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Screenfridge Center of Networked Home

The Intelligent Refrigerator is being tested in 50 Danish homes.

COPENHAGEN, (Newstream), Sept 21, 2000 - For a trial period of five months, 50 Danish homes outside Copenhagen will test the world's first intelligent refrigerator, the Electrolux Screenfridge. The purpose of the field test, conducted by Tele Danmark and e2 Home (the joint venture company between Electrolux (NASDAQ:ELUX) and Ericsson), is to test the Intelligent Living concept in its intended environment and to study customer reaction to electronic household services.

Says Rikke Clausen, soon a mother of two, "I enjoy the online Internet access in the kitchen, as it is the place we spend most of our time. I believe I'll use the Screenfridge for everyday information, like looking up phone numbers, finding bus schedules or getting dinner ideas. I know I'll also try Internet food-shopping, with two children, it would be great to have the groceries delivered to the home."

Shopping is one of the electronic services that simplify everyday life for the test homes. The participating households have WAP phones to be able to access shopping lists stored in the Screenfridge.

The Screenfridge is the communication center of the networked home concept. The Screenfridge has a built-in touch-screen on the refrigerator door that provides always-on, interactive, broadband communication technology, Internet, television and radio. Electrolux is also in the process of developing other intelligent appliances that can be networked and thereby controlled from several terminals from different parts of the house or even remotely from outside the home.

"When we chose the households, we wanted to get a diverse group of participants," says Uolevi Partanen at E2 Home, project manager for the field test. "We narrowed it down to five categories: young singles, older people living alone, couples without children, families with young children, and families with teenagers."

To follow the progress of the field test or for further information, see www.kitchengate.dk/

Fashion Accessories for Your Cell Phone

CLICK photo to watch a Real Video report about the new high tech fashion accessories for cellular phones.

ST. LOUIS, (Newstream), Sept 21, 2000 - Tired of missing phone calls because you can't find your cell phone? You may want to try a cell phone accessory. It's the latest in high tech fashion from handbag designers like Dooney and Burke, Prada and Gucci.

"Everybody is into this cellular phone and pockets in the bag," says Sonia Henriques, Dooney and Burke. "The styles that we have are useful for any age person."

At Dooney and Burke, cell phone pockets snap into totes and purses. Their cellular phone belt comes in 11 colors. A tiny leather tote is just big enough for your keys, lipstick and a cell phone. The target market is young, urban, hip and high tech.

"Different age groups express their style and fashion needs in very different ways," says Mark Powell. "Perhaps the older generation might require something more elegant, something with more panache, whereas the younger generation is looking more something more wacky, wild and fun."

At Barney's, cell phone accessories are basic black. The Gucci version is for standard size phones. The Prada pouch is designed for the tiniest phones. Part necessity and now part accessory, cell phones are a part of us - we can't do without.

With cellphone accessories you can make a fashion statement and take a phone call all at the same time. The truly fashion conscious may want the phone to match the accessory.