LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2003 — This week at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. announced that Samsung Electronics and BenQ Corp., the respective No. 1 and No. 2 display manufacturers worldwide,* have each committed to developing a Windows®
Powered Smart Display. Microsoft also announced it will be collaborating with HP to extend the features and functionality of future usage scenarios for Smart Displays. Finally, ViewSonic Corp., which delivered the first commercially available Smart Displays in the United States, will offer a free solution that integrates Universal Electronics Inc.’s Nevo home control software (an approximate $299 value) for consumers who purchase an air panel V110 or V150 before March 31, 2003. Smart Displays make it possible for consumers to use their Microsoft®
Windows XP-based PC anywhere in the house.**
“With Windows XP, we’ve worked to make the home PC experience fun, exciting, educational and productive,” said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Platforms Group at Microsoft. “Using a PC at home should also be comfortable and natural. People don’t want to be tied down to a desk. They want to surf the Web, use e-mail or listen to music from the living room couch, the kitchen counter, the dining room table or the backyard deck — basically anywhere they choose. Together with the industry leaders delivering Smart Displays, we’re going to take easy Windows XP-based computing in exciting new directions.”
Smart Displays continue to gain worldwide momentum with leading display manufacturers BenQ and Samsung each committing to deliver a Smart Display. Samsung is targeting the holiday season of 2003 to deliver its Smart Display to the U.S. and Korean markets. BenQ will deliver its 15-inch detachable monitor in the second quarter of 2003. Adding to the growing industry excitement, Microsoft will begin collaboration with top PC manufacturer HP on development of future Smart Display applications for the home.
ViewSonic, the first Smart Display partner to deliver a product to market in the United States, also is unveiling plans to deliver innovative differentiation to its air panel V110 and V150 Smart Displays. Consumers who purchase a ViewSonic air panel V110 or V150 by March 31 are eligible to receive a free solution that integrates the Nevo home control software, delivering a powerful yet easy-to-use, visual interface for controlling the home entertainment environment. Available early in the second quarter of 2003, Nevo offers consumers enhanced convenience and ease of use by enabling them to use their Smart Displays to adjust a home stereo, change the television channel or even dim the lights in another room, as well as channel-surf using network logos and search for shows on their own personalized channel listings.
“Smart Displays offer consumers a new way to access their Windows XP-based PC from any room in their home,” said Bob O’Donnell, research director at International Data Corp. “The new home control functionality announced today enhances the overall appeal for Smart Displays and provides additional capabilities to consumers.”
Using Smart Displays, consumers can surf the Web from their couch, check e-mail while lying in bed, download recipes in the kitchen or share digital pictures on the patio. Primary first buyers of Smart Displays are expected to be the traditional early adopters of technology. This audience, composed of customers eager to apply forward-looking technology and gadgets to their daily lives, can test-drive the air panel V110 and V150 and the Philips DesXcape 150DM, as well as a host of Smart Displays soon to be delivered by other manufacturers, in the Microsoft corporate booth and at the Smart Display Experience Center located just outside the main entrance to the show floor at CES.
Recognizing the growing trend of consumers who want to enjoy the rich features of Windows XP Professional in more-relaxed settings, Microsoft and industry partners are developing a variety of Smart Displays. Manufacturers developing Smart Displays or solutions for Smart Displays include AboCom Systems Inc., BenQ, First International Computer Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Intel Corp., LG Electronics Inc., National Semiconductor Corp., NEC Corp., Philips Consumer Electronics Co., Samsung, Tatung Co., TriGem Computer Inc., ViewSonic and Wyse Technology Inc.
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.
* DisplaySearch Quarterly Desktop Monitor Shipment and Forecast Report, Q3’02 Parts I and II
** Normal operating range will cover all of most houses, but range may vary depending on manufacturer hardware, connection speed and environmental conditions.
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