Linux is everywhere, even on Mars, but if there’s one home appliance I did not expect to find the open-source operating system, it would have been the microwave oven. But Farberware thinks differently and launched the FM11VABK microwave oven running Linux on a Rockchip RK3308 quad-core Cortex-A35 processor to handle Sensory’s TrulyHandsfree voice stack enable voice-assistant features on the Linux microwave oven.
I don’t think I need to go through the full specs of the 1,100 Watts microwave oven and I’ll focus on the voice assistant instead. People who worry about connecting everything to the Internet will be glad to know Farberware FM11VABK does not require an Internet connection or a mobile app for control. Everything is processed locally through TrulyHandsfree technology without sacrificing privacy, and with faster response times.
Sensory offers its “Custom Domain-Specific Voice Assistant” service to any manufacturers of home appliances, vehicle infotainment systems, set-top boxes, home automation, industrial and enterprise applications, as well as developers of mobile apps. So they can train the required words and phrases needed for a given product with up to 150 voice commands supported.
The video below is a voice assistant demo with a microwave oven prototype filmed a few years ago.
Voice commands starting with “Voice genie” wake word allow the user to open the microwave door, set the time, configure the microwave for specific food types, and so on. Sadly, it’s not possible to close the door… I guess it would be possible to implement, but the cost would be much higher with a motor controlling the door. The main advantage of a voice-controlled microwave oven probably just to save you a few seconds of your time each day.
If you’d like to add another Linux device to your collection, Farberware FM11VABK Linux microwave oven is sold for $249.99 on Amazon, but the only user review on Amazon mentions it’s $50 cheaper at Walmart.
Via LinuxGizmos.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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