Microsoft will describe chip project to upgrade PCs; Talisman program aims at displaying 3-D images at ultra-high speed

Article Abstract:

Microsoft's Talisman program marks the company's entry into the field of microchip design. The goal of the two-year project is to provide low-cost desktop PCs with the ability to display 3D images at ultra-high speeds and to interpret human speech as well as handle handwriting and video. High-quality 3D graphics are currently available only on $50,000 graphics workstations. Microsoft has recruited some of the most reputable people in the graphics research industry for the project. The company will report its initial findings on Aug 6, 1996, and industry observers believe the technology is so important it will revolutionize the design of both hardware and software. The Talisman chips and resulting software technology are expected to be utilized in a wide variety of virtual-reality applications and should result in commodity-priced multimedia systems.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, Microprocessor Chips, Research, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Microprocessors, Company technology development

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How Microsoft lost cloak of invincibility while getting on-line; clunky e-mail, billing woes left much-feared MSN a distant second to AOL; 'we should have panicked.' (Company Business and Marketing)

Article Abstract:

Microsoft's Microsoft Network (MSN) on-line service has been largely a fiasco since its mid-1995 release. MSN, which has leveled off at about 2.3 million subscribers, is costing the software giant approximately $200 million a year. By comparison, America Online boasts nine million subscribers. Numerous mistakes, strategy changes and internal confusion have angered a range of users. Problems stem from the Internet's impact on on-line services, plus Microsoft's software leverage that frequently resulted in a liability. A humbled Microsoft plans to shift emphasis with a free World Wide Web version of MSN. Plans call for drawing advertising and other fees by encouraging users to utilize it as an entry point to reach other Internet sites and services. AOL, Netscape and other rivals are pursuing the same opportunity.

Videotex & Teletext, Telegraph & other communications, Usage, Product/Service Evaluation, Online services, Internet services, Company service review, Microsoft Network (Online information service)

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Web ventures shift strategies for local fare

Article Abstract:

Companies planning to offer online information guides in major US cities are changing their plans. Microsoft is holding off on plans to sell classified ads on its Cityscape service. Cityscape will focus on entertainment-related ads and information instead of competing with local newspapers for advertising revenue. Microsoft is exploring the possibilities for partnerships with local newspapers for information gathering. AT&T Corp is closing down its Home Town Network service, which it was testing in the Sacramento, CA, area. AT&T has concluded that it would be too expensive to provide the service nationally and is changing its focus to the Internet. The local advertising industry is highly competitive as publishers, telephone companies, and software companies battle for their share of a $60 billion market.

Database Vendors, Information retrieval services, Planning, Database industry, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, AT&T Corp., T, Company services, World Wide Web

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