Microsoft Developers Conference: MS looks forward to new PC types

Before going into the drier details of its developer plans at the Professional Developers Conference in Long Beach, California, group VP of applications and platforms Paul Maritz took time out to look at futuristic developments that will have Windows at heart.

Maritz showed a Windows NT Workstation-based ruggedised ticketing booth for the New York subway that is bullet-proof and water-proof, a flat-screen PC for the kitchen that can check and forward telephone messages, a PC-based 'total sensory immersion' games chamber, and a large screen PC with programming controlled through Internet Explorer. Maritz said that Microsoft also envisages new categories of PC, including Windows CE-based handheld 'companion' PCs, the 'Den PC' server for controlling home functions, car console systems and airline seat-back systems with ATM-driven video and gambling systems.

"The number of sockets into which you can sell your efforts is growing exponentially to every part of life," Maritz told a sell-out 3,500 developer audience.