GE Microwave Oven App Enables Customized Cooking Via Smartphone Scan

GE Appliances launched an app that sends cooking instructions for select foods to a connected microwave oven using its Scan-to-Cook technology. Tying it to back-to-school season, GE said smartphone users can scan barcodes on packaging for items such as pizza pockets, burritos or macaroni and cheese, and “microwave-exact instructions” for cooking times and power levels will be sent to the oven. The average microwave has 10 power levels, but many consumers never change the preset, defrost or power settings, said Shawn Stover, vice president-GE Appliances’ SmartHome Solutions. GE’s Smart Countertop Microwave comes with more than 3,000 meal items preprogrammed, including frozen, refrigerated and “shelf-stable goods,” and will be updated with additional items over time. The oven is also Alexa-enabled, allowing users to stop or add cooking time without having to use their hands, he said. Beginning Wednesday, the microwave will be bundled with an Amazon Echo Dot and sold at a limited-time price of $125, down from the $139 list price.