Microsoft Unveils ‘Freestyle’ and ‘Mira’ Home PC Experiences

by Alan Sheckter, SmartTV & Sound news editor

After years in the planning and prototype stages, Microsoft recently previewed a double dose of new home networking technologies to the public. Dubbed “Freestyle” and “Mira,” these technologies widen the scope of how consumers will be able to access their music, videos and photos.

Freestyle offers a user interface that will enable consumers to access their entire electronic entertainment collection from anywhere in a room. Freestyle also boasts the ability to deliver new TV experiences on the PC. Freestyle, Microsoft predicts, will help take away the ball and chain that ties users to their PC desks. With its special interface and remote control, users will have the ability to share PC-stored video and music with others in the room. In addition, its TV-connectivity attributes will offer users the ability to search for TV shows, and then watch, pause or record them. Consumers will then, with Freestyle, have the power to edit, manage and store their media on their PCs.

Working with major PC manufacturers, including Hewlett-Packard, NEC and Samsung, Microsoft is helping design PCs optimized for Windows XP and Freestyle and said consumers can expect more details and availability news later this year.

Mira, “A New Generation of Smart Displays,” as Microsoft describes it, may kick-start a wireless trend in which consumers can enjoy their Windows XP experience, including Web browsing, music enjoyment, e-mail messaging and editing and displaying digital images from anywhere in the home. Using XP’s and CE .NET’s wireless networking features, Mira will support wireless touch-screen monitors.

Microsoft has teamed up with companies such as Intel, ViewSonic, National Semiconductor to develop Mira-enabled smart devices. Microsoft expects Mira to be released later this year, and hopes its matching devices are ready for this year’s holiday season.