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We’ve explored quite a few uses of our favourite OS beyond the norm on this site, but now a major consumer electronics player has thrown its fancy digital hat into the ring of the unexpected with a range of app-controlled home appliances; and the result is a pure slice of Android awesomeness…

Breaking with convention and extending the use of the Google OS exponentially, Japanese tech-Titan, Panasonic, has announced that it will unveil its new array of app controlled appliances at the forthcoming IFA consumer tech expo in Berlin.

Comprising a Wi-Fi controlled air conditioner which can be set-up via your smartphone to ensure the optimum conditions await when you get home, a washing machine which downloads its own wash cycles to suit different loads and detergents, and further devices such as refrigerators, scales, a rice cooker, steam oven and even a blood pressure monitor to follow, all use either Wi-Fi or NFC (near field communication) to interact with Panny’s special Android app.

The next logical step in the domestic environment, items such as internet connected fridges have been around for some time (albeit at the highest end of the price band), and whilst Panasonic’s new offerings are expected to weigh in at considerably more than your average kitchen set from Comet, the use of the Android platform makes the technology far more accessible, potentially putting the concept of the smarthouse within reach of all in the not-so-distant future and control of it within the smartphone in the palm of your hand. See? Android awesomeness.