Microsoft India has launched the Windows Media Centre 2005, digital music devices, smart phones and educational software for home users; as part of its initiative to tap the ever-growing consumer market in the country. The company also outlined an ambitious retail strategy, wherein it will partner with over 500 retail centers in the country, over the next year.

Windows XP Media Center 2005 combines the functionality of a TV, PC, radio, music, plus DVD player, rolled into one device. It incorporates DVR (Digital Video Recording) capabilities, which enable users to pause live TV. In addition, the electronic programming guide (EPG), a free service, will also be available to all users of Windows XP Media Center.

During the next year Microsoft will partner with over 500 retail centers; across eight cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune and Ahmedabad. Microsoft says that the proposed retail centers are being set-up, to bridge the gap between tech conscious urban consumers and the need for information plus access to new products. Consumers will be able to walk into these centers, and play around with products under the guidance of on-site experts.

Microsoft's newly-launched products plus a wide array of its products in the areas of education, entertainment, productivity, communications and gaming, will be show-cased at these retail centers. The company also plans to provide its retail partners with marketing support, and will also invest in the necessary infra-structure.

Neelam Dhawan, managing director, Microsoft India, said that Microsoft's offerings provide a fantastic experience to the end-user, and that the recently set up consumer division will spearhead the company's foray into the consumer segment.

Labels: Technology

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