Microsoft Tries Again with E-Toilet
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 01.16.07
A couple of years ago the net was agog with news that MicroSoft was issuing the iLoo, a portable toilet with internet access. Alas it turned out to be fairly fragrant vapourware, and never appeared. It also was basically a chemical toilet and not particularly green. Thus we were thrilled to see the new eToilet, which not only "plays music from Zune, surfs the web, and monitors personal hygiene" but is based on a composting toilet. "Americans spend an average of two weeks per year in the bathroom," Microsoft chairman Bill Gates told a group of IT professionals during an invitation-only party following the conclusion of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. "And as part of Microsoft's efforts to continue to make inroads in the home, we fully plan to capitalize on that time." It appears to be an international joint venture combining the Swedish Multoa Manual with the latest Microsoft software.
The eToilet is not unlike a regular toilet in its basic functions, but includes a 21-inch flat-screen monitor built into the toilet lid itself that swings out on a swivel arm when in use. Many of its functions are activated by touch, and the eToilet contains a proximity sensor that will protect the screen from spray during use or flushing.
Additionally, the eToilet's composition gauge will offer web-based dietary recommendations and guidelines based on the physical makeup of the material that is input into the device, and it has a delay mechanism to prevent flushing while someone is in the shower. However, arguably the most intriguing feature of the eToilet is the integration of Microsoft's patented eLoo technology that allows for the activation of remote call features.
"No longer will you need to watch the water climb to dangerous levels just to determine if you have a clog," said Gates. "The eToilet will detect that clog long before it's visible and will have it cleared before you even finish washing your hands."
A number of attendees at the unveiling questioned why Gates didn't use the forum of the CES to make his announcement, since the electronics show lacked the headlines and luster of Apple's iPhone announcement at MacWorld. Gates was noncommittal in his reply, but that didn't sway the positive response by those who tried out the eToilet.
"The features on this thing are unbelievable," said John Biggs of CrunchGear.com. "Not only will its thermostat warm the seat when necessary, but it also puts the seat down when I forget. It's a marriage-saver!"
All remakable features in a composting toilet that uses no water! We hope that it also monitors the quality of the compost, and warns us when it is time to empty it.
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Love the reputable site this came from, right next to the "Bush is great in '08" story.
As an regular reader of this site/blog I am disappointed that this story has resurfaced. Sure it is/was funny but does not meet the standards I come to Treehugger.com for. I have a sense of humor but when I want ridiculous, made up news I will tune into my local evening newscast. After seeing the "iLoo" article I quickly clicked the "About Us" link to ensure that Treehugger had not been taken over by a Rupert Murdock company.
In Review: TreeHugger is a fast-growing web magazine, dedicated to everything that has a modern aesthetic yet is environmentally responsible. Our goal is to make sustainability mainstream and to be the one-stop for the environment. If you want doom & gloom, this is not the place. We are looking for solutions, constructive developments and positive initiatives.
I look forward to more environmentally responsible news.
If your average toilet was built to Microsoft quality standards, we'd all switch back to chamber pots and gutters.
C'mon. Treehugger is just doing their bit to recycle otherwise useless s**T from other sites. :D
As a fairly new Treehugger.com fan, I find this article amusing and intriguing. This is the first I'm hearing of the iLoo and I'd love to see the finished product.
Humor is good for the soul.
Truly disappointing Treehugger. Did anyone do any actual research for this post or was it basically copied and pasted from the reputable source from which it came.
Does anyone know what SATIRE is here? Look at the damn site, sheesh.
My question is, if it doesn't use water, what does it "flush"?
Hmmmm? Inquiring minds want to know!
It's pure crap if you ask me, thanks for wasting my time. We already get enuff SPAM and crap as it is, we don't need anymore from the sites we choose to read (when we're under the expectation that they aren't gonna be feeding us this kind of crap).
Good bye.