CES: Microsoft to unveil Windows set-top box for HDTVs

Andre Yoskowitz
4 Jan 2011 21:18

The Seattle Times has reported today that Microsoft will launch a Windows-powered HDTV set-top box at the ongoing CES event.
Microsoft, which showed off the software (Media Center running on Windows Embedded Compact 7) earlier in the year, will release the set-top later this year, pricing it at around $180-200.
Says the paper:

They'll pose a serious challenge to the new Apple and Google TV devices, largely because the Windows boxes have a polished and familiar TV-program guide that makes it easy to blend and navigate both online and broadcast content.

The device will directly rival Google's Google TV, and Apple's second-generation Apple TV, both of which were introduced this year.
Speculatively, the paper says Microsoft may also be looking to take on TiVo and other DVRs.