Both executives touted the strides each proprietary technology has made in the last year, with each counting more licensees, partners and customers. McNealy focused on kitchen appliances like refrigerators empowered with chips and connectivity options. The benefits of this networking are still somewhat unclear, but appear to largely consist of being able to order more groceries from the refrigerator and keep an eye on children in all rooms of the house via networked video cameras. If I could embed a locator chip in my kids, I would. Mundie mainly spoke about the enhancements digital technology brings to typical entertainment systems.
People are willing to accept the PC as a facilitator.
Mundie repeatedly pointed to the XML Web development language as the key to interoperability among personalized Web services and devices. It's critical to create an environment where devices come together seamlessly. Citing as examples free cell phones, computers and software, McNealy predicted that soon all hardware would be supported not by upfront revenues, but by ongoing service contracts. Don't buy Windows 2000. Inc. All rights reserved.