Following yesterday's posting about recent Los Angeles WinHEC 2007 conference, new Microsoft SideShow-compatible devices have started coming out (ready products and concept prototypes) and I have to admit I was very surprised to see the following new SideShow hardware applications.

The following designs concepts were commissioned by Microsoft (the creators of the SideShow technology) and prototyped by the design house Ricavision, using Winbond's Arm7 MCU solution. We will take a short look at these devices and I will post more detailed information about the individual products in the next few days.

The SideShow Home eReader is a small hand held portable device, wirelessly connected any a Vista-based PC, that functions as an enhanced display for Windows SideShow communicating via USB interface. The Home eReader can cache a large number of pages on the device so it can be used away from a PC. The amazing 640x480 back and white / gray scale eInk display is optimized for reading documents in virtually any light situation. Sony Corp has a similar device, however so SideShow support yet!

The MK140 Scribbler - The fridge magnet, a device equipped a TFT QVGA 3.5" color touchscreen as well as wireless connectivity that functions like an electronic notepad with SideShow capability. A big magnet on the back of the unit will allow you attach the device to any metal surfaces. Powered by an internal LI-PO battery, this devices allows you up to 16 hours of operation. Again, this product is based on WindBond's ARM7 SideShow-enabled MCU.

"Ricavision has taken to heart our vision of bringing Windows Vista and Windows SideShow-enabled devices to the homes of millions, and the result after a few short weeks of intense effort is a trio of compelling new devices,” said Greg Parks, development manager and architect for Windows SideShow at Microsoft. “We continue to be impressed by Ricavision’s capabilities."

The MK140 eChatter, another handheld portable device wirelessly connected to any Microsoft Vista PC, functioning as an enhanced SideShow device. Designed for writing emails and instant messaging, the eChatter features a QWERTY-layout thumb keyboard and a 5” WQVGA LCD display. The device can also be used as an audio headset for voice communication. Like the Scribble, the eChatter’s battery offers a 16-hour minimum lifetime in normal use, as well as an external AC adapter/charger through a mini-USB.

I'm very excited to see the hardware manufactures understand the big potential of the Microsoft SideShow technology and really started to imagine ways of using it. There’s no word on availability or pricing yet for these devices, but we'll keep you updated as soon as we hear from Ricavision. For more information, check out Ricavision’s Web site.

Stay tuned for more news from the WinHEC2007

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