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Enhanced Multimedia Functionality Demonstrated at ESC Show

The DXPAK will give developers access to DirectX technologies designed for Windows CE-based devices such as the MSN(TM) Web Companion Internet access device, Motorola Inc.'s DCT-5000+ advanced interactive digital set-top terminals and the Sega Dreamcast game console. In other devices where graphics performance is paramount, DirectX enables developers to get the maximum performance out of graphics chipsets. In Internet access devices, DirectX technologies will allow users to listen to audio in the MP3 or Windows Media(TM) Audio format, as well as view ASF/ASX-formatted videos.

``Motorola's DCT-5000+ advanced interactive digital set-top terminal can deliver a revolutionary Web browsing and interactive TV experience for cable subscribers,'' said Denton Kanouff, vice president of marketing for the Digital Network Systems business unit at Motorola's Broadband Communications Sector, formerly General Instrument Corp. ``DirectX technologies will help enable broadband operators to offer subscribers advanced capabilities such as the ability to view multimedia content from Web sites through Motorola's DCT-5000+, which seamlessly delivers interactive video, voice and data services.''

``Windows CE is on the forefront of portable and small-footprint devices with impressive multimedia capabilities,'' said Don Chouinard, marketing manager for Windows CE at Microsoft. ``The DirectX capabilities will not only enable OEMs to create remarkable consumer devices, they will also be used in dedicated devices in the manufacturing, health-care, automotive and retail markets. Kiosks in retail stores and human-machine interface displays on the factory floor will use the streaming video support to enhance the capabilities of their products. In addition, patient data displays and in-car navigation systems will be able to offer high-speed graphics, wide I/O support, and network connectivity.''

In the Microsoft booth at ESC, embedded systems professionals will have the opportunity to get a close look at the newly announced DirectX technologies:

    -- Microsoft will be holding demonstrations of the nuts and bolts of the
       DirectX technologies. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about
       DirectDraw® and GDI, DirectSound® and WaveOut, DirectShow® API,
       Windows Media Technologies and Windows Media Player ActiveX Controls,
       Audio Mixer APIs, MIDI support using WMA Compressed GM set, and
       reference platforms.
    -- Elcotel Inc. will be displaying its Grapevine network terminal. This
       Windows CE-powered public pay phone features a color screen that can
       display paid advertising, as well as e-mail, voice mail and e-commerce
       capabilities.
    -- Intelliworxx Inc. will share two devices that take advantage of the
       DirectX functionality: a personal multimedia device designed to allow
       passengers to watch video from planes, and a voice-activated handheld
       PC designed to tutor technology workers in complex tasks.

Availability

The DXPAK 1.0 has been shipped to all Microsoft® Platform Builder 2.12 customers, and version 1.1 is expected to ship within the next four to six weeks.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

NOTE: Microsoft, DirectX, Windows, Windows Media, DirectDraw, DirectSound and DirectShow are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. 

SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.