In the beginning, there were cookbooks; large, cumbersome things that involved page turning, reading stands and a noticeable lack of animation. Then came cooking apps for tablets and smartphones with their adjustable font sizes, built in timers and voice activated commands. Today, wearable technology has made its entrance into the zeitgeist, most notably with Google Glass, the computer enhanced eyewear that promises the functionality of a handheld device without the bother of being held in the hand. That makes it the perfect recipe delivery tool for the sticky-fingered, the hold-while-they-slice set, and those who would stir as they pour.
KitchMe is a surprising entity to be leading the vanguard, yet their free app for Glass is the first such software focused on cookery. In fact, unless you are one of the 10,000 beta users of Glass (each of whom paid $1,500 for the device), you will not even be able to try the app until Google sees fit to bring their gadget to market, probably later this year or early 2014. KitchMe is a startup company that was acquired by Coupons.com this past March. Until now, they have existed solely as an aggregation website, combining coupon deals from area groceries with recipes from such sources as the Food Network, Food.com and AllRecipes.
The highest rated of these recipes have been selected for inclusion in the app but mouse clicks have been replaced by a new interface, with an emphasis on the face. Speak aloud some items you have in the refrigerator and the app will display recipes that include those ingredients. Or if you’re not embarrassed to talk to yourself in public, announce the items on sale at the grocery and see what meals you can create. When it comes time to cook, the app can project step-by-step instructions before your eyes, or will audibly recite them. And, among the enhancements planned for future versions, is the ability to snap and share a photo of your finished meal, perhaps with the wink of an eye, fork and knife in hand.
