Netomatheque provides a voice-driven interface to the netomat browser.
In a cozy living room setting, with a comfortable couch, a fireplace and floor to ceiling projections on the walls Netomatheque allows the user to talk directly to the WWW using a regular phone.
Using their own voices, the viewers can engage in a phone conversation with the network and see the internet reply with a stream of changing images and fragments of text on the walls as well as sounds.
Netomatheque consists of custom designed software that employs voice recognition and text-to-speech synthesis. Voice recognition translates the user’s voice input into search queries which then locate the appropriate resources on the network. Once the resources are located Netomatheque displays the information in form of a stream of music, text and images floating through space. The projection changes before the viewer’s eyes forming a living digital wallpaper.
Netomatheque was first presented at the San Francisco Art Institute as part of the "Telematic Connections: The Virtual Embrace." A travelling exhibition presented by Independent Curators International (ICI) & curated by Steve Dietz. Since its opening in February 2001, Netomatheque has been presented at several art institutions around the United States.
In Steve Deitz's words: "Netomatheque" is an alternative browsing experience; one which will take you on a journey deep into the internet's subconscious."