Seattle, WA — (press release excerpt) — Today at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2002, Royal Philips Electronics and Microsoft Corp. announced that they have entered into a strategic agreement aimed at introducing a new Microsoft Windows operating system peripheral: the remote control. Under the terms of the agreement, Philips, a Microsoft Global Account customer, will license its infrared (IR) remote-control protocol to OEM customers for use in Windows infrared remote controls.

In addition, Philips will develop and distribute hardware reference design guidelines and will become the preferred protocol provider for remote-control products compatible with 'Freestyle'-enabled PCs and future devices in the home. 'Freestyle' is the code-name for technologies that consolidate and present the PC's digital media content in one easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate user interface accessible by remote control.

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft and Philips will license to OEMs an IR protocol based on Philips' proprietary RC6 IR technology. The patented and globally adopted solution minimizes interference from other
remote-control devices in the household. Use of this established protocol will help ensure uniform development of Windows infrared remote-control products, which include infrared remote-control units and remote-control receivers designed to interact with the “Freestyle” user interface on PCs and future consumer electronics devices either directly or over a network.

Philips will provide Microsoft and OEMs with reference designs for compatible remote controls and IR receivers, as well as other value-added services to help OEMs bring Windows infrared remote controls to market quickly.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft will develop a logo program for the remote control and compatible products. The presence of the logo on a remote control will certify interoperability, allowing consumers to enjoy a predictable, intuitive wireless experience at the touch of a button on every 'Freestyle'-enabled PC and consumer electronics device carrying the logo.

Philips and Microsoft also will explore future wireless-based control technologies such as radio-frequency (RF).

Microsoft is working with OEM partners Hewlett-Packard Co. and NEC Corp., both Microsoft Global Account customers, as well as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. to deliver 'Freestyle'-enabled PCs by the end of the year.

 
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