Microsoft Signs New Mira Partners, Preps Beta

Microsoft revealed at CeBIT in Hannover, Germany, that it has signed additional hardware partners for Mira, the company's platform for next-generation portable touch-screen monitors. Using Windows CE .NET and the Remote Desktop Protocol in Windows XP, Mira devices enable a user to work on a PC from up to 150 feet away. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will announce tomorrow that Redmond has tapped Philips and LG Electronics to build Mira-enabled devices, expected to debut later this year.

Philips will debut 10.4-inch and 15-inch Mira prototypes at CeBIT, with LG unveiling a 15-inch detachable LCD monitor. Tatung and TriGEM have also joined up with Microsoft and will license Mira devices to a variety of OEMs. Industry giants Intel, ViewSonic and NEC had previously announced support of the Mira platform.

Although some Mira devices may resemble the much-hyped Tablet PC, Microsoft was quick to note that Mira will be primarily aimed at the consumer for use in a home environment. Tablet PC on the other hand will provide a superset of laptop functionality and target the business professional.

Microsoft has already set invitations to a small group of testers for a private beta of Mira, which the company says will begin soon. Beta versions of Windows XP designed for Tablet PC architectures have also begun to appear on Microsoft beta servers, along with recent releases of Windows .NET Server.