Microsoft's Grip on Personal Computer Screens Challenged by Innovative Seattle Startup

Strategic Insights -

A Seattle-based start-up company, The Pixel Company, has introduced a technology that could potentially disrupt Microsoft's dominance over the personal computer screen. Industry analysts believe that this innovation could loosen Microsoft's hold on the valuable real estate of personal computer screens, as it allows users to access external programs and websites beyond the confines of the Windows desktop.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pixel Company has developed a control bar called My Space that occupies the unused screen space, also known as the overscan area, on the bottom edge of the screen.
  • My Space allows users to link to websites, control hardware, and start software programs, providing a more interactive relationship between PC makers and their customers.
  • Packard Bell NEC, a large PC maker, plans to begin installing Pixel's software in its computers for the home market later this month, with other PC makers also in talks with Pixel.
  • Online information and commerce sites, including Amazon.com, ESPN, ABC News, and Nasdaq, have signed agreements with Pixel to obtain prime placement of their icons on the My Space control bar.
  • Pixel's business plan rests on the assumption that the overscan area is open real estate outside Microsoft's direct control, with the goal of providing users with a more flexible and interactive experience.
  • The technical challenge of devising a way to use the overscan space was led by David Nason, Pixel's vice president of research, a former Microsoft employee.
  • Pixel has filed a patent application for its technology, with the patent approval process expected to take 18 months or so.

Statistics:

  • The overscan area, where Pixel's software resides, occupies about one-quarter to one-half inch along each edge of the screen.
  • Packard Bell NEC plans to begin installing Pixel's software in its computers for the home market later this month.
  • Amazon.com, ESPN, ABC News, and Nasdaq have signed agreements with Pixel to obtain prime placement of their icons on the My Space control bar.
  • The patent application for Pixel's technology was filed in November 1996.
  • The patent approval process typically takes 18 months or so.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft's Grip on Personal Computer Screens Challenged by Innovative Seattle Startup" (author unknown)
  • Packard Bell NEC
  • The Pixel Company
  • Giga Information Group (Rob Enderle)
  • Amazon.com
  • ESPN
  • ABC News
  • Nasdaq
  • Irell & Manella (Robert Steinberg)