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Microsoft: would you like a computer in that recipe box?
ZDNet's Mary Jo foley reports that Microsoft is working on a kitchen-specific version of Windows Vista. Actually, Microsoft wants you to have a computer in every room, with applications tailored to that room. The Kitchen Client will likely be a layer of software running over Windows Vista that includes a family calendar, recipe center, bulletin board, and entertainment features like music and video. It will probably run on some sort of a tablet PC so that you can interact with the computer via a stylus with digital ink and/or a touch screen.
Not to sound like a luddite, but it seems like a dry erase board and a radio would be able to do most of the same things for a lot cheaper. But they can't connect to your home network to interact with other PCs in the house or go online to use Windows Live services.
And odds are you'll be able to pick up a Kitchen Client for significantly less than the $5000+ that early coffee-table style PCs running Surface are expected to cost.
Note that the PC in the picture is not technically a Kitchen Client, but rather a HP touch-screen PC running Windows Vista and HP software designed to make kitchen operation a bit easier.
Comments
9
Subscribe to commentsToddJun 7th 2007 8:41PM
Q: "Would you like a computer in that recipe box?"
A: NO!!!!!!!!
Yes, please put "clippy" in charge of the vital act of food preparation.
Clippy: "Ok, now cut up that chicken then cut up that beef and put it all into the pot.."
Me:"Whoa...wait a minute, aren't you supposed to use something to sanitize..."
Clippy: "Ok, now cut up that chicken then cut up that beef and put it all into the pot.."
Me: "No, that's dangerous, not sanitary..."
Clippy: "Would you like to search for salmonella poisoning on your C drive?"
AaronJun 7th 2007 8:44PM
That's exactly what I thought. HP already has their machine that does the same thing. Does Microsoft really need to come out with a whole "new" thing that duplicates what's already available?
If I had the spare cash, I'd pick up one of those HP models for the kitchen/living area, I like the concept of that kind of interface in the kitchen. But I don'thave it like that.
And Microsoft saying they are going to make a device that does the same thing at probably near the same cost doesn't make me able to get it sooner.
DougJun 11th 2007 8:28PM
*touches meat, then touches touch screen for next step*
CRAP. Now I have to clean off my screen? I hope they make a computer that adapts to the kitchen... I'm not going to wash my hands after touching the meat just to go to the next step or smear the meat juice to scroll down.
ScOObyDooJun 7th 2007 8:41PM
Ah yeah, cause the Salton Icebox was SUCH a success.
Bob1555555Jun 8th 2007 8:29AM
Doug, a very simple solution. Voice Commands.
ChuckJun 8th 2007 11:25AM
Some of the comments above really make me think that until voice activation grow up, these machines are really just future retro novelties. I want to be in my kitchen (yeah right) and annunciate iTunes..Libraries...Fluffy....Daft Punk..play...volume...5...set...oh yeah large fries!
fredthompsonJun 8th 2007 1:18PM
I've wanted something like this for years so I can get rid of the cookbooks. However, what I want is a thin tablet with a very high-resolution display. Attach the tablet to a cabinet door and it's visible but not in the way. There are easily-cleanable food-save touchscreens already, guys. You don't think food processing is done manually, do you? The key is for the case to be designed properly, not adapted from a laptop.
MurphJun 9th 2007 9:44AM
Geeeeeezzzzzzz......
MurphJun 9th 2007 9:45AM
Sorry, what I meant to say was, "geeeeeezzzzzzz......" {slaps forehead, thinks of old Jetsons reruns, wonders idlly "screw the recipes, can I get the thing to drag the trash out, load the dishwasher, change a diaper or two, feed the dog, walk the turtle, clean the fridge, mop the floors....}
Do we REALLY need another tech-item crammed into another space our lives??? iPod, PDA, cell phone, Bic pens - what's next, remote controls for toilet flushing?!?!?