Bill Gates unveils "Windows Home Concept" at WinHEC

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May 07, 2004

[Updated 3:30pm PDT] -- Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates unveiled what Microsoft heralds as "the future of Windows computing" -- including a Windows Home Concept PC prototype developed in collaboration with HP -- during his keynote address at the 13th annual Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) in Seattle this week. The Windows Home Concept (WHC) represents a conceptualization of the ultimate in-home digital lifestyle hub, according to Gates, and is intended to showcase the potential of the PC to provide compelling home entertainment, media management, and communication experiences.

Click here for larger image of WHC prototype

Bill Gates and the Windows Home Concept PC prototype
Microsoft says its WHC architecture is meant to demonstrate -- and drive -- innovative advancements of seamless computing in the home, and that it offers the following capabilities:

System fundamentals -- The WHC is a simple-to-use system that is quiet, always available to respond and energy efficient. It integrates wireless technologies, a broadband connection and multiple high-definition television tuners to deliver a reliable and responsive user experience.
Entertainment experiences and media management -- The WHC provides leading-edge entertainment and media management capabilities throughout the home through interoperable devices and home network capabilities.
Integrated communications -- The WHC is the center of home communication, integrating telephony, e-mail and messaging, and distributing these capabilities throughout the home and beyond to ensure a connected experience.

Photos of some of Microsoft's WHC prototype systems are available here:

A detailed, 27-page whitepaper articulating Microsoft's Windows Home Concept and describing the above prototypes and their functionality is available for download from Microsoft's website. Microsoft says the whitepaper is meant to provide PC manufacturers and hardware vendors with an overview of the Windows Home Concept, including high-level information about features and technologies included in the concept prototype. Topics covered include:

The Windows Home Concept Design
Trends Influencing PCs in the Home
Technologies Influencing the Windows Home Concept Design
Home Center Concept PC
- Large, High resolution display
- Always Ready technology
- Auxiliary display
- Expansion capabilities
- Residential gateways
- High-definition video and audio
Home Center Concept Remote
- Biometric sensor
- Voice-command button and microphone
Home Tablet Concept PC
- Windows Media Center Edition START button
- Home Center Communications Dock
- Pen-enabled digitizer and touch screen
- Microphone array
Opportunities for the PC Industry

Download the 27-page whitepaper here:

Whitepaper: The Windows Home Concept
(300KB PDF file)

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