Microsoft Forges Ahead With New Home-Automation OS 196
suraj.sun writes "More than a decade ago, Microsoft execs, led by Chairman Bill Gates, were touting a future where .Net coffee pots, bulletin boards, and refrigerator magnets would be part of homes where smart devices would communicate and inter-operate. Microsoft hasn't given up on that dream. In 2010, Microsoft researchers published a white paper about their work on a HomeOS and a HomeStore — early concepts around a Microsoft Research-developed home-automation system. Those concepts have morphed into prototypes since then, based on a white paper, 'An Operating System for the Home,' (PDF) published this month on the Microsoft Research site. The core of HomeOS is described in the white paper as a kernel that is agnostic to the devices to which it provides access, allowing easy incorporation of new devices and applications. The HomeOS itself 'runs on a dedicated computer in the home (e.g., the gateway) and does not require any modifications to commodity devices,' the paper added. Microsoft has been testing HomeOS in 12 real homes over the past four to eight months, according to the latest updates. As is true with all Microsoft Research projects, there's no guarantee when and if HomeOS will be commercialized, or even be 'adopted' by a Microsoft product group."
Posting comment from behind the sofa (Score:5, Funny)
Please tell me when it's safe to come out from behind the sofa. My HomeOS appliances all got malware and have formed a botnet. My DVD player is trundling around the living room with a steak knife demanding my credit card details and my fridge has ejected spam all over the kitchen. I knew I should have installed Norton!
Re:Posting comment from behind the sofa (Score:3, Funny)
It was a DRM measure put there by Hollywood, solely to punch anyone who attempted to insert a copied disc and perform the occasional cavity search for pirated material. Little did I know that it would end up being used AGAINST me! Should I survive this situation unstabbed I will not be buying DVD players from Sony again.
Impressive (Score:5, Funny)
The core of HomeOS is described in the white paper as a kernel that is agnostic to the devices to which it provides access,
I'm impressed with the major advances in AI that Microsoft is introducing. Not only does this OS seem to be sentient, but it is also apparently programmed to ponder deep metaphysical concepts.
The kernel must be thinking: "These devices I work with may indeed physically exist. Or they may just be something like a software simulation that's being fed to me. As a humble computer program, I really don't have enough evidence to make a final conclusion either way."
HomeOS? (Score:5, Funny)
Sounds kinda gay.
What could possible go wrong... (Score:4, Funny)
I for one welcome Microsoft Home Automation Line of products...
I feel safe with their Home automation Line
Or H.A.L. for short.......
ermmmm...
on second thoughts...
Java Toaster (Score:2, Funny)
I always wanted to make my own Java Toaster [theregister.co.uk]. It burns the weather forecast into your toast in the morning.
Re:Interesting book by Bill Gates, from 1995 (Score:5, Funny)
Tweets from the MS-future:
MSfanboy: "OMG, my house just crashed, I'm trapped inside!"
Macfangrrrl: "Sounds like some old Steve Wright skit"
MSfanboy: "Now the house is flooding, help!"
Lnxfanother: "Just reformat your house, install DebHomeLinux!"
Luddite: ""
Macfangrrl: "Checking app-store for apps for that, hold on MSfanby!"
UnxGeezer: "I once wired my MicroVAX to my door bell..."
4thguru: "I can do all that MShomeOS does in 4k!"
MSfanboy: "I'm downing!!!!!"
Macfangrrl: "Sorry, FixMShomeOS.app was malware, pwned my iPhone!"
UberHacker: "@msfanboy, I reset your system using a bug in Windows that has been unpatched since Windows 3.1, then loaded DebHomeLinux with the MShouseOS WINE based emulator, and loaded all of your programs for you. You should be OK for now, just don't upgrade!" -Send via hackedtwitterposter 140++!
MSfanboy: "I just called the FBI on that evil hacker! And it's not Windows, it's MShomeOS, go read the official MS announcements!"
slsh.Anoncow: "First post!"