Microsoft shifts focus on to everyday gadgets

Microsoft Chairman, Bill Gates, in his opening remark at the COMDEX Fall 2002 computer trade show at Las Vegas said that Microsoft is shifting its focus on Internet services, multimedia devices, handheld computers and tiny chips, other than the personal computer. "The PCs might have made Microsoft famous, but economics are driving the shift to other devices," he said.

Gates is looking at a future that will have everyday objects powered by the computer. PCs grew popular when they became high-volume items that were relatively inexpensive. Microsoft plans to apply the same business model to other devices as well, making them accessible to the masses.

The project has been titled Smart Personal Objects Technology, or SPOT. He expects the first SPOT products to be available within a year; but offered no indication of pricing.

Gates showed off portable, cordless monitors that could be used in the wireless networks that are increasingly popping up in homes. He also announced that Microsoft is partnering with National Semiconductor to build a low-power, low-cost computer chip that can be installed in everything from alarm clocks to pens.

Gates revealed that Dell Computer will start selling a line of Windows-based handheld computers. At $199 and $299, they will be more than $100 cheaper than most Windows-based handhelds today.