Will this new device replace microwaves?

AUSTIN, Texas — The microwave may have some new competition.

While the microwave has been serving hurried, hungry people well for decades, the technology behind it hasn’t evolved much. Now, engineers from Freescale Semiconductor say they’ve developed an appliance concept that uses solid state radio frequency to combine the convenience of a microwave with the quality of a traditional oven.

“This smart, connected RF cooking concept can control where, when and how much heating energy is directed into food — enabling more precise cooking for dramatically improved consistency, taste and nutrition,” Freescale explained in a statement Monday. “This fine-tuned heating capability helps prevent overcooking, which can destroy nutritional content, reduce moisture and waste energy.”

The new appliance isn’t slated to hit the market yet, but it is on display at a technology forum in Austin, Texas. Developers said it will be capable of browning, crisping, searing, baking and poaching multiple dishes at the same time.

It will also be enabled to connect with other Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, meaning it can connect to an online database of recipes and cooking methods, according to Freescale.