ROCKLEIGH, NJ, April 16, 2008 — Crestron announced today its touchpanels and control systems now support Windows® SideShow™, providing access to a wide-range of PC and Web-based content such as news feeds, sports scores, stock tickers, weather alerts, media guides, email messages, and appointment notifications all through a simple network connection to a Windows Vista™ computer. SideShow content can be viewed on all Crestron touchpanels and 2-way devices that support dynamic text such as the APAD wall mount controller and MLX-2 handheld remote. Windows® SideShow™ is a new technology in Windows Vista that supports a secondary display screen to view flight reservations, news, weather, sports or read email even if the laptop is "off" or in "sleep mode." Crestron now provides support through its SIMPL Windows program to also deliver SideShow data to its touchpanels and controllers, including the APAD and MLX-2. Crestron control systems retrieve SideShow data from any mobile or desktop PC running Vista via basic Ethernet communication. SideShow sends data from the SideShow gadget displaying text information and even providing some control functionality. For example, Crestron SideShow-enabled controllers can access the Windows Media Player gadget to allow users to browse song lists and play selections directly from touchpanels. Crestron support of Windows SideShow delivers information from your computer to Crestron devices. Windows SideShow is available in Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise and Windows Vista Ultimate.

Ricavision and Microsoft have a tight relationship (the latter used the former's Media Center computers way back years ago to do one of the first demos), which explains why they're both sticking it out with the SideShow technology. The VAVE100 remote, however, is both cool and confused.

The remote's targeted toward power users with the Windows SideShow function. If you've got a Vista MCE machine, you can stream Windows Gadgets to any SideShow device that will essentially give you a little screen to read/interact with Windows functions wirelessly. This is cool, and works fairly well on the remote. Where it starts to get fuzzy is the universal remote side of the issue.

Instead of making it just a SideShow remote that controls a Windows MCE machine, they made it a universal remote that's to take on universals like the Logitech Harmony line. The problem is that the VAVE100 isn't programmable via the PC, which means you can only set up devices on the remote itself.

It's great in theory, but the fact that it's not that strong of a universal remote makes it a device that's only great if you really like Vista SideShow. Ricavision's getting FCC approval now and will ship it when ready. [Ricavision]

One button gives you easy access to Vista Media Center devices ala TiVo or Xbox 360 controllers, and, like I said before, it's neat and I wish it were compatible with my current setup. You can preorder the new VAVE100 now for $274, which will apparently save you $25 off the price it will run when it hits streets this February. [product via engadget]

ControlThink Introduces Z-Wave Enabled Platform for Mass Market Windows SideShow Enabled Remote Controls

ControlThink's ThinkRemote Platform to Speed Time-to-Market for CE Manufacturers; PiTech and CWTek are First Hardware Partners

CEDIA 2007 - September 5, 2007 - ControlThink today announced its new ThinkRemote platform, providing PC and accessory manufacturers the ability to create mass-market Microsoft Windows SideShow-enabled remote controls using Z-Wave, the industry-standard wireless technology for home control and automation.

PC and accessory manufacturers can now create affordable Windows Media Center remote controls as well as other Windows SideShow-enabled devices—while leveraging Z-Wave wireless mesh technology to deliver personalized information such as weather and stock quotes to anywhere in the home.

"We're excited that ControlThink and the Z-Wave Alliance are bringing to market a platform that will help CE manufacturers around the world take advantage of Windows SideShow technology while enabling a new price point for devices," said Bill Mitchell, Corporate Vice President of the PC|3 Division of Microsoft.

Benefits of the Z-Wave enabled ThinkRemote platform include:

•Manufacturers can create affordable, mass-market Windows SideShow-enabled remotes, including built-in support for Windows Media Center
•Any Z-Wave device with a display can integrate with the ThinkRemote platform and display Windows SideShow content using standard Z-Wave profiles
•Remotes can also communicate with any other Z-Wave enabled devices, such as lights, blinds, thermostats, and security and entertainment devices
•Reliable Z-Wave technology removes the need for line-of-sight, allowing the remote to be used anywhere in home by utilizing Z-Wave's mesh network repeater functionality
•Two-way Z-Wave technology allows interactive displays in wireless remotes and other devices, such as fridge magnets
•Supports all Windows SideShow gadgets including weather, stock quotes, email, and third-party gadgets
•Content can be customized per user or shared with the whole family
•Provides for optional control of Windows Media Player or other software, and allows OEMs to integrate their own custom screens, menus, and other functionality
•Works with simpler non-display remotes as an alternative to infrared PC remote controls
•Z-Wave to IR bridge (using IR emitters on the PC) will be available as an optional add-on for OEMs wanting to make their PCs the hub of the entertainment center, allowing a Z-Wave enabled remote to send commands to a cable box, amplifier, or other equipment via the PC
•Initial release supports full Windows SideShow experience for text-based remotes, including both glance data and regular content

"This is another example where Z-Wave technology and its rich ecosystem of interoperable products is enabling new and exciting applications," said Mark Walters, chairman of the Z-Wave Alliance. "By integrating with Windows Vista we're extending the reach of home control."

"Our goal was to create a low-cost way for manufacturers to create PC-based remote controls and Windows SideShow-enabled hardware devices using Z-Wave," said Chris Walker, President of ControlThink. "And while we accomplished that, we also transformed the PC from a single-room computer to a whole-home entertainment solution and information hub. This is really exciting, and opens significant new opportunities for PC and accessory manufacturers."

As part of the initial launch, two hardware partners - PiTech and CWTek - are developing remote controls and other devices that take advantage of Windows SideShow and Z-Wave technology. These products are expected to be available for consumers in late 2007 or early 2008.

