Microsoft wins TCI OS deal
The other shoe dropped Saturday when cable giant Tele-Communications Inc. announced it selected Microsoft's Windows CE operating system to power a minimum 5 million TV set-top boxes.
On Friday TCI signed a letter of intent with Sun Microsystems to provide PersonalJava technology as the development environment for the devices.
The General Instrument set-top boxes will allow consumers to play games, order products and services and link up to the Internet with their television set.
TCI will license a version of the Microsoft Windows CE operating system for a minimum of 5 million digital set-tops for an undisclosed amount, the companies said. The boxes will start being deployed later this year or early 1999.
"This deal positions the cable industry as leaders in developing and offering new interactive content and services," said John C. Malone, chairman and CEO of TCI. "Microsoft will play a key role to help get us there. This deal represents a first big step toward a high-volume strategy. Our customers will soon enjoy high-quality pictures and sound, along with exciting new data services and programs."
The deal is nonexclusive, meaning TCI could turn to other OS developers including Sun for other set-top deals.