[ICOM] Computer control of new IC-PCR1500 and IC-PCR2500 radios?

[Randy]

The new ICOM receivers do not have the common CI-V or DB-25 connectors for
computer control.  Instead, they have a USB interface.  While this is fine
while using ICOM's software I wonder about control using other programs.
Can the USB connection be made to look like a COM1 port on a PC and
communicated with using Visual Basic?  If so, is the command structure 
(for frequency control, for instance) like other ICOM radios or is it
something new and maybe even proprietary?

de Randy, W7HR
Port Orchard, WA