Mira Christened 'Windows CE for Smart Displays'

Microsoft on Wednesday announced the official naming for its upcoming Mira technology that will allow for portable monitors, aptly titling the software Windows CE for Smart Displays. First unveiled at CES in January, Mira is targeted at a consumer environment and will enable a user to work on a PC from anywhere in the home.

Windows CE for Smart Displays will initially ship in two form factors: 15-inch detachable displays and six- to 10-inch remote mobile monitors, which can be placed up to 150 feet away.

"These Windows Powered Smart Displays will extend the consumer's Windows XP experience out of the home office or den into more relaxed settings, providing access to their personal data, applications and services from any room in the home," said Todd Warren, general manager of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft.

The devices will run a version of Windows CE .NET designed to take advantage of the wireless capabilities and remote desktop protocol found in Windows XP Professional. Windows XP Home users unfortunately will need to upgrade in order to use Windows CE for Smart Displays, as the remote desktop features are not found in the personal edition.

Windows CE for Smart Displays will be released later this year, with portable monitors expected to be available for the holiday season. Devices based on Microsoft's new business-oriented Tablet PC will also ship around the same time. Unlike Mira, the Tablet PC is a full portable computer running a specialized version of Windows XP.

Once the initial round of Windows Powered Smart Displays ship, Microsoft plans to include the technology in future high-definition televisions and projectors. The company is already finalizing a media extension to Windows XP, dubbed Freestyle, that will enable a user to access music, video and photos via the television.

Redmond's efforts to saturate the living room will get an additional boost later this year when the company ships its wireless networking hardware, currently in beta testing. The Microsoft-branded, Intersil-based access point and network cards will aim to correct many security vulnerabilities found in current wireless network setups with an improved security architecture.