Well, their plan is simple. They set the standard and then everyone else follows :D . But seriously, they have a really cool site that just went live. It's the SCP-site. What's SCP? Simple Control Protocol (SCP) technology enables device manufacturers to create small, intelligent, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)-compatible devices that can communicate with each other over low-speed communication networks. In other words, you open up your network neighborhood and guess what? The coffee machine and other devices, [fill in the blank] appear as part of your network. No kidding. basically SCP brings plug-and-play to the IP protocol. Below is the brand new site where they explain the concept, where the Device Development Kits are, and how to find more about deploying SCP. This is going to be big. And remember, you heard it here first! But first, some comic relief. Ken Winstrand on the Sunbelt Home Automation list server made the following humorous comment:

"Wow, I can't believe MS is getting into this market. I'm sure they will
come up with some great stuff, but this calls for a top 10 list:

Top 10 Signs Microsoft Has Automated Your Home:

* You now pay a yearly fee for each switch in your home.
* You are prompted to accept a licensing agreement before making coffee.
* Patches for your toaster control module come out weekly.
* You were forced to upgrade the driver for your bedroom ceiling fan twice last
week.
* You can't legally use all of the lights in your house concurrently.
* A virus has taken over your controller and is using it to turn on and off the
Christmas tree at the Whitehouse.
* Your home automation protocol is "Like X-10, Only Better!"
* Your new garbage compactor requires you to throw everything away twice.
* You replace every switch, outlet, module, and controller in your home every
two years.
* At least once a day you are force to stop your current task, close all of
your windows, and shut down and restart your home."
:D

http://www.w2knews.com/rd/rd.cfm?id=021014RN-SCP_Site

[ 10-15-2002, 06:53 PM: Message edited by: ladyzekke ]

Oh boy, i hope my toilet is XP compatible. :D

Ta for the chuckle LadyZ :D

LOL Johnny, you'll have to get a new keyboard though that includes the "Flush" button.

Hehe... well it´s no wonder.

rotflmao! Excellent ladyzekke. I can´t stop laughing!! Making cookies would be easier thuogh wouldn´t it?

LOL, LadyZ. Will we have to shut down our house each night? Will the alrm clock make the entire thing re-boot?

Will a clogged toilet result in a total system failure???

I sure as hell hope not ! :D

You know what would really freak me out ? When i walk to the fridge to grab a beer, and all i get is a blue screen. :D