If we are to believe the news mongers, then by being the visitor at CES (Consumer Electronics Show), you will be able to catch the glimpse of a kitchen that is being slated as the future of the kitchen breed. Titled Magic Kitchen Project, it will debut in home the birth of computer embedded kitchen appliances. This magic kitchen displays various innovative concepts like clutter free technologies, allowing the user to control everything with the help of voice and gesture commands.
Expect the Unexpected
• Mini computers embedded by Texas Instruments that output digital light projectors under cabinets, on appliance doors and on counter tops.
• A product mounted on the ceiling, containing small projectors, LED heating lamps and even internet connection.
• You can configure the system in your own way so that it displays information according to your needs. You can even direct these displays on the cooking surfaces, tables and counter tops. The images that you choose to project could be anything, ranging from table settings to some party settings.
• The coolest feature of this kitchen is that as a user you can place your mobile devices in a bowl on the counter top. This bowl serves as a connection zone.
• A hidden computer also reads the individual food preference and menu restrictions.
• Some other features allow you to use hands-free appliances, managing multiple tasks in the kitchen. Take for example the Wii-like sensor bar, it will allow you to control of the burner height even when you are standing near the sink.
A counter-top device will provide you comprehensive information on any bar-coded product.
The main concern was whether voice and gestures could be used to control this kitchen and if we take in consideration the development of this concept so far, then it is definitely possible.
“But keyboards and mice are not natural interfaces. People use hand gestures and voice. So our challenge was, could TI work with Whirlpool and others to do this?” said Nag, director of business development at Texas Instruments.
The Next Phase
After this phase, the companies will conduct focus groups to know what the consumers feel about the concept. And, based on the results the concept will be tested in the real-world .i.e. three to five homes by CABA Connected Home Research Council. The subsequent phases will include cloud computing applications, advanced speech recognition grammars, 3-D imaging and gesturing technology. Various projection devices and sensors will facilitate the kitchen computer to recognize individual family members when they walk into the kitchen. This identification will allow every family member to access their personal content like news and e-mail. And, all this by just entering the kitchen and trust me on the next part, system could also possibly greet you with good morning, your coffee is ready and etc. etc.
Collaboration
Magic Kitchen project is the result of collaboration of giants like Whirlpool, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN), Verizon, Tyco Electronics, Sensory and several other members of Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) Connected Home Research Council. The group, formerly known as the “Internet Home Alliance,” developed the first phase of the project.
Availability
This futuristic concept is alleged to be available to mainstream consumers in 12-16 months and in a three step pricing process. The first units will probably sell for $499 and then the prices will drop to $299 and then $199.
Via: Technewsworld
