Microsoft Unveils Windows CE for Smart Displays Naming

REDMOND, Wash., June 26, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that
“Mira,” the code name for new software technologies that will power a wide range of smart displays that extend the Windows® XP experience to any room in the home, will officially be named Microsoft® Windows CE for Smart Displays. In addition, Microsoft announced that Windows CE for Smart Displays initially will include localized language support for English, French, German, Japanese and Korean. The first wave of these Windows Powered Smart Displays will be available this holiday season in North America and Asia; they are expected to be available for purchase in Europe in the first half of 2003.

“Since introducing Windows CE for Smart Displays at CES in January, we have seen great momentum and support for this new technology, with more than 15 industry-leading partners signed up to deliver a variety of wireless monitor form factors,”
said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft.
“These Windows Powered Smart Displays will extend the consumers Windows XP experience out of the home office or den into more relaxed settings, providing access to their personal data, applications and services from any room in the home.”

Recognizing the growing trend of consumers who want to enjoy the benefits of the rich features of Windows XP in more relaxed settings, Microsoft and industry partners are developing a variety of 10-inch and 15-inch wireless monitors to meet this demand. Manufacturers developing smart displays include AboCom Systems Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Intel Corp., LG Electronics Ltd., National Semiconductor Corp., NEC Corp., Philips Consumer Electronics, Tatung Co., TriGem Computer Inc., ViewSonic Corp., Wistron Corp. and Wyse Technology Inc. Smart displays will give consumers their personalized Windows XP experience, including browsing the Web, sending or receiving e-mail messages, listening to music, and editing and displaying digital images, in any room in the home. These devices will carry the Microsoft Windows Powered logo, signifying that they are running Windows CE .NET, the robust real-time embedded operating system for building the next generation of smart, mobile and small-footprint devices. In addition, consumers should look for devices that bear the Designed for Windows XP logo, indicating that they have met Microsofts quality development standards for use with Windows XP Professional-based PCs.

“The combination of the uptake in wireless networking in the home, the evolution of consumer electronics and the demand by users to have more flexible access to their PCs has made the demand for smart displays a reality,”
said Bob ODonnell, research director at International Data Corp.
“These devices will appeal to early adopters and technology enthusiasts who are looking for a solution that makes the data and experience of their PC available on a mobile basis throughout their homes.”

About Windows CE for Smart Displays

Windows CE for Smart Displays is a set of Windows technologies that will enable a new generation of Windows Powered 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 Professional and Windows CE .NET operating systems, Windows CE for Smart Displays will initially enable wireless monitors in two primary instant-on and silent-running form factors: 15-inch primary detachable monitors and 10-inch remote mobile monitors. Both form factors will present the Windows XP experience, including the ability to remotely access the applications, data, media, and services and connectivity of the PC from any room in their home. Windows CE for Smart Displays is scheduled to ship in the second half of 2002, enabling these Windows Powered Smart Displays to be available for the 2002 holiday season in North America and Asia, with European availability expected in the first half of 2003. Future Windows Powered Smart Display form factors will include high-definition televisions and projectors.

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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