Wave Systems Corp. (fka WAVXQ)

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Monday, July 11, 2005
New Microsoft Hardware Set to Debut
By Mary Jo Foley

Monday, July 11, 2005
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,2180,1835912,00.asp

Microsoft is expected to roll out this week two new specialty keyboards for home PC users.



Microsoft is expected to roll out on Tuesday two new hardware bundles aimed at home users.
The first is a three-in-one control center for Windows XP Media Center PCs, sources close to the Redmond software vendor said. Microsoft is expected to christen the new model as the "Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition." It will support in a single device remote, keyboard and mouse capabilities, sources added.ADVERTISEMENT
Microsoft's goal is to target the sleek, all-in-one unit as well suited for living rooms, rather than just home offices.

The other hardware model due out Tuesday is a bundle tailored for digital camera owners, consisting of a mouse, keyboard and digital-imaging software (Digital Image Standard 2006), sources said. The "Wireless Optical Desktop 5000" is designed to "turn any desktop into a virtual dark room," said sources claiming familiarity with Microsoft's positioning.

Both products are slated for mid-September availability, sources said. And each model is priced at $99.

The new keyboards fit into Microsoft's strategy to emphasize both its Media Center PC and its digital-photography-related software and community sites.

Microsoft is expected to announce in the next couple of months the release of its latest version of the Windows XP Media Center Edition platform, which is code-named "Emerald."




Microsoft's XP Media Center Refresh Getting Closer
XP Media Center 'Emerald' Nears the Finish Line
Microsoft Keeps the Focus on Digital Imaging
Microsoft's 'Acrylic' Has Got People Talking
Microsoft Looks to Build Up the Windows Community
Last month, Microsoft launched a digital-imaging Web site aimed to attract professional photographers. The company also unveiled a public beta of that is designed to compete with Adobe's PhotoShop and Illustrator products.
Microsoft announced on June 1 that all current and future versions of the Windows operating system will be enhanced to enable users to work easily with Raw files, in response to a sharp rise in the popularity of digital photography editing on Windows.

This article was updated on July 12, 2005, to reflect the final $99 per keyboard price.

(This is an updated version of an article which appeared in the

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