Transmeta (Semiconductor) (TMTA)

[weaksidehelp]

MSFT's plan for home hegemony. BGates is probably ruminating on a Windows CE-based crib monitor

http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/Article.asp?IR=N&ClassID=100&datePublish=2002/03/19&pa....

Microsoft continues home networking development with Miras, Pocket PCs, Tablet PCs

Vincent Mao, Hanover; Willie Teng, DigiTimes.com [Tuesday 19 March 2002]

In analyzing Microsoft’s presence at this year’s CeBIT Hannover, the software giant could truly be seen as spreading its influence over hardware standards, especially in having a hand in the development of home networking architecture. The roles of Pocket PCs, webpads, Tablet PCs and the recently launched Mira smart display devices are beginning to take shape.

The Mira, especially, sparked many discussions in Hannover among systems and display companies. Microsoft pointed out that unlike desktops and notebooks, the Mira is only equipped with Internet access, simplified computing capability and display functions, while software applications, the CPU and other key components remain in the main computing platform of the home network (usually a PC). This eliminates many problems with noise, heat dissipation and power consumption. The new-generation display enables users to use the power of Windows XP and Windows CE.NET through wireless communications, between the main computing platform and the portable Mira, to browse the web, receive e-mail and listen to music anywhere in a home.

Microsoft said that as PCs become more powerful, the relationship between the main computing platform and the Mira could evolve from the current point-to-point into point-to-multiple points, which means PCs would act as the server of a home network and multiple Miras would allow users to perform various tasks.

Pocket PCs will target the mobile handheld market and continue to move towards multimedia. Tablet PCs will aim to replace notebooks in the future as the portable computing solution with full processing capability. Since wireless data communications would be available in these devices, users could connect to the main platform when they return home.

Microsoft is also planning to introduce smart panel technology into primary detachable monitors and televisions to combine computing and home entertainment. Overall, the software giant is obviously expecting its home networking architecture to expand its dominance of operating systems.

Companies such as Philips, LG Electronics, Trigem Computer and Taiwan-based Tatung have developed Mira prototypes, with final products officially hitting the market before Christmas.

regards, wsh