Microsoft Collaborates with XS Network to Showcase Live Broadcasts via Windows Media 9 Series Platform

Business Wire, Sept 10, 2002

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2002

Microsoft is raising the bar with its newly released beta of the Windows(R) Media 9 Series Platform and is hoping for a strong acceptance within the entertainment industry.

In the past, studios have held off putting the bulk of their trailers on the Internet because of quality of the stream and privacy. Bill Gates and Microsoft have addressed those issues with its new Media 9 Series Platform.

"For streaming on the Web to reach its full potential, it needs to break through today's limitations and provide a true broadcast-quality experience for broadband users who expect instant results and outstanding video quality," said Will Poole, vice president of the Windows(R) Digital Media Division at Microsoft. Windows Media 9 Series Platform can fulfill this promise.

Hard at work at the company's headquarters in Aliso Viejo, Calif., XS Network has been producing content that supports Microsoft's Media endeavors for more than a year and a half. To be specific, XS Network created the world's first worldwide digital camera network targeted at extreme sports and travel related audiences.

XS City is a Web property with live streaming surf/skate/snow cameras displaying athletes in action at locations such as Waikiki, Maui, Kauai, The Big Island of Hawaii, The North Shore of Oahu, Huntington Beach Pier -- also known as Surf City USA, and the East Coast's premier surfing location, Cocoa Beach, Fla. -- hometown to 6-time World Surfing Champion, Kelly Slater.

The company formed a partnership with Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the largest hotel chain in the Pacific as part of their 400 camera rollout. "We are very excited about the strategic alliance with XS Network and the benefits it will ultimately provide our guests," said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Inc. "Nothing is more powerful than live pictures of exotic tropical locations," Carey remarked.

XS Network further integrated Microsoft's Media 9 Series Platform with XS MovieCheck -- including content from major studios such as Disney, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and DreamWorks which displays near-broadcast quality trailers of current and upcoming movies. XS MovieCheck launched in August of 2001, in anticipation of Microsoft's secret development, code named "Corona," subsequently named Media 9 Series Platform.

Gates is in the process of revealing to the world how Microsoft will turn the Windows Media Player into the most functional, versatile entertainment platform in the world, a project that took three years and $500 million to create. "Windows Media 9 Series is the culmination of years of research and development designed to realize the true potential of digital media on the PC," Gates said.

Versatility for emerging technologies has been an important goal for XS Network since its founding. The company is also known worldwide for launching its "Waves are Calling" -- the first wireless surf report including live-streaming camera feeds that can be sent electronically to all types of devices including the PC, cell phone or PDA.

The "Waves are Calling" program was designed for the next generation of wireless devices. XS Network began advertising these features in Surfer Magazine, Men's Journal and other publications in early 2001.

"Microsoft and XS Network have revolutionized digital media as we know it," said Chris Carmichael, founder of XS Network. "We are excited to be utilizing the tool that will ultimately change the way entertainment companies do business online."

About XS Network

Based in Aliso Viejo, XS Network Inc. is a privately held lifestyle marketing and multimedia broadcast distribution company. Its exclusive technology, patents and partnerships with businesses worldwide has the company positioned to be the leader in the interactive live broadcast market. The company licenses and distributes its content for television, HDTV, wireless and Web applications.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing.

The Microsoft Consulting Services Media and Entertainment Practice, based in Los Angeles, provides industry specific expertise to companies employing media technology.