The future ...?

Thanks everybody for the ideas and insights on potential Add-ins.  We have always envisioned Windows Home Server playing the role of the "smart household assistant". Paraphrasing with what mgarner wrote (thanks Mike!):

I'd like to see ... voice recognition software integrated into WHS so that a Bluetooth mic could be used for voice recognition.... I can imagine that the Star Trek "Computer, please dim the lights..." days might not be too far off.... The two just need to be hooked together and wha-la...you have affordable voice recognition driven home automation..."Computer, could you please tell me if I have milk in the refrigerator?" Not too hard with a litte bit of RFID work. It sounds really geeky, but it is possible.

In addition to voice recognition, imagine being able to have an instant messaging conversation with your house:

MyHome> Hello. 

me> password=************

MyHome>   Hi Todd.  How can I help you?

me>   Is anybody home?

MyHome> just the dog

me> Is alarm set?

My Home> yes

me> Thermostat setting?

MyHome> 68

me> Thermostat set to 60.  Jacuzzi setting?

My Home>   Thermostat now set at 60.  Jacuzzi is at 92.

me> Jacuzzi at 105 by 7 PM

My Home>  Jacuzzi will be waiting for you

me> thx

My Home> ttyl

t.

Comments

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  I've it in my flat yet... ;-) No, but It's a really nice idea. Chris

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Todd, That is great. I'd love to be able to do that with my house. :) Tom

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  This IM conversation remind me about the technology acquired by Microsoft, SmarterChild (now branded as Windows Live Service Agent) http://blogs.technet.com/cswartz/archive/2006/12/22/new-acquisition-to-lower-costs-for-support-and-call-center.aspx

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  Open the pod bay doors HAL... ;-)

• Anonymous
  January 01, 2003
  WHS replies: "I'm sorry Dave.  I can't do that."