Microsoft To Include Enhanced TV Software In Windows

Microsoft [NASDAQ:MSFT] has outlined plans to include
Enhanced TV software as standard in future versions of Windows,
allowing users to tap into broadband (cable and digital subscriber
line - DSL) streamed TV transmissions.

In addition, the move will allow PCs to interface with new digital
technologies available from DVD players, all of which will add to the
"TV experience."

Announcing the plans, John DeVan, Microsoft's senior vice president,
said that the new TV technologies will enable consumers to take
advantage of Enhanced TV on other platforms than set-top boxes and TV
sets.

Speaking at a communications event in Amsterdam late last week, DeVan
said that Microsoft Enhanced TV adds a new layer of capabilities to
the TV experience, such as interactivity with content and playing
along with game shows, e-mail and interactive services accessible
through the TV.

The extension of Enhanced TV functionality to Windows follows on from
the launch of Windows CE 3.0, which was also announced in Amsterdam
late last week.

The key features of the upgraded operating system include an updated
Web browser, as well as an integrated Windows 2000 terminal services
client, both of which will work in a wireless environment.

Features of the new version of CE include an Internet Explorer 4.0-
compatible browser, Windows Media Player for digital music, an e-mail
client, personal information manager (PIM) functionality, and pocket
versions of desktop Microsoft Office applications.

Microsoft's Web site is at http://www.microsoft.com.

Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com.