Disney’s new Home of the Future

Posted July 4, 2008 at 06:34 AM by Mark Rollins

Section: Audio, Video, Communications, Computers, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle

Some of you might remember back when Disneyland had their “House of the Future”.  I’m guessing it was located in Tomorrowland, and it featured such futuristic advances like speakerphones, big screen TVs, and microwave ovens.  Most homes of the present have these devices now, but during the ten year period that the exhibit was open (1957-1967), this was the future. 

Disneyland has just recently opened their new house of the future, otherwise known as the Innovative Dream Home.  The 5,000-square-foot house has been built as a collaborated effort with HP, Microsoft, and LifeІware.  Visitors can watch the everyday adventures of the fictional Elias family with their more modern advancements. 

Some of Microsoft’s contributions include the ever-so-popular Surface, the Home Server, but it also has some advancements we are all familiar with, such as Vista, the Zune, and even the Xbox 360.

Other Microsoft donations include the Magic Mirror, a mirror that can somehow project different clothes, accessories, and hairstyles on the person’s image.  It can somehow change to the contours of each family members’ body, and move as the person moves. 

The Kitchen of Your Dreams can recognize whatever ingredients you put on your counter, and can even suggest recipes. 

What really screams Disney is the Story Time, a child’s room that becomes a fairy land.  If someone simply reads a story, it sets off lights, sounds, colors, and video, transforming an ordinary story time into a magical multimedia experience. 

HP has gracefully donated the Touchsmart computer, as well as the Mediasmart TV.  LifeІware has given the RFID technology and media center solutions. 

Let’s hope that the Innovations Dream Home doesn’t become out of date soon. 

Via [Gizmodo]