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Forget the newspaper. MSNs U.K. division has created something new to do while on the john–surf the Internet.
MSN U.K. has taken roaming (and communal hygiene) to a new level with the “iLoo”, an Internet-enabled toilet that the software giant hopes will debut at various concerts in the U.K. this summer.
Users will be able to access the “WWW.C.” using a wireless keyboard and a built-in plasma screen. MSN U.K. is encouraging advertisers to come up with their own custom-designed toilet paper to prompt users to visit web sites.
The iLoo will be mobile and is part of MSNs mission to allow instant logging on “anytime and any place”, the company said. Users will be able to sit down, undock a wireless keyboard and conveniently access the Internet.
A plasma screen will be located directly in front of them which can be adjusted to a desired height level. MSN is also in talks with toilet paper manufacturers to produce special web paper for those in need of URL inspiration, the company said.
The iLoo will be broadband enabled using WiFi technology. There will also be a six channel surround sound speaker system under the sink unit for use with listening to music from the Internet.
“The Internets so much a part of everyday life now that surfing on the loo was the next natural step,” said Tracy Blacher, marketing manager at MSN said in a statement. “People used to reach for a book or mag when they were on the loo but now theyll be logging on! Its exciting to think that the smallest room can now be the gateway to the massive virtual world.”
The outside of the iLoo will also be fitted with a screen and waterproof keyboard so the iLoos next customers have something to do to pass the time. The iLoo is entering the construction phase, MSN U.K. said.
The iLoo is just MSN UKs latest stunt; other attempts to promote computing in Britain have included an Internet-enabled park bench and a stunt where attendees were asked to sit isolated for 100 hours, with only the Internet to keep them alive.