Gates Opens Comdex with Smart Products

Bill Gates kicked off the opening of Comdex in Las Vegas on Sunday by discussing how better software and hardware can cause everyday objects to perform useful tasks.

Gates announced that rather than trying to cram more information into smaller devices, Microsoft has been working on devices that display "glanceable information," such as the vital data one can get from a speedometer in a car or from a scoreboard. Microsoft and National Semiconductor Corporation have partnered to create chips that enhance the "intelligence" of ordinary objects, such as an "intelligent alarm clock" that adjusts itself automatically to time zones and automatically sets its alarms to coincide with the schedule of appointments for the following day.

Microsoft will also make available in mid-2003 a device known as OneNote, a device that will allow users to create digital notes by either typing or writing on a flexible notepad that can be accessed and shared with others. And in January of 2003, ViewSonic, Inc. will utilize Microsoft's software for use in portable "Smart Display" flat-panel screens. Smart Displays will allow users to detach their PC screens and use the screen with a pen in similar ways that a keyboard is used. Gates also poked fun at himself in a humorous film featuring himself and other notable people, and chided himself for being behind the curve in jumping on the Internet's value.