Microsoft already wowed some analysts this summer with splashy demonstrations of several new products scheduled to debut this fall. There's the Media Center Edition of Windows XP, a sort of combination PC/UltimateTV entertainment center; the Tablet PC, a souped-up laptop with new handwriting features; and Xbox Live online gaming, to name a few. Despite the substantial marketing muscle certain to herald the product launches ($300 million alone to market a new version of MSN), none are expected to immediately boost revenue. Still, these launches could prove important make-or-break steps in Microsoft's ambitious long-term strategy of expanding its software beyond the desktop to devices all over the house and office.
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