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To: Dexter Lives On who wrote (8539)	11/26/2001 8:57:27 PM
From: Dexter Lives On	Respond to of 16863

Microsoft lays out eHome plans Monday November 26, 7:15 pm Eastern Time MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov 26 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. (NasdaqNM:MSFT - news) on Monday unveiled plans for its new eHome division, the software giant's latest effort to make the personal computer the hub of home entertainment. For nearly a decade, Microsoft has maintained a ``Microsoft Home'' on its main corporate campus in Redmond, Washington, to showcase new consumer technologies that turn traditional devices like televisions and refrigerators into smart networked appliances. Its eHome unit was created in February and is led by Microsoft Vice President Mike Toutonghi, a company engineer who had a key role in developing the company's .NET strategy to deliver Web-based subscription services. During a press conference at Microsoft's Silicon Valley campus in Mountain View, California, Toutonghi said his division is studying consumer trends and now believes that -- with the recent release of the company's latest operating system -- it can begin to deliver on researchers' dream of connecting such things as video-on-demand, live ``chat'' and music and delivering them via personal computers and other devices. ``We're seeing that the technology is ripe,'' said Toutonghi, who did not announce or give a timeline for the launch of his division's first product. Right now, he said the unit is focusing on creating partnerships with home electronic and personal computer makers and service providers. [rob v: it was stated in an earlier release that an advanced STB by Samsung would be demoed at CES 2002 - read .11a functionality] It also is working to create industry standards, protect privacy and manage digital rights. ``We very much consider this a long-term initiative,'' Toutonghi said. In a related effort, Microsoft and South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. in October said they had agreed to jointly develop and market consumer personal computers and electronic home appliances. Their first joint product is due out next year. The eHome announcement comes on the heels of the launch earlier this month of Microsoft's Xbox video game console, which the company plans to turn into a gaming and entertainment hub for the living room. Microsoft shares closed up 42 cents on Monday at $65.14 on Nasdaq. ca.us.biz.yahoo.com