Google iLoo: The Ultimate Portable Lavatory with Internet Access

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the announcement of the 'iLoo', a portable lavatory with internet access, purportedly developed by Microsoft's MSN. Participants express skepticism about its legitimacy, practicality, and potential use, particularly in public settings like music festivals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the seriousness of the iLoo, suggesting it might be a joke or impractical for real-world use.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for the device to malfunction or be vandalized, especially in crowded environments like music festivals.
  • There is speculation about the hygiene issues associated with using a public toilet equipped with technology, including concerns about cleanliness and the usability of a keyboard in such a setting.
  • One participant mentions the idea of the iLoo being a legitimate project that was later deemed inappropriate by Microsoft after initial backlash.
  • Humor is injected into the conversation with remarks about the absurdity of the concept and the challenges of using technology in a restroom environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the practicality and legitimacy of the iLoo, with some believing it to be a hoax while others suggest it was a genuine project that faced criticism. No consensus is reached regarding its viability or purpose.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and articles, indicating a mix of information and opinions about the iLoo's announcement and its subsequent reception. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the project's status and the motivations behind its creation.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in technology, marketing strategies, or the intersection of innovation and public utilities may find this discussion relevant.

damgo
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20030506/i/1052236650.3221815359.jpg

The world's first portable lavatory with internet access is due to be unveiled this summer. The 'iLoo' is being built by Microsoft's internet arm MSN which aims to showcase its creation at summer music festivals.
Part of me suspects this must be a joke, but another part suspects it's deadly serious.

Thoughts?
 
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Computer science news on Phys.org
I shudder to think what would happen when it inevitably crashes...
 
but another part suspects it's deadly serious.
Maybe for when bill gates visit a construction site, lol. Otherwise what contractor would pay for this? So his greasy construction workers can have a high tech potty? This must be a fake.
 
Naa, looks like it's legit...

MSN UK tests Net-connected portable potty
http://www.msnbc.com/news/908511.asp?cp1=1

despite the eerie resemblance to

New E-Toilet To Revolutionize On-Line ****ting
http://www.theonion.com/onion3536/e_toilet.html
 
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There was an article in the daily mail about it today. There going to have them at big musics festivals like Glastonbury but I don't know why someone would wan't to sit on a public toilet at glastonbury and surf the web. Also it's bound to get vandalised within a couple of minutes.
 
I read about it on yahoo news I believe.

What an idea. A hitech outhouse. What will they think of next?

I'm with you Greg, being a former construction worker. For one, unless they have done something to suppress the stinch that get worse as the day gets hotter, then I don't think anyone will be using it for any length of time.

I wonder if it's wifi ready. I wouldn't mind having one for personal use. Hehe
 
i don't like touching the doornob handles in public toilets

imagine the filth on a public toilet keyboard? No thank you MS!

and god knows what this computer would be used for?
 
Alas, many creditable sources have verified that the iLoo was a joke created by the Microsoft branch in the UK. Those hooligans!
 
Gives a whole new twist to downloads.
 
  • #10
Originally posted by Greg Bernhardt
Alas, many creditable sources have verified that the iLoo was a joke created by the Microsoft branch in the UK. Those hooligans!
Not quite... :wink:
On Monday, the world's largest software maker had said the "iLoo," which was described in minute detail in an April 30 press release by its British subsidiary, was a hoax and apologized for any "confusion or offense."

But on Tuesday Microsoft switched its story and said that the iLoo had been a legitimate project by its British MSN Internet service that was terminated after the initial announcement prompted controversy, ridicule and disgust.

"Corporate headquarters in Redmond, Washington, looked at it and decided maybe this wasn't a good idea," said Lisa Gurry, MSN group product manager.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030514/wr_nm/tech_microsoft_iloo_dc_2
 
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  • #11
now I can say that the universe can no longer surprise me...
but who would want to reinstall windows in there?
 
  • #12
Originally posted by damgo
Not quite... :wink:
Press releases are like underwear. The primary purpose is to cover your ass (unless you are female :wink: ). So its tough to know exactly what happened there.