Turn keyboard into ... screen

In the WinHEC annual conference taking place in the US, Microsoft showed its audience how new technology in Vista can be applied to electronic keyboards, photo frames and remote controls.

Source: CNET As SideShow, this technology is used to display items such as images, calendar reminders, email notifications, music files and instant messaging lists on any secondary monitor connected to a running computer. Vista. As expected, Vista operating system will be widely released to consumers in January next year.

Since last year, SideShow has been widely promoted by Microsoft as a solution for PC makers to add a secondary monitor to their laptops.

Besides, the software giant also honored Vista as "the best operating system for mobile computers", and the extra screens on the laptop lid (like a flip-flop mobile phone) will help users. check battery status (for example) without having to open or start the laptop.

But at WinHEC yesterday, Microsoft said the display technology was as useful as home users.

" SideShow is not just limited to laptops or notebooks, " said Greg Graceffo, senior product manager for the Windows division. " It really opens up many opportunities for us to combine hardware and software together, fully harnessing the power of Windows Vista ."

According to Graceffo, an electronic photo frame maker has agreed to integrate SideShow into their products. New frame type will ship after Vista release. With SideShow, images in the frame can be added with information from the computer.

In addition, Microsoft has integrated SideShow into a new Logitech keyboard model and a remote control with a built-in screen.

Earlier this week, Microsoft announced the basic configuration of a computer compatible with the new Vista operating system. Accordingly, computers that meet the minimum parameters will be stuck with the " Work with Windows Vista " logo. They can run the basic features of the new operating system, but will not be able to handle the advanced, interesting graphics functions such as Flip 3D.

To get the most out of Vista's graphics power, the computer's configuration must meet higher technical standards. At that time, the computer will have a " Certified for Windows Vista " logo.

Thien Y