Microsoft announced Thusday that it will offer two new wireless keyboards designed for PCs that will run the hone entertainment version of Windows.
Microsoft Hardware has developed the first three-in-one control center for a
Windows XP-based Media Center PC with remote, keyboard and mouse capabilities
in one device.
"We create hardware for how and where people use their PC," said Tom Gibbons,
general manager of the Hardware Group at Microsoft. "With this in mind, we
designed two new devices to enhance the digital entertainment activities people
are now enjoying, such as playing movies on their Media Center and editing
digital photos."
Microsoft is aiming to ship more than 20 million Media Center PCs, which can
record video and play digital music and images, by 2008, up from 1.4 million
units in 2004.
Remore Keyboard
Microsoft's Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition enables greater
interaction and control of a Media Center PC compared with a regular remote.
This three-in-one device makes it easy to turn up the volume, type a message,
or point and click with the fully integrated remote.
Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition features a sleek design and
its compact size enables it to be easily stowed when not in use to help get rid
of clutter. With smart features including a Media Center green button and
backlit buttons, this device makes using a Media Center PC easier and more fun
than ever.
Wireless Optical Desktop 5000
Wireless Optical Desktop 5000 includes a wireless keyboard, mouse and
photo-editing software that makes it a snap to access, edit and share digital
photos on a PC. The keyboard comes equipped with PhotoCenter, featuring
one-touch access to most-used photo-editing functions and Zoom Slider to zoom
into and out of photos. With the inclusion of new Digital Image Standard 2006
software, this integrated hardware and software solution delivers all the tools
needed to customize photos while reducing the number of editing steps.
Pricing and Availability
The new products introduced today will be widely available by September 2005
for the following estimated retail prices:
Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition: $104.95 (U.S.)
Wireless Optical Desktop 5000: $104.95 (U.S.)