Paul Martin
12-19-2006, 01:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2006-11-22-coffee-smart_x.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/t...fee-smart_x.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"A new coffee maker hitting stores for the holidays can display real-time weather data, using a "smart objects" technology that Microsoft has been touting for years. The $200 Melitta Smart Mill & Brew, made by Salton, takes advantage of a wireless-data system built by Microsoft to automatically display current weather conditions and forecasts.The first SPOT-infused products, watches from three companies that offered real-time news and other information, hit the market in 2004, followed by a home weather gadget from Oregon Scientific. That makes the coffee maker just the third kind of item to deploy the technology. ...Microsoft has simplified the process by which gadget makers can add SPOT to products, and several are due to be announced in coming months. "It's clear this is where technology is going, there's no doubt about it," Lang said. "It might be a little before its time for mainstream America, but it's absolutely where things are going."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Melitta_Smart_Mill_and_Brew.jpg" /><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.yourgrindredefined.com/">Melitta Smart Mill & Brew Coffee Maker</a> grinds, brews, and feeds you the forecast. I love coffee and I love tech; what could be a better combo? That is, unless you live in an area not covered by the <a href="http://www.msndirect.com/default.htm">MSN Direct network</a>, like me. Still, this is a great idea of answering a practical need in an obvious place. If the only reason you boot up in the morning is to check the forecast, why not have the coffee maker tell you. I wonder if it would be possible for this to gather info via bluetooth or wifi instead? Just imagine pressing those tiny buttons over and over to set the gateway and subnet mask. :lol: