The recent launch of Microsoft Windows XP marks a milestone in digital multimedia computing.
The operating system’s innovative features – including its support for digital video/photography, instant messaging, gaming and messaging – set it apart from its predecessor, the client version of Windows 2000.
To appreciate the true significance of the XP launch, though, one must view it in the context of related industry events.
At the time of the launch – and in some cases pre-dating it – leading home computing manufacturers such as Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced the availability of a slew of XP-enabled desktop and notebook PCs and peripherals for home users. These devices – powered by what’s widely recognized as the best performing operating system (OS) to date – offer unprecedented benefits to consumers.
For instance, HP’s new line of XP-enabled Pavilion PCs place extraordinary digital multimedia, communication, entertainment and networking capabilities within the easy grasp of consumers.
Essentially, they have transformed the home PC into a powerhouse – a jukebox, production studio, movie theatre, learning centre, messaging platform and networking device – all rolled into one. They herald the advent of a radically new computing environment – one in which Ôpoint-and-shoot’ meets Ôplug-and-play,’ where consumers can edit home movies, listen to music or burn CDs more effectively than ever before.
The new XP-enabled PCs also respond to changing computer usage trends among consumers and, in many ways, will actually shape these trends.
Major shifts are occurring in the ways consumers use their PCs and in the amount of time they spend on digital media applications. This is apparent from two PC and Internet usage trend surveys – both conducted by Media Matrix, a Toronto-based firm that measures technology, e-commerce, advertising and new media developments.
The first survey report published last October indicated that 12.3 million Canadians visited Web sites or used digital media applications such as instant messaging services. Collectively, Canadians spent over nine billion minutes surfing the Web from home. Media Matrix’s June 2001 report shows a huge increase in these figures. The number of Canadians using digital media applications rose sharply to 14.1 million, while collectively Canadians spent around 11.5 billion minutes surfing the Web.
Two facts emerge from these studies. First, Canadians are spending more time online than ever before. Second, a big chunk of that time is expended on digital multimedia and networking applications.
XP-enabled computing devices from leading vendors address these trends. For instance, HP’s new XP-powered desktop and notebook PCs feature a range of enhanced digital imaging and other multimedia capabilities.
The aim is to usher home users into the digital age, helping them to achieve new heights in communications, digital imaging, commerce, music and video. To this end, HP has forged a string of alliances with ISPs, educational software vendors, data transfer solution providers and portal companies. For instance:
However, the XP-enabled PC is just half the digital story. Peripheral devices that come equipped to work with the new OS – printers, scanners, digital cameras and all-in-one products complete the picture. Together this new breed of PCs and peripherals offer consumers an amazing assortment of digital information, imaging and entertainment capabilities.
More than 92 per cent of HP’s 400 peripheral platforms will work with XP and the operating system will also be incorporated in HP’s new products.
Convenience and flexibility are among the greatest benefits these devices offer consumers. For example, with a HP PhotoSmart 318 digital camera, a photo printer and supplies, and XP, users can capture, edit, enhance, store and communicate their pictures within minutes – without ever leaving their seats.
For consumers, the growth of the XP-enabled PC/peripherals’ market will have one very tangible effect. It will empower them as never before – giving them the freedom to create, connect and communicate in ways never imagined.
Ralph McNeil is the Vice-President, Marketing,
Consumer Business Organization of Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Ltd.
