Microsoft and Intel have devised a PC-centric reference platform for portable video players.

Microsoft is providing the software, of course, an optimised version of Windos CE.Net called Media2Go, and Intel is supplying the hardware reference platform. Called Portable Media Player (PMP), the design is built around an XScale processor. And - this is the cool bit - media can be transferred onto PMP players from a USB 2.0 connection via a PC or personal video recorder.

According to Intel, the PMP will be small enough to fit into a coat pocket - in other worlds around the same size or smaller than today's portable DVD players. It handles stills and music, as well as video playback.

Samsung and Viewsonic have already thrown their hats into the ring, signalling their intention to build PMPs. The Taiwanese will surely not be too far behind. ®

Related link

Microsoft Q&A on Media2Go platform