Microsoft chooses hardware guru to head TV endeavors
updated 08:20 pm EDT, Wed March 23, 2011
Company expected to engage Apple TV, Google TV
Microsoft has reportedly chosen an executive from its hardware division to lead the company's TV and Service business segment. After working with keyboards, mice and other accessories, Tom Gibbons moved on to work with the Windows Phone 7 team, according to a Business Insider report. He is credited with leading efforts to standardize hardware features on the mobile platform, such as buttons and display specs.
Gibbons' background has ignited speculation that Microsoft is preparing to compete directly with Apple TV and Google TV. Previous rumors have already pointed to such endeavors, though the most recent information, which pointed to CES as a launch venue, turned out to be incorrect.
The rumors suggested the unannounced hardware will provide a variety of content, with a blend of Internet-based material and traditional TV features. Leaks have yet to detail how far the interactive TV features will diverge from those already available from Xbox hardware.
Pricing was expected to fall around $200, though it remains unclear if the company is working to build its own hardware, commission other companies to build standalone solutions, or push TV makers to integrate the platform into standard equipment.
