LAS VEGAS - Networking took on a whole new meaning here and in New York on Wednesday.
Microsoft unveiled the Microsoft Home in New York, a networked apartment complete with shipping appliances. The apartment is meant to demonstrate how networked products will fit into the life of a consumer in the coming years.
Separately, Gateway is pushing at Comdex a similar habitat for consumers. It has launched a new division, called the Gateway Connected Home, that is dedicated to making the Internet more accessible at home via networking and Internet appliances.
The Microsoft Home in a New York apartment is not open to the public, but it can be viewed online. Versions of the Gateway Connected Home will be demonstrated at Gateway's Country Stores starting this week.
"The Connected Home is a platform for existing devices," said Kevin Hell, vice president of the Connected Home division.
Both homes emphasise home networks and appliances that plug in to access the Internet and all the appliances within a network.
Both home networks and Internet appliances were initially well-received by reviewers, but consumer interest was tepid. But with PC sales growth slowing, manufacturers are looking for alternative revenue streams to buoy the books.
The Connected Home products are meant to complement PCs. Gateway is not targeting first-time buyers but rather more savvy and experienced users who may better understand the advantages of an Internet appliance and networked products.
