ENZHEN. China, March 10, 1999 - While the
United States and Europe have already embraced
the "Web lifestyle," it's important to remember that
the Internet is a truly global phenomenon. Bringing
PC technology and Internet connectivity to nations
such as China requires special attention to those
countries' unique computing needs. To meet this
challenge, Microsoft today previewed an innovative
new technology - developed in China specifically
for Chinese households - that provides PC
technology and Internet access in a simple, easy-to-use set-top box.
At a launch event in Shenzhen, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates
previewed the Venus project, an inexpensive entry-level computing
solution for China. "Our goal is a very aggressive goal, and that is to
expose millions and millions of people to computing and the Internet,"
said Gates. We believe that a computer connected to the Internet is
the most important business and learning tool ever created. So, as part
of our commitment to China, we have been studying what kind of
special products can we produce [for China] to grow the usage of
computers and the Internet."
Starting with the simple, flexible technology of Windows CE, Venus uses
standard PC-like input devices such as a keyboard, joystick or mouse to
provide an entry-level alternative to expensive PCs. The project will be
able to run several CE-based applications in Simplified Chinese, including
games, educational and productivity software, Internet browsing and
email. Venus will also support Video CD (VCD) a popular Chinese format
similar to DVD.
"Early last year Microsoft made a decision to establish a Windows CE
product group in China. [Venus] will be the second Chinese product
coming out of this team," said Dr. Sean Zhang, director of the Microsoft
China Research and Development Center. "I am really excited about the
potential benefits this product will bring to our consumers."
China is rapidly developing into a wired nation - the country already has
over 300 million televisions, 20 million cellular phones and 40 million
Video CD players. However, the installed base of PCs in China is still
rather small, and bringing the power of the Internet to China is still a
major challenge. Venus meets this challenge by providing an
inexpensive computing platform that requires only a television set.
"Web lifestyles are spreading quickly around the world," said Gates. "I
want our Chinese customers to be an integral part of this phenomenon."
this is the start of there total systems approach to home computing and the internet.. it will ultimately link via sat..
tim |
