Microsoft's New Home Product

a little old (january 4th), but i haven't seen it mentioned here, so... http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1006-200...html?tag=mn_hd

"Microsoft will demonstrate on Monday a tablet-shaped device that will serve as a bridge between the TV, the PC and the company's .Net services, according to sources familiar with the plans.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is expected to show off the device, known as Mira, during his eHome presentation Monday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The device is effectively a cross between a Pocket PC-based handheld computer and a TV remote control. Sources said Mira will use Microsoft's Terminal Server, software that governs the exchange of data between a computing device and a central server.

Mira will be a wireless handheld device and contain a large screen. In conjunction with a TV or a PC, Mira will deliver Internet content, serve as a portable game player in conjunction with Microsoft's Xbox video game console, and allow consumers to shop online, view program listings and perform other tasks. "

Could it be xbox's VMA/GBAdvance? :)

Dude...sounds cool :D XBox compatible...nice! :D

Pretty Cool, How Much?

im all for it, anything to make Microsoft an even stronger monopoly and an even powerful empire is all gravy with me!:D

As long as they strip Sony of #1 in the gaming industry im happy;)

Bill is my Lord! Bill is my Master! I worship my savior Bill!!!!

Oh, btw I mean Billy Bob Thorton! :P He's a God for pulling off the steal of the century.... Angelina Jolie!















Proof:
http://imagecache.allposters.com/ima.../039_37333.jpg

Quote:

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Originally posted by JAC
Bill is my Lord! Bill is my Master! I worship my savior Bill!!!!

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Yo JAC-ass ! lol,hehehehe:D

Dont forget, You worship the XBA Tag Champions too yo!
" THE F'N NINJA SHOW " Ninja Jubei & The F'N Show!

Now go get us a cheese burger or something!:D

You know, Linda Turtle Troll...Being the faithful wittle ninja sidekick that you are...go grab me a beer...I'm thirsty :D You wouldn't want me to be thirsty now, would ya? :D

Quote:

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Originally posted by Ninja Scroll
Dont forget, You worship the XBA Tag Champions too yo!
" THE F'N NINJA SHOW " Ninja Jubei & The F'N Show!

Now go get us a cheese burger or something!:D

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Didn't you two and someone else used to go by a different tag team name... "The Flaming Trio"? Yeah, I remember now. It was you as "Hong Kong Ninja Thong", Show as "Lil F'N Show" (he was innocently duped), and someone else by the name of, "The Vibromatic". If I remember right, you guys were busted for some obscene private parties.

Well, sorry, but I don't know what exactly your little code word, "cheese burger" meant, but I wan't no part of it! :/










:P

Quote:

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Originally posted by Maximus
You know, Linda Turtle Troll...Being the faithful wittle ninja sidekick that you are...go grab me a beer...I'm thirsty :D You wouldn't want me to be thirsty now, would ya? :D

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I dont give a d@mn if yo ass is dehidrated waximus jr.!
Dont forget, your da little side kick to your role model 4-life in Ninja Jubei. Oh yeah, did you ever pick up my dirty ninja turtle diapers over da weekend? Those things are filthy now!:D

Here's an article from September I dunno if its the same machine:

UK magazine, PC Format, released details of Microsoft's new project. Here's the article:

Microsoft is working on a top-secret home entertainment device code-named HomeStation. The PC/Xbox hybrid will run a version of Windows to form a home entertainment hub. The device will finally turn the idea of digital convergence into a living room reality. Following in the footsteps of the PC-influenced Xbox, the device is likely to be a non-upgradeable sealed unit, with a system board based on nVIDIA's nForce, boasting GeForce graphics and Dolby Digital sound. HomeStation will come equipped for an array of online and offline activities: a sizeable hard drive, broadband connection and compression technology based on Windows Media Player 8 - included with Windows XP - all point to a video-on-demand role.

Sources say a Microsoft .NET server will dish out movies, music, messaging, games and TV programming - and with a stonking hard drive, it'll also double up as digital TV recorder (à la TiVo). In addition, it will wirelessly interface with portable devices such as digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and telephones using HomeRF or Bluetooth protocols. It may even manage home automation.

Games-wise, it's anticipated HomeStation will play both PC and Xbox titles. Indeed, Microsoft's Xbox will pave the way by establishing Microsoft as a home entertainment brand. But with the Xbox launch gearing up for a showdown with the PS2, Microsoft is keeping HomeStation under wraps. One source close to Redmond was shocked when PCFormat asked about the HomeStation: "I can't say a thing. Listen, the thing is, Microsoft is sidestepping this so as not to distract from the Xbox. It's really hush hush hush - I don't know where you heard this!" Well, heard it we have. And we've had people from Microsoft, Intel, AMD and nVIDIA all alluding to the HomeStation, but refusing to 'fess up on the record. When pressed, Microsoft's Senior Vice President (Games Division) Robert J Bach insisted, "This has nothing to do with me." One flustered Microsoft analyst stumbled: "I haven't heard of HomeStation, but I know that Angela has." And an insider at a potential partner said, "It's no secret to anyone in this industry. The first thing people say is you're not even supposed to know about it, let alone its name."

HomeStation is critical for Microsoft, which is keen to free its corporate anchor from the PC. With the market approaching saturation, the firm is suffering diminishing returns on each version of Windows, and is looking towards the living room for growth. More significant is the role the HomeStation will play in Microsoft's internet vision. The broadband device puts the company's .NET strategy into your front room. "They'll sell it cheap, with the revenues coming from online services and profiling," revealed one source. "What's the pressure to push people into buying this? It's convergence - video on demand, software rental, games rental and music." All of which is already on the cards with Microsoft's WebTV service in the US and its 24 per cent stake in Telewest, whose Blueyonder broadband network serves 4.9 million UK homes.

Because HomeStation will function through a Microsoft gateway, the device will be poised to profile the activities of its users straight back to Microsoft. Information is power and, as advertising becomes increasingly targeted, it's a fast track to big bucks.

The device's launch is heavily dependant on broadband becoming widely available, but you can expect the HomeStation marketing machine to be gearing up by this time next year.

Oops, I have just seen the name of the machine in the original post - must be different.... :D