Microsoft, Philips pen Freestyle pact
IN AN EFFORT to distance future Windows users from their PCs, Microsoft representatives on Tuesday announced that the software giant has designated Philips Electronics to license its IR (infrared) remote control protocol to system builders wanting to design computers using Windows’ IR-based remote controls.
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands will also provide a reference guide for manufactures designing products that use IR and Microsoft’s “Freestyle” remote control technology. “Freestyle” is a Microsoft code-name for future products that will offer PC operating controls on a single, remote control device, according to Microsoft.
The IR protocol licensed by Philips for Freestyle products will be based on Philips’ proprietary RC6 IR technology. Microsoft selected RC6 for its ability to avoid interference from other IR devices, according to representatives for Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft.
Freestyle-enabled PCs from Hewlett-Packard, NEC, Samsung, and others are expected by the end of 2002, according to Microsoft.
