QNX, PHILIPS BRING INTERNET TV TO SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA
Ottawa, Canada - Using QNX® realtime technology, Philips Electronics has created the first set-top box (STB) to deliver Internet TV to Singapore and Malaysia. Called Philips MyWeb, the new STB allows TV viewers to shop at home, pay bills, exchange email, join chat rooms, play online games - even order pizza. Unlike other web-enabled STBs, MyWeb also allows viewers to visit any web site directly, just like a desktop PC.
"We wanted our customers to surf the web within 10 minutes of opening the box, even if they've never used a computer," said C.G. Low, regional marketing manager of Philips Electronics Asia Pacific. "Thanks to the highly customisable web technology that QNX provided, we were able to achieve that goal - you simply plug the MyWeb terminal into a phone jack and your TV, enter your user name onscreen, and you're ready to surf."
A TV-centric Web Browser
To simplify browsing for the Internet-challenged, Philips took advantage of the TV-centric features of QNX's VoyagerTM Browser technology. The result: a desktop-caliber HTML 3.2 web browser that works with a simple handheld remote. "This is simpler than the remote that comes with your TV," comments Mr. Low, "yet it gives you complete control of all browser functions." Users can also browse and send email using an optional infrared keyboard.
Even upgrading the software on MyWeb is easy. Because the footprint of the QNX-based software is so small (all the applications run out of just 2Mb of flash, without a hard disk), MyWeb servers can automatically download software upgrades when users switch on their sets. From the user's point of view, the unit is maintenance free.
Local Acceptance
The unit's ease-of-use and early market acceptance hasn't escaped the notice of local business and government. "Already, banks, utilities, retail outlets, and other content providers allow MyWeb users to shop and pay bills using M-Cash, MyWeb's secure online payment facility," said Mr. Low. "We're even getting calls from government agencies asking that we work with them to co-develop applications for teaching children and elderly workers."
To the Future
Looking ahead, Philips plans to enhance MyWeb for applications such as teleconferencing and distance learning; it is also looking to extend MyWeb's reach into Australia, China, the Philippines, and other Asian countries.
"Philips' choice of QNX confirms we are becoming the worldwide software standard for bringing the Internet into the home," said Mike Hornby, vice president of sales and marketing at QSSL. "QNX pioneered the use of web-enabled consumer products in countries like France, Germany, Sweden, and Finland. