Microsofts vision on our future homes

Microsoft started in 1994 with the house of the future. A project which gave insights about how software giant looks towards the future of our houses. Recently Microsoft gave us new insights about their vision of the future of our living spaces.

[blockquote]Microsoft did try to include only high-end technologies that it believed would cost consumers six years from now about the same as their mainstream equivalents today. One example was the 2000 version of the Microsoft Home, when Cluts demanded, over protests, that no televisions or monitors with cathode-ray tubes be allowed[/blockquote]

Here are some examples:

1. A community mailbox outside tracks the mail man's location using GPS, and users can get a real-time estimate of when mail will arrive on the mailbox display or by mobile phone. RFID tags embedded into envelopes even detail what mail is on the way.
2. Visitors that ring the front doorbell have their picture taken by a digital camera, which is sent along with a notification to the cell phone of the home-owner, who can quiz the visitor or unlock the door. Upon entering, the visitor or homeowner can issue commands to the Home computer system.
3. a bulletin board in the kitchen has been updated for the digital age. Place a pizza coupon onto the board and the restaurant's menu and phone number are displayed.
4. In the bedroom there is a mirror that doubles as a screen. By holding clothes up to it, she can get information about them, including whether matching items like a skirt or jacket are in the closet or the wash

[blockquote]Microsoft predicted RFID tags would become ubiquitous due to low cost and the ability to program and print them out at home using ink-jet printers with polymer-filled cartridges[/blockquote]

Do you like the future of our most visited places. Our houses?

More information: Microsoft en PC Advisor