HANNOVER, Germany, March 13, 2002 — Today at CeBIT 2002, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer announced that a number of the world’s leading consumer electronics manufacturers, including LG Electronics Inc. and Philips Consumer Electronics, are building a new generation of smart display devices based on Microsoft®
technology, code-named “Mira.” In addition, Ballmer announced that leading original design manufacturers (ODMs) TriGem Computer Inc. and Tatung Co. will develop innovative device designs for their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers to bring “Mira” devices to market quickly. Consumers around the world will see “Mira”-enabled smart display devices by Christmas 2002.
“‘Mira’-enabled devices allow consumers to extend their Windows®
XP experience to a variety of relaxed settings in any room in the home,” Ballmer said. “We are very excited that these leaders in the consumer electronics and personal computing industries are joining the growing number of companies worldwide that will deliver a new generation of smart displays based on ‘Mira.'”
At the CeBIT fair in Hannover, Philips is demonstrating a “Mira”-enabled 10.4-inch remote mobile monitor that will allow users to access their Windows XP-based PC wirelessly when the monitor is removed from its base. LG Electronics, taking advantage of its extensive global experience in the electronics industry, will be developing a 15-inch primary detachable LCD monitor, and it is considering display form factors ranging from 10- to 15-inch remote mobile monitors. In addition, Tatung and TriGem announced they will be delivering smaller eight- and 10-inch “Mira”-enabled remote mobile monitors that will act as a secondary monitor to a Windows XP-based PC.
“Building on LG Electronics’ expertise in display technologies, we are excited to be working with Microsoft to develop Windows Powered smart display devices that will provide consumers with the mobility they demand while enabling them to access the power of Windows XP,” said Havis Kwon, vice president of the Digital Information Display Division at LG Electronics. “The combination of our display technology and Microsoft’s ‘Mira’ technology will quickly establish new standards in home computing and entertainment capabilities, and will help drive the adoption of wireless home networking.”
“As a worldwide ODM leader, OEMs look to us to deliver cost-effective, innovative solutions in a timely manner,” said Wen K. Lin, executive vice president of Tatung. “We are committed to helping our customers quickly bring to market ‘Mira’-enabled smart displays that will open up a new era of relaxed computing.”
Recognizing the growing trend of consumers who want to enjoy the benefits of the rich features in Windows XP in more relaxed settings, these companies are developing a variety of “Mira”-enabled devices that will meet this demand. “Mira”-enabled smart displays will deliver to consumers the freedom of complete experiences in Windows, including browsing the Web, sending or receiving e-mail messages, listening to music, and editing and displaying digital images, from any room in the home.
About “Mira”
“Mira” is the code name for a set of Windows technologies that will enable a new generation of smart displays that give people the freedom to experience the power of Windows XP from anywhere in their home. Harnessing the remote-desktop and wireless-networking features of the Windows XP and Windows CE .NET operating systems, “Mira” will enable smart displays in a variety of instant-on and silent-running form factors, ranging from a primary PC monitor that detaches to become a portable wireless touch-screen monitor to a large digital television that presents a complete Windows XP experience, including the ability to access music and photos from a PC. Microsoft recently released the beta 1 version of “Mira” and, in addition to the partners announced today, is working with leading companies, including Fujitsu Ltd., Intel Corp., National Semiconductor Corp., NEC Corp., Matsushita Electronic Corp., Sotec Co. Ltd., ViewSonic Corp. and Wyse Technology Inc., to deliver “Mira”-enabled displays and solutions. “Mira” is scheduled to ship in the second half of 2002, enabling these new smart devices to be available for the 2002 holiday season.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
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