Bill Gates Predicts
New ClearType
Technology Will
Spur Growth of eBooks
LAS VEGAS - Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates unveiled a new font rendering
technology at COMDEX/Fall '98 this week that he says will make type on computer
screens as clear and easy to read as the printed page.
The software invention, called ClearType, improves font display resolutions by as
much as 300 percent, Gates said during his keynote speech. By dramatically improving
screen readability, ClearType will make it easier to read spreadsheets, Internet
content and word processing documents on screen. It is also expected to spur the
growth of new products such as electronic books (e-books).
"The shape of books as we know them is changing," Gates said. "By
2001, 50,000 electronic titles will be available, and millions of people will be
reading electronic books that will each have the capacity to store literally tens
of thousands of titles-as many as you find in bookstores today."
Gates cited ClearType font technology as an example of the amazing pace of innovation
in PC technology. Describing the promises and pitfalls of the information age, Gates
said a proliferation of portable interactive devices based upon open PC and Internet
standards is bringing enormous benefits to consumers and business computer users
who increasingly need data wherever they are. New "Web lifestyle" tools
ranging from tablets to PC companions devices to the TV will provide people with
instant access to information whether they're at home, on the road or in a business
meeting.
But while Gates noted that the dream of information everywhere is becoming a reality,
he also said the computer industry must cut through the complexity of computing
to avoid overwhelming customers. As an example, Gates demonstrated Microsoft's Office
2000 to show how users will be able to tailor the product to meet their individual
needs. He also demonstrated how Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 enables developers to build
databases that users can search by asking simple English-language questions. Innovations
such as these, he said, demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to conquering complexity.
In addition to making computing simple, Gates said the industry must respond to
consumers' fears about Internet security. "We in the industry must meet our
responsibilities in this area," Gates said. "As we provide people with
the tools to go online, we must protect their privacy every step of the way."
Gates urged Internet-based businesses to address the security issue by enacting
privacy policies on their Web sites and by joining the Online Privacy Alliance,
a not-for-profit coalition of more than 60 global corporations and organizations
working to promote consumer privacy online. Gates also discussed Microsoft's own
efforts to assure privacy, such as posting privacy statements on all Microsoft Web
sites and designing tools and business practices to lead the industry's privacy
crusade.
Gates predicted that the industry will be able to successfully tackle challenges
such as these, and that breakthroughs and industry partnerships will continue to
move the industry forward at a rapid pace. "Ninety percent of the innovations
this industry has to offer its customers have yet to come," he said. "So
to those who think PC technology has run its course, I have a simple message: You
ain't seen nothing yet." @Macarlo, Inc. @Macarlo's Shareware & Web OS/2 Java Lobby Member
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