Casio Developing Windows CE Handheld PC
TOKYO — September 16, 1996 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today that they are developing a new Handheld PC device and plan to ship this year. This device launches the new Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE platform, formerly known as Pegasus designed specifically for the Handheld PC, or HPC, and synchronizes with Windows based PC.
The Windows CE platform and the Casio HPC are the result of a 3-year collaboration between Microsoft and Casio. Combining the Microsoft software technology with Casio's superior consumer electronics technology creates a revolutionary new category in the consumer electronics world, the HPC.
"We are delighted to announce the results of our efforts with Microsoft," said Mr. Kazuo Kashio, president of Casio Computer Co., Ltd. "Casio is a leader in the consumer electronics marketplace. We continue to offer superior functionality, high quality and diverse products based on our unique technology, especially in the mobile information equipment field. Our digital camera is a good example of our contribution to this new 'mobile information' area," continued Mr. Kashio. "We as a company, have established worldwide sales channels in the consumer electronics field, and our Casio brand is known and appreciated all over the world. We believe strongly in this product and it is our mission to expand the HPC market."
"Microsoft is pleased to announce that Casio, one of the world leaders in consumer electronics, is endorsing the Windows CE platform," said Craig Mundie, senior vice president, consumer platforms division at Microsoft. "The combination of Windows CE with Casio's leading technology will help guarantee the success of the HPC."
The revolutionary new Windows CE platform creates a standard for mobile information devices. Information will now be able to be transferred smoothly from a desktop computer to the portable HPC. Microsoft Windows CE platform is a worldwide platform for the mobile information devices.
In addition, the Windows CE open architecture environment, and its familiarity with Windows, allows unlimited co-development of applications by other software vendors. A large number of vendors are currently working on converting existing popular PC software, as well as designing new software. Casio feels that the potential for this new product is unlimited. Like Windows based PC, the HPC is a strategic product targeting worldwide users. Casio will concentrate its efforts to expand the HPC market by offering suitable specifications and applications for various countries. By utilizing the open and unified platform, Casio will concentrate its future efforts to actively harmonize the Windows CE platform with the digital camera, the mobile communications equipment, and the personal multimedia equipment such as timepieces.
Casio Computer Co., Ltd., is one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the world. Since it was founded in 1957, the company has developed electronic calculators, electronic timepieces, electronic musical instruments, LCD TVs, pagers and other communication devices. Casio's creativity and contribution to society is known around the world.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
SOURCE: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
CONTACT:
Pat Carrasco of Casio, Inc., 201-361-5400, ext. 439, or fax: 201-361-3819;
or
Shinobu Kurahashi of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., +81-3-3347-4830, or fax: +81-3-3347-4669