Microsoft, HP devise next-gen PC model

SEATTLE: Microsoft has developed a next-generation personal computer with Hewlett-Packard Co. aimed at helping users who juggle phones calls, faxes, cell phones, e-mail, instant messaging and video conferencing as part of their jobs.

Described as the Next Generation Enterprise Personal Computer and code-named "Athens," the concept PC is translucent hardware that sports a wide flat-panel display with a CD-ROM drive, camera and telephone handset, among other features.

Using software and a Bluetooth wireless technology, the computer can detect what kind of task a user is doing and provide alerts in an appropriate manner. For example, a user in a video conference would be shown as "busy" on messaging services and incoming phone calls would be directed to voicemail. Indicator lights on the PC also flash and change color depending on the priority of a phone call, e-mail or instant message.

Much of such functionality is already available through specialized hardware and software makers, often at high prices, but Microsoft and HP are betting corporate clients will be willing to buy such PCs to boost their workers' productivity.

Microsoft has been investing heavily to boost PC sales and branch out into new products as PC growth continues to slow. The Athens PC, which will be shown by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference this week, is at least one to two years from commercialization, a Microsoft official said.

© Reuters