Longhorn, new PCs on tap for WinHEC

Microsoft will disclose more details about the next "big" version of Windows and show off prototypes of smart set-top boxes and PCs at its Windows Hardware Engineering Conference this week. Longhorn, new PCs on tap for WinHEC. Microsoft will disclose more details about the next "big" version of Windows and show off prototypes of smart set-top boxes and PCs at its Windows Hardware Engineering Conference this week.

Microsoft's new Longhorn operating system, expected to debut in late 2004 or early 2005, will likely feature new file systems for pictures or games without having to detour to the control panel, according to recently disclosed information on test versions. The operating system also will come with new versions of Windows Messenger, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player.

Meanwhile, the company will show off a prototype, co-developed with graphics chipmaker ATI Technologies, that will make it easier to extract data--such as recorded TV shows or pictures--from PCs and show them on the big screen, said Dennis Flanagan, eHome product unit manager at Microsoft. The television "is a window onto the PC," he said.

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