can now go online as well. Running low on ice cream? No problem. Just swipe the near- empty bucket across your freezer’s bar-code reader and a fresh supply will be on its way.

You would have thought this is a product made for the American market, but no, it was a British company that unveiled what it is calling the first Internet-connected fridge last Wednesday. The ultimate information appliance can be used to order groceries over the Web, read email, play games, or watch TV.

Due on the market in early 2000, the Electrolux Screenfridge is a standard Electrolux Bluprint fridge with a 13-inch LCD touch-screen and bar-code scanner built into one of its doors. The device invites appliance owners to scan near-empty jars and milk cartons that are running low, and add them to a digital shopping list. The list would then be beamed over the Internet to a grocer selected by the consumer.

Depending on the shopper’s preferences, the groceries can then be delivered, or picked up. The list could also be held at the store with pointers to appropriate aisles for those who still want to experience real-life aisle surfing. That’s great.

http://www.electrolux.lu/