Microsoft Corp. and Toshiba Corp. are expanding the companies' global relationship to enhance the development and delivery of digital consumer electronics products and personal computers by sharing each other's respective hardware and software technologies.
The two companies have agreed to investigate development of HD DVD players using Microsoft Windows CE technology, by bringing together Microsoft's expertise in software and PC technologies with Toshiba's expertise in consumer electronics and computing. The companies also plan to strengthen their collaboration on iHD, the DVD Forum's latest interactivity format.
The companies have been working closely to promote Windows XP-based Tablet PCs and Media Center PCs on a worldwide basis, offering customers new PC work styles and benefits. Microsoft and Toshiba also expect to develop and deliver compelling mobile PCs with the next version of the Windows operating system, code-named "Longhorn."
In April 2005 the companies signed a cross-licensing agreement to promote the exchange of innovations developed by each company. The licensing agreement covers developments in computer and digital consumer electronics areas. Microsoft and Toshiba both have traditions of investing heavily in research and development, a fact reflected in the depth of their respective patent portfolios and diverse products.
