Amazon Announces Investment in Smart Oven Maker, Expands Alexa Role in Kitchen

Amazon expanded its control in the kitchen, announcing Thursday it added cooking capabilities to the Smart Home Skill API (application programming interface). It also said its Alexa Fund venture capital arm invested in smart oven maker June Oven. Terms weren’t disclosed. June’s $1,495 Oven and $1,995 Oven Pro, listed as sold out on the company’s website Thursday -- with one available on Amazon -- have an internal HD camera that acts as an intelligent imaging sensor. The camera works with an Nvidia graphics processor using deep learning neural networks to recognize more than 25 foods and recommend the best cooking preset for them, said the June website. An iOS app lets users control the oven “from anywhere,” watch food being cooked and be notified when the food is ready. In the blog post, Amazon said built-in cooking device controls in the API will make it easier for customers to control a cloud-connected microwave oven. It gave the example of asking Alexa to “microwave for 50 seconds on high.” Whirlpool created an Alexa skill using the new cooking capabilities and is expected to launch soon, Amazon said. Whirlpool didn't respond to questions. GE Appliances, Kenmore, LG and Samsung have skills in the works, it said. Interfaces in the API cover cooking, time control, time-hold control and preset control, and can be integrated with microwaves and appliances that support preset cooking, it said. The interfaces will add capabilities as support for cooking devices grows, it said.