NCR’s Knowledge Lab has come up with the idea of a Microwave Bank to offer the benefits of banking or electronic commerce to the majority of the population without a PC in their home. Knowledge Lab director Stephen Emmott said: Unlike the PC or the TV, the microwave is in the working center of the home – the kitchen – and it’s a device most people are familiar and comfortable with. Two banks, Barclays in the UK and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CIBC are sniffing round the idea. While enthusiastic about the concept, both are keeping their options open as to what device could eventually be the basis for customers’ communications. Maybe it’s going to be the microwave. Maybe it’s going to be the refrigerator. Maybe it’s going to be the washing machine. It’s all very exciting, said Terry Davies, a vice president at CIBC’s electronic banking division. NCR’s concept microwave incorporates touch screen technology on the oven door and voice recognition software does away with the need for a keyboard. Just touching a symbol on the microwave door will bring information as to the balance in your bank account. A barcode reader allows users to swipe empty containers that are added to a shopping list that can be sent to online stores. NCR, one of the world’s largest ATM machine suppliers, clearly sees the need to plan for a future as electronic trading replaces cash transactions and domestic appliances move into the online world. And the microwave does have one advantage over the PC or set-top for those working online – it can cook your meal at the same time.
