The iPod docking station is specifically designed for use in the kitchen with four large membrane-type buttons for easy use and cleanup.

When you attend the Consumer Electronics Show, you expect to see LG, Sony, Microsoft and others. With the blending of technologies affecting all home-goods categories, CES is also a critical launch pad for appliance manufacturers. Whirlpool is adding multimedia functionality, including iPod connections, to kitchen appliances.

The kitchen is increasingly known as the "family nerve center," where dinner is cooked, friends and family gather, kids do homework and parents pay bills. Whirlpool brand has incorporated these kitchen consumer insights into the development of the centralpark connection, a refrigerator (Model # GD5VVAXT) with a plug-and- play platform, adding functionality for today's digital consumer. More than 30 percent of laptop computer, digital photo frame and digital music player owners currently use their devices in the kitchen, making the centralpark connection a natural step in appliance evolution. The product also helps today's digital consumer clear their countertops while powering their devices in one centralized location - the refrigerator.

With the life cycle of appliances being significantly longer than that of consumer electronics. The centralpark connection allows consumers to update their electronics at anytime so multiple devices can be used interchangeably right on the refrigerator door. Consumers also may remove the devices for a more standard refrigerator facade. Concepts shown at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show include Clio Vu web tablet, Cozi family organizational software, Brandmotion iPod speaker system and Quartet Qnote Message Center.

"We are proud to be back at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show with a diverse grocery list of new, soon-to-market partners," said Phil Pejovich, VP of Whirlpool Refrigeration, North America. "Depending on each family's needs, there is a centralpark connection device to help every Whirlpool brand consumer accomplish more with his or her day -- from keeping photo displays fresh to organizing family activities."

The centralpark connection is retailing currently for $1,999.

Whirlpool has partnered with several companies to add functionality to its appliances.

Brandmotion, a current "Made for iPod" Apple licensee, and authorized iPod accessory manufacturer created a self-charging, high-quality iPod docking system with dual stereo speakers for use with the centralpark connection. The docking station is specifically designed for use in the kitchen with four large membrane-type buttons for easy use and cleanup. The docking station is manufactured to securely hold any size iPod and withstand the frequent opening and closing of the freezer door.

Clio Vu, a convertible tablet computer utilizing the Clio's familiar, award-winning 180o SwingTop design, is one of the latest options to help clear refrigerators of sticky notes, traditional notepads and calendars, while keeping grocery lists and schedules organized. The Clio Vu, equipped with Wi- Fi, can be removed easily from the centralpark connection digital hub and brought along for trips to the corner coffee shop or other errands and activities. Using the touch screen, keypad or handwriting device, consumers are easily able to update their schedules and keep track of their home happenings, without the clutter. Also, the Clio Vu will give users the freedom to watch movies and look up recipes online while working in their kitchen. The Clio Vu comes pre-loaded with Cozi family organizational software.

Cozi, a free software and Web service which helps busy families manage their schedules, create shopping and to-do lists, organize household chores and stay in communication, is one of Whirlpool brand's latest partners. When used with the centralpark connection, Cozi is able to provide easy-to-use solutions in the middle of the action, right on the refrigerator. In addition to Cozi's calendar, photo and messaging features, Whirlpool consumers will find it especially helpful to add items to the Cozi Shopping List right from their kitchen and then receive the list as a text message on their mobile phone, when away from home. With Cozi, families stay coordinated, schedules are updated, groceries are purchased -- all in an effort to simplify and enjoy family life.

The Quartet Qnote Message Center enables families to share and communicate important messages from the kitchen. Quartet, maker of visual solutions for over 50 years, designed the Qnote Message Center specifically for the centralpark connection. The message center, made of durable tempered glass, offers a superior dry-erase writing surface and ambient surface illumination to bring messages to light. Interchangeable templates offer customizable layouts to meet each family's individual lifestyles and unique tastes. A digital clock with date and timer, and a sliding storage drawer to keep documents like schedules and menus handy, are all part of Qnote's organizational features.

The Consumer Electronics Association named the Whirlpool brand refrigerator with the centralpark connection as an Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award Honoree in the Home Appliances product category.