I don't think they've learned how to fold yet...

Here ya go.... https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/1/7/16854206/foldimate-laundry-folding-machine-ces-2018

What benefit do they add for you? If you don’t have a strong idea of how they will be helpful, it’s just one more thing that can break (and fairly easily). I know WiFi appliances are thenin thing right now, but it seems like a good idea to look hard at what utility they add before purchasing.

Kristin - I know the functions most of them are supposed to have, and am interested in the benefits, but I am looking for input for anyone who has an update on the reliability of the wifi/connectivity.

not trying to bash OP in any way but what is the point of this? you still have to be there to load, switch from W to D and unload?

What was most helpful for me was to look at the reviews of the manufacturers app in the app store. I have the Miele W1 which connects to your phone using WiFi and their app. Initially they had some issues where certain features needed some help and their developers have continued to release updates to their app over time. Now everything is very stable and the reviews have improved.

While my washer can be controlled remotely to select a cycle or stop the machine, the most helpful app item was getting a phone alert when the washer/dryer has finished. Helpful if your laundry room is not close to your living area.

Here are some links to app reviews based on the top loaders you mentioned. However I would recommend looking at them on the app store on your phone because you should see more reviews versus just the three that will appear on your computer.

GE

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ge-laundry/id935415794?mt=8

Whirlpool

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whirlpool/id1011622189?mt=8

Samsung

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/samsung-smart-washer/id606131806?mt=8

Cal -

I know we are on the same wavelengths on all things IOT. For others seeing this reply, PLEASE be extremely careful, prudent when connecting ~anything~ to the internet . I would suggest to not heed this route unless you have a IT relative, neighbor, etc. The internet is a very dangerous place.....no matter how nice and comfy those ads may make things be

The better question here is are you giving up qaulity brands/models or useful functionality to gain a connected device? It seems there arent many great reviews of washers and dryers. I’d personally focus on a quality machines first, and if some of those include connectivity, then read the reviews for each model and go from there.

And as jakvis mentioned, connectivity reliability is 95% dependent on your home wifi router. Dont expect your isp’s free router thats configured on the same channels as all of your neighbors in the opposite corner of the house from your equipment thats jammed in a closet to keep it out of site to give you a quality reliable connection.

afan brings up another excellent point. Those IOT devices are generally the easiest way to get hacked. Dont put them on the same generic wifi signal as the devices you store your personal data on, or access your banking on. Put them on a separate vlan on your home network and make sure they dont have an open doorway into your home pc network. Your 18 character wifi password isnt enough protection, and chances are, cant even be used with some IOT devices

https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/GTW755C.html

I have LG front loads which I love - bought them for the features but not the wifi connectivity, though it offers that. Not long ago I installed the app just to see what it might do (planned to uninstall because of security issues). The app was useless, no real features that I'd ever find remotely useful... and when I walked 2 ft away it dropped out. I did (for fun) attempt to access the app while standing in front of them, and it was too buggy to work. Personally, I'd buy for other features and read reviews, never wifi connectivity. I uninstalled the app as I'd planned.

Karen, consider what you might use it for... if you're not home, would you be comfortable adding to the drying time - or concerned about overheating your clothes or dryer? Why start a washer if you aren't home - no one is there to load it and mine is very quiet. Do you just want to know when the cycle finishes? I thought that might be handy but honestly, mine makes a tune when done, and I hear it anywhere pretty much unless I'm working in the yard - and I don't carry my phone there. If I'm not at home, I can't pull the clothes out anyway and put them in the dryer. My dryer also makes a tune, but sometimes I need to remove and untangle clothes. Some offer diagnostics if experiencing an issue, but these same diagnostics are on my front panels. I don't wish to start or stop drying or washing via wifi, so basically, I don't see a good use for such a thing, even without the possible security issues.

We have a new LG front-load washer with smart features. Like 2ManyDiversions, it was selected based on other features. But given that it offers WiFi connectivity, I installed the app and have found it useful. We live in a 3-story house, and when I'm two floors away from the laundry, hearing the signal is impossible. The washer will send a end-of-cycle notification to my phone. I can also use the app to see the washer mid-cycle and see remaining time. I doubt I'll ever use the remote start feature, but I've found the notifications helpful. The connectivity has been flawless and reliable for us.

@2Many, wifi doesn't work device to device, so it doesn't matter one bit how close you are to your appliances. It matters entirely how close your devices/appliances are to your router or wireless access points, how they are configured, and what requirements your appliances have. Not at all saying they're not buggy, but most people don't take the time to understand how this stuff works before assuming it must be garbage and giving up.

Hmmm. I know my wash loads take approximately an hour. I don't need an app to tell me when it's done, just a clock to look at. Whether on my phone or on the wall or on my kitchen range.

Not all persons will find all connected appliances as useful as others. Some will enjoy and use the connected experience, some will stop using it after the novelty wears off, and some will just never see any use for it and won't use it. That does not make it a bad idea. It's just different strokes for different folks.

Get what you want, Get what you think is cool, and don't worry what others say about that type of product. It's only THEIR opinion ... The wonderful thing is that You get to have your own opinion.

Hi Steve, yes, I know how wifi works (but thanks for the heads up as not everyone does). Bluetooth does work in that way, but I was using wifi. And when I walked in to the room with the router it dropped - so yes, buggy app.