According to chip manufacturer Winbond, SideShow devices will start at $80 with high end gadgets running up to about $150. Interestingly, the price isn't in the SideShow chipset, which runs a reasonable $10, but the LCD screen (which is the most expensive component in typical Sideshow devices).

MK140 eChatter (pictured above) features realtime chat and text editing through Bluetooth. We're a bit confused as to whether this would be an $80 or $150 model.

MK 140 FM 'Fridge Magnet/Scribbler Device' seems to have similar functions to the eChatter, without the keyboard.

Both devices can sync and charge via USB and run for 16 hours before recharge. Sure... Still, we're thinking that if these SideShow devices can be both functional and inexpensive, Vista could have a major selling point beyond "Dell gave it to me with my new computer". Hit the link for more info. – Mark Wilson

Microsoft SideShow PDA Will... [via krunker]

Press Release [PDF]

The driver's alpha, which means all you get is black text on a white background, but the groundwork seems to be there. Pretty soon you'll be pressing buttons like a pro on your Mini 3. – Jason Chen

OM3 Windows SideShow driver [Optimus Blog]

Better than the Philips SideShow remote, this one atually displays color and has a 100-meter operating range. The fact that it has SideShow essentially lets people program applications for the remote, meaning it's quite extensible even compared with other learning remotes.

You'll be able to get one for yourselves in April for $199. It's pricey for just a remote, but for a remote that can see how much CPU's being used, read RSS, and show a fancy little Vista Gadget clock, it's pretty fair.

– Jason Chen

Product Page [Ricavision (Annoying music auto-starts) via i4u via Everything USB]

Asus W5fe Review [Laptop]

TechReport takes a closer look at this MP3 player-sized device, which has a D-pad front buttons and top buttons, as well as a kickstand so you can prop it up on your desk.

Overall, being able to access applications like RSS feeds, music control, and hardware monitoring without having to swap out of what you're doing is really cool.

The display is only QVGA (320x240) so you won't get a whole lot of information, but it's fine enough for text and graphics in terms of Gadgets. There's even a little taskbar at the bottom showing you what's going on.

Asus's implementation is a good start, but TechReport thinks that Asus needs to still work on refining Gadgets for the interface. Once that's done, maybe we'll all be SideShow freaks. Sorry, that was pretty corny. – Jason Chen

A ScreenDuo SideShow [TechReport]

Preface [Nvidia]

use SideShow-enabled remotes like these to view your photos or listen to music when your PC is idle or shut down. The larger the screen the better as you'll be able to see and do more.

Or you could use a Sideshow-enabled laptop like Asus' W5Fe. Sure, you may think that color external display will zap away your battery life, but in reality it'll actually do the opposite cause rather than have to boot up your entire system to grab a small bit of info (like an address or phone number), all you need to do is drill through the controls on the external display and find the info you need in seconds rather than minutes.

Too lazy to take out your notebook? Eleksen's messenger bag takes Asus' concept one step further in that the SideShow display is built right into the bag, so you don't even have to take your notebook out to get info, just look at your bag.

Microsoft wouldn't tell us what other plans they have in store for SideShow (though at CES we did see a cell phone with SideShow built-in), but the cool thing is that there could be as many products for it as there are uses. Not only that, but if you have the know-how, you can even create your own gadget, and the more people that do that, the better uses we'll see for SideShow. – Louis Ramirez

MS Vista Gadgets [Microsoft]
Make Your Own Gadget [Microsoft]

Press Release [Everything USB]

APC Universal Laptop Battery
This slick, thin laptop battery not only doubles as a stand for your notebook, but can also juice it up for up to 8 hours. And it keeps track of the amount of time/power you have left via a tiny built-in LCD.

Kensington Wireless Keypad/Mouse Combo
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest impact. Plug in this USB receiver and you'll suddenly have a wireless mouse and numberpad.

Belkin N1 Wireless ExpressCard
Show your ExpressCard slot some love and upgrade to 802.11n at the same time.

Asus XG Station
Think of the XG Station as roids for your notebook's video card. Plug it in and watch as those framerates jump through the roof. Future models will let you install/upgrade the video card inside the XG Station. – Louis Ramirez

APC Laptop Battery
Kensington Wireless Keypad/Mouse Combo
Belkin Wireless N1 ExpressCard
Asus XG Station

Geared Toward The few hipsters who don't own Macs and will have Vista.

The Spin Check out info you need without busting out your whole laptop while looking fashionable.

Counterspin You'll probably look like a tool. No price yet, but probably pricey compared to handheld SideShow units from Dell and other manufacturers.

Buy It If... You want a SideShow setup sewn into your clothing because handheld units just aren't convenient enough for you. – Matt Buchanan

Product Page [Gizmodo]

Product Page [Asus]

Asus' Sideshow-enabled W5Fe. The 12-inch notebook is the first of its kind to sport an external LCD that displays time, date, and other info though it's still unclear how much battery life it'll drain from your notebook. Both products carry a lot of potential (especially for the mobile crowd) and you can rest assured we'll have the full scoop on them starting next week. – Louis Ramirez

Asustek to Showcase Notebook A/V Workstation at CES [DigiTimes]

What good would a 3-inch screen on your MCE PC be if it's tucked away in your A/V cabinet or if you're sitting far away from it? Otherwise, the concept is very much a Sideshow rip off. – Louis Ramirez

Supplementary Display for Media Center PC Front View [AVING.net]

You know what's messed up? This makes me want to use Windows. Could Sideshow and a new wave of remotes save Vista from being Pogue-bait? I think it just might work.

–Brian Lam

More Vista remotes: now with SideShow [PVR Wire]