During the annual WinHEC conference taking place in the United States, Microsoft showcased how new technology in Vista can be applied with keyboards, digital photo frames, and remote controls.
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| Source: CNET |
The technology, named SideShow, is designed to display items such as images, calendar reminders, email notifications, music playlists, and instant messages on any secondary screen connected to a computer running Vista. The Vista operating system is expected to be widely released to consumers in January of next year.
Since last year, Microsoft has heavily promoted SideShow as a solution for PC manufacturers to add a secondary display for laptops.
Additionally, the software giant has touted Vista as “the best operating system for mobile computers,” noting that secondary screens on laptop lids (similar to flip phones) will allow users to check battery status (for example) without needing to open or power on the laptop.
However, at WinHEC yesterday, Microsoft affirmed that this screen technology is equally beneficial for home computer users.
“SideShow is not limited to laptops or notebooks“, stated Greg Graceffo, Senior Product Manager of the Windows division. “It truly opens up many opportunities for us to integrate hardware and software, maximizing the power of Windows Vista“.
According to Graceffo, a manufacturer of digital photo frames has already agreed to integrate SideShow into their products. The new frames will be released after Vista launches. With SideShow, images in the frame can be enhanced with information from the computer.
Moreover, Microsoft has also integrated SideShow into a new model of keyboard from Logitech and a remote control that includes a display.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced the basic specifications for computers compatible with the new Vista operating system. Computers that meet the minimum requirements will bear the “Works with Windows Vista” logo. They can run basic features of the new operating system but will not be able to handle advanced graphical functions, such as Flip 3D.
To fully utilize the graphical power of Vista, the computer’s specifications must meet higher technical standards. At that point, the computer will be marked with the “Certified for Windows Vista” logo.
Tian Yi
