-Caveat Lector-
Now: of what use could Starr-Boie make of how many pints of Hagen-Dasz
some young Washintonite up-and-comer ate (and what flavour{s})?
>From IrishTimes
FRONT PAGEThursday, February 11, 1999<Picture>
Kitchen appliance will have
self-ordering cartons
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Kevin O'Sullivan, Environmental and Food Science Correspondent
The computerised fridge which pays the food bills via the Internet, has
self-ordering milk cartons, and a system to warn when produce is gone off
is ready to take its place in the kitchen of the future.
The household appliance that doubles as a communications centre also
compiles the shopping list, and, ultimately, may replace wandering around
supermarket aisles as an inevitable part of replenishing supplies - for it
brings Internet shopping for food a significant step closer. For technos,
and "kitchen managers" (to adopt the description of its designers) for whom
the technology is primarily intended, the "Screenfridge" is likely to be
the coolest household accessory available early in the new millennium.
Computer company ICL and household goods manufacturer Electrolux have
joined forces to create the fridge/freezer which is likely to reshape the
way people store food and change the way they shop.
It is expected to cost the combined price of "a typical fridge freezer and
a modest computer", an Electrolux spokeswoman told The Irish Times.
A 13-inch colour screen will display information about the food inside,
advise on expiry dates, temperature and even alert users when produce is
running out.
By using a barcode scanner, food can be registered going in and out. The
shopping list will come in the form of a computer printout.
The prototype is to be unveiled in Cologne later this month at
Domotechnica, the world's largest appliance trade fair. After further
market evaluations, it is due to go into production later this year. Voice
and face recognition may only be around the corner.
The product plans follow research indicating a need to make appliances
"more communicative". The kitchen is considered one of the main
communication hubs in the household.
Connection from the fridge via phone and Internet to supermarkets will
allow bills to be paid online, though Internet food shopping is not yet
routinely available.
Some supermarket groups, nonetheless, are already evaluating this option in
parts of Britain. So the chances are they will soon be in tune with the
talking fridge. (Additional reporting: PA)
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� Copyright: The Irish Times
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