"start" or "open" command?

[Mike Perry]

Are there currently any plans to implement a Windows-like "start" or
OSX-like "open" command that automatically launches the approprate
handler for any file? Such a command really improves commandline
usability, especially for new users, and the bulk of its operation could
also be implemented in a cross-desktop "launcher" library.

I poked around a bit for something like these and didn't find either. Did
I overlook something? Or is it in development already somewhere?

-- 
Mike Perry
Mad Computer Scientist
fscked.org evil labs