Microsoft Announces Windows Powered Smart Displays to Launch Jan. 8

Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In his opening keynote address for COMDEX Fall 2002, Bill Gates, chief software architect at Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), announced that the first Windows Powered Smart Displays will be available to U.S. consumers beginning Jan. 8, 2003. Microsoft also announced that starting today, consumers can begin preordering ViewSonic Corp.'s airpanel V110 and V150 Smart Displays from Amazon.com, BUY.COM Inc., CompUSA Inc., Fry's Electronics Inc. and RCS Computer. In addition to being among the first to have a Smart Display in hand, customers who take advantage of the preorder program will receive a free docking station, which represents up to a $199 value. Microsoft Smart Display partners in Europe and Asia are scheduled to bring Smart Displays to consumers in their respective markets in the first quarter of 2003.

"We have received very positive feedback from families beta testing these products, and we are excited to provide customers with the opportunity to reserve their Smart Display today," said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. "Consumers will have their Smart Displays up and running in less than 15 minutes, providing them with instant access to their Windows XP experiences from any room in their home anytime they want."

ViewSonic will be the first U.S. manufacturer to make Smart Displays available to consumers through leading online and storefront retailers. Starting today, consumers can preorder their Smart Display at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/smartdisplays/retailer/ or at the RCS Computer Experience retail store in New York City. To provide maximum value and ease of use for consumers, both airpanel Smart Displays will be sold as a total solution with everything required to get the devices up and running right out of the box. Included in the box with the display device will be integrated wireless support, a USB wireless adapter for the PC (up to a $100 value) and an upgrade to the required Windows XP Professional operating system (a $200 value). In addition, customers who preorder their airpanel Smart Display will receive a free docking station (up to a $199 value).

"ViewSonic has established itself as an industry leader, and our customers expect us to be at the forefront of visual technology," said Marc McConnaughey, senior vice president of the Advanced Technology Group at ViewSonic. "By working with Microsoft, we are able to deliver more innovative display options to consumers, such as our airpanel Smart Displays, that will quickly set new standards in home computing and entertainment."

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 10-inch and 15-inch wireless monitors. Manufacturers developing Smart Displays or solutions for Smart Displays include AboCom Systems Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Intel Corp., LG Electronics Inc., National Semiconductor Corp., NEC Corp., Philips Consumer Electronics Co., Tatung Co., TriGem Computer Inc., ViewSonic, Wistron Corp. and Wyse Technology Inc.

Smart Displays are wireless, touch-screen monitors that make it possible for consumers to use their home computer anywhere in the house.* 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. COMDEX attendees will be able to experience Smart Display devices at the Smart Displays tent, located in front of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Smart Displays tent will feature interactive demonstrations and give attendees hands-on experience with the devices during normal show hours.

Additional information on Microsoft Windows Powered Smart Displays is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/smartdisplay/ .

* 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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Source: Microsoft Corp.