A next generation platform for smart appliances. I'm Fred Fishkin with Bloomberg Bootcamp. It's a vision that a lot of companies are trying to turn into reality. Home networking that goes way beyond PCs... tying everything from your stereo system and TV to your telephone and digital camcorder to the Internet. An outfit called Rocketpod... a start-up based in southern California... is creating modular technology with an operating system all its own... that it claims... will change the way we live...

"When we set up the Rocketpod system, the key is that it's very simple to use. There's no software or drivers that comes in a box, you don't need to install any software. You plug the device in. It will go to our Web site, Rocketpod.com, download the necessary firmware and software for you... install everything for you."

And the plan is... says CFO George Tseng, the devices will just plain work. First on the market will be an MP3 music player...

"We're also coming out with a personal video recorder, which is like a digital VCR. We'll be able to allow you to program your digital VCR from over the Internet."

That's just the start. Rocketpod is backed by the way, by Next Planet, a tech design company that's developed a wide array of well known products. You can write to us... at letters@bootcamp.com. Bootcamp, I'm Fred Fishkin, Bloomberg News.