Microsoft announces Windows Mobile based Portable Media Centers

Bill Gates yesterday said at CES 2006 that Toshiba, Tatung and LG are going to launch Windows Mobile based Portable Media Centers later this year. These devices will feature support for Starz's new Vongo movie service that offers premium full-length movies and other video selections, Gates said.

These next-generation devices are packed with features such as extended battery life, support for new higher-resolution displays and wide screens, direct audio/video recording, and direct connections to digital cameras; prices begin at $299 (U.S.) MSRP. The new devices and the mobile version of Vongo, coming first to Portable Media Centers, will be available in early 2006.

Some upcoming products:
• The stylish and sleek Toshiba S Series gigabeat Portable Media Center includes an extended battery life for movies and a 2.4-inch high-resolution screen with more than 260,000 colors for a vivid and sharp picture. The S Series will come in two varieties: The 30GB gigabeat S30 will have an MSRP of $299 (U.S.), and the 60GB gigabeat S60 will have an MSRP of $399 (U.S.). Both are scheduled to be available in March 2006.

• The Tatung V620 Portable Media Center has a 20GB hard drive with a 3.5-inch QVGA (320x240) LCD screen for watching movies and television shows. Availability and pricing is scheduled to be announced in 2006.

• The LG Electronics PM70 Portable Media Center has a 30GB hard drive that connects directly to a television to capture favorite music or shows immediately on the QVGA widescreen. Availability is scheduled for the first half of 2006.