Microsoft prepares for 12 busy months

The plans for Windows Vista, Xbox 360, digital music devices, mobile operating systems . announced by leading software maker Bill Gates at the CES 2006 Consumer Electronics Show are enough to see Microsoft ready for all "fronts".

As usual, Microsoft's chief architect started his speech with predictions about the digital outlook. Gates envisioned his life in the future: starting a new day by watching video clips on demand, then checking on the map to know where his family members are. To the office, he used 3 large flat screens to hold a video meeting. Eventually, he went to the airport and in the waiting room, his mobile phone would connect to a certain screen and he immediately had a full desktop system to handle the job. The phone can also catch signals with nearby cameras.

Windows Vista 'popular'

After a few months of introducing the most advanced and outstanding features of Vista, Bill Gates presented some of the "closer to life" features of the new generation Windows version. Among them is Flip 3D with new graphics capabilities and Windows Vista Sidebar, operating at the corner of the screen, including RSS feeds, sports scores and many other small applications. Microsoft demonstrated Sidebar right from Longhorn's first preview (codename for Vista).

Photo Gallery Photo Editor supports people to take basic photo editing steps, and categorize files by date, keywords and other information. This integrated Vista software is similar to Apple's iPhoto. Like iPhoto, Photo Gallery will save a separate copy so people can freely change the photo without fear of losing the original. New slideshow creation feature that allows mixing of animations and still images.

Microsoft also announced an updated version of Flight Simulator to prove Vista's graphics power. The demo includes helicopters, flying birds and many other vivid details.

HD DVD removable drive for Xbox

Microsoft chairman revealed that they will produce a removable drive compatible with HD DVD technology, which works with the recently released Xbox 360 gaming player. The software company hopes to attract a significant number of customers by offering a cheap alternative to buying a completely new device to watch Blu-ray or HD DVD.

Microsoft also plans to release 50 high-resolution games in the market in June. They demonstrated HD gaming capabilities through Electronics Arts' Fight Night Round 3, in which Bill Gates portrayed Muhammad Ali and Director. Steve Ballmer executive is Joe Frazier.

Gates quickly launched several consecutive punches while Frazier started to get quite embarrassed. " I have 'trained' 30 years for today's opportunity, " Ballmer said. When showing some nice footwork, Gates hit Frazier's blow. " You will receive a gift ," Gates said, and immediately "knocked out" Ballmer.

Microsoft said it will partner with the third manufacturer, Celestica, to build Xbox 360. The group is determined to accomplish its goal of shipping 4.5 - 5.5 million new generation game machines by the end of the month. 6 years now.

New partners

Microsoft has joined hands with DirecTV, allowing satellite TV subscriber customers the opportunity to bring programs from a brand-name converter (set-top box) to a Windows computer, Xbox 360 as well as Mobile devices belong to Microsoft's "Play For Sure" program.

They also unveiled the new Palm Treo 700w device, using Windows Mobile operating system. The product will work in the US Verizon network starting this week.

Microsoft also introduced two extended phones capable of downloading contact information stored in Windows Live Messenger, the next software of the MSN Messenger instant messaging system. In addition, the device has the ability to make traditional calls and VoIP.

Confront Apple

In addition to PCs, Microsoft has made clear its intention to enter the market of portable music and video devices that Apple dominates. Bill Gates, along with pop star Justin Timberlake and Van Toffler, director of MTV Music, has launched music service Urge using Microsoft technology and a range of multifunctional "portable audio-visual" devices.

Timberlake said Urge will help him connect with fans in a completely different way. He even joked that he will sing with Bill Gates in the upcoming album.

Microsoft also hopes to deliver higher quality music playback when Windows Media Player 11 software launches with Windows Vista.

Hai Nguyen