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Disney Redesigns the ‘House of the Future’

Posted on: Wednesday, 13 February 2008, 11:15 CST

Disney, in partnership with Microsoft Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., software maker LifeWare and homebuilder Taylor Morrison, is set to open its doors to the newly-renovated “House of the Future” in Tomorrowland.

Disneyland’s first "House of the Future" opened almost 50 years ago and after quickly becoming commonplace, was shut down a decade later.

At an estimated cost of $15 million, the 5,000-square-foot home will feature the new technology of tomorrow such as lights and thermostats that automatically adjust when people enter a room and countertops with the ability to identify groceries and make menu suggestions.

All of the new features will be exhibited to visitors by Disney actors who play a family of four preparing to take a trip to China.

"It's much different than a spiel that you would get at a trade show," said Dave Miller, director of alliance development for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. "We won't get into the bits and the bytes. It will be about the digital lifestyle and how that lifestyle can help you."

The action and dialogue in the house will highlight the features taking place in the bedrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, study and back yard, showcasing a network that makes the house "smart" and follows the household from room to room - even adjusting artwork - to preset personal preferences.

The system will have the ability to transfer digital photos, videos and music across a network of televisions and computers throughout the house at the click of a button . Similar programs could turn a desktop into a computer screen, allowing residents to load photos, music or e-mail onto a cell phone by placing it on the desk.

The new “House of the Future” is set to open in May, leaving extra time for other applications to be developed, including touch-screen technology built into appliances, furniture and countertops, said Joe Belfiore, Microsoft's vice president for entertainment services.

While featuring technologies that should be released down the road, the house will also show new uses for devices that many households may already own, said Mike Seamons, vice president of marketing at LifeWare, which makes home automation software.

"If people walk through there and say, 'I don't have anything in this house at all,' then we've totally failed," Seamons said. "We're not waiting for robots to happen in order for it to be a reality."

Designers chose to stay away from the dreamlike home of the future, and stuck to the familiar aspects of modern life.
The new home will be made of wood and steel and finished in muted browns and beiges, said Sheryl Palmer, president and chief executive of Taylor Morrison in North America.

"The 1950s home didn't look like anything, anywhere. It was space-age and kind of cold," she said. "We didn't want the (new) home to intimidate the visitors. We want the house to be real accessible to our guests."

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On the Net:

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Microsoft Corp.

Hewlett-Packard Co.

LifeWare

Taylor Morrison

Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports

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