The Associated Press
DAYTON, Ohio -- Now, we're cooking.
Researchers at NCR Corp. say they are developing a microwave oven with a computer that will allow cooks to surf the Internet while heating a roast. In fact, they've already come up with prototype models of the futuristic appliance.
NCR, a Dayton-based computer services company, calls it the Microwave Bank.
"For some people, it will open up a whole world of electronic banking and shopping on the Internet," said Stephen Emmott, director of NCR's London-based Knowledge Lab.
Mr. Emmott said the appliance was developed following a study of consumer lifestyles and how to bring convenience to people in new ways. He said about 40 percent of U.S. homes have personal computers, but those without PCs would enjoy the convenience of online banking and shopping.
"The kitchen is the center of the home where people are actually getting stuff done rather than in a relaxation mode," Mr. Emmott said. "It's where people are in the frame of mind to pay their bills, make their weekly shopping list out. And a microwave is a device that's usually in the kitchen."
The oven has a touch-screen, liquid-crystal monitor mounted in the door and voice-recognition software installed, eliminating the need for a keyboard.
Instead of watching a frozen turkey spin around inside the oven, the cooks can electronically check their bank balance, pay their bills, look up recipes or do their shopping. Or, they can surf the World Wide Web, e-mail their friends, and even watch their favorite sitcom.
"We actually have bank accounts with real banks here, and we use them on the microwave," Mr. Emmott said. "This is so simple. You literally just talk to it or touch the screen, and everything is done."
However, he cautioned that the appliance remains in the research phase.
"We're going to continue working on it," he said. "It's still very much a lab effort."
Mr. Emmott said the electromagnetic waves created by the oven do not interfere with the operations of the computer.
