Microsoft Gives ‘Mira’ a name - Windows CE for Smart Displays

by Alan Sheckter, SmartTV & Sound news editor

Microsoft recently announced that its previously code-named “Mira” wireless PC technology would officially be called “Windows CE for Smart Displays.” Highly touted by Microsoft, the software giant’s new technologies were first previewed at the CES tradeshow in January. Windows CE for Smart Displays is expected to operate with a small, tablet-like display device (think Etch a Sketch) that would act as a bridge between PCs and TVs, letting users access their PCs from any room in the house. It is expected to help remotely deliver Web content, access e-mail, act as a portable game player (for MS Xbox) and carry out other tasks.

Microsoft, which said the first wave of Windows Powered Smart Displays will be available for the 2002 holiday season in North America and Asia, will support five languages. So far, 15 companies have signed up to help deliver a variety of 6-inch, 10-inch and 15-inch wireless monitors, including National Semiconductor, NEC, Philips and ViewSonic.

Microsoft said that the technology for Windows CE for Smart Displays comes from remote-desktop and wireless-networking properties embedded in its Windows XP Professional and Windows CE .NET operating systems. Down the road, Microsoft said, future Windows Powered Smart Display’s will be compatible with high-definition televisions and projectors.