MS Unveils New Media Center Hardware
Microsoft on Tuesday debuted two new wireless hardware products aimed at the entertainment functions of Windows PCs, including a control center for Media Center PCs and a keyboard that is aimed at digital photographers.
"We create hardware for how and where people use their PC," Tom Gibbons, general manager of the Hardware Group at Microsoft said. "With this in mind, we designed two new devices to enhance the digital entertainment activities people are now enjoying, such as playing movies on their Media Center and editing digital photos."
The three-in-one control center for Media Center PCs bundles a keyboard, remote and mouse in a single unit. It also features a slim design allowing it to be stored away when not in use and backlit buttons.
The Optical Desktop 5000, meanwhile, is a redesigned version of Microsoft's earlier wireless desktops that will include a wireless keyboard, mouse and photo editing software.
The keyboard has buttons on the left side that will allow one-touch access to common photo editing tasks such as accessing the library, editing, sending photos, and printing. Also, a slider key will allow the user to zoom in and out of photos.
Microsoft says both products will retail for $104.95 USD and will be available in most retail locations by September 2005.