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July 06, 2005

Microsoft, Toshiba High-def Allies

Microsoft and Toshiba will work even more closely on high-definition and interactive next-generation DVD formats, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in Tokyo Monday.

Gates stopped short of saying anything specific, including a commitment to use Toshiba's HD DVD format in Microsoft's next-generation Xbox videogame player, which would be a huge asset in Toshiba's fight against Sony's proposed high-def DVD format Blu-ray, which will be used in PlayStation 3.

Although Microsoft is a member of the HD DVD group, Gates reportedly said the company remains in a neutral position relative to the format war.

Rather, the announcement appears to be more of a public vote of confidence for HD DVD, since Microsoft already has been developing interactive components for HD DVD under a cross-licensing agreement signed in April by the two companies to promote the exchange of innovations developed by each company.

The companies agreed to "investigate development" of HD DVD players using Microsoft's Windows CE technology and to strengthen their collaboration on the DVD Forum's interactive format, called iHD.

"Microsoft values our strong relationship with Toshiba. … This agreement demonstrates our desire to share our innovations with other companies in ways that promote the spread of new ideas--and benefit customers by accelerating the development of exciting new products," said Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates.

Category : Industry News

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