Branded brands in the kitchen: a made-for-iPod refrigerator

Branded brand spottings have been relatively few and far between on Springwise since we covered the miCoach fitness-focused cell phone from Samsung and adidas earlier this year. Recently, however, one of our spotters sent in news of a shining new example coming out of Slovenia. Following in the tracks of cars that have added iPod integration, Slovenian appliance maker Gorenje has unveiled a “Made for iPod” refrigerator that is specially designed around iPod Touch technology. Featuring an iPod docking station, the fridge lets users charge their iPod, play back music and video and, in wirelessly enabled households, connect to the web. Music is played through built-in speakers, while video content–which can include anything from music videos to video recipe instructions–are displayed on the iPod’s screen. Through Gorenje’s newly launched iGorenje web portal, meanwhile, users will have access to additional content related to cooking and other household tasks, adjusted for viewing on the iPod Touch screen and other mobile devices. The site will also allow for wifi control of household appliances connected to a home server, Gorenje says. The Made for iPod refrigerator was demonstrated last week at the IFA 2008 consumer electronics fair in Berlin; production is scheduled to begin late this year or early next. No word yet on pricing or availability. Gorenje is no stranger to branded-brand partnerships–in fact, regular Springwise readers may remember our coverage of its Swarovski crystal-laden range of appliances a few years ago. Will working with iPod technology reinvigorate the appliance category for a whole new generation of tech-savvy consumers? Time will tell. Meanwhile, one to watch! Spotted by: Helena M.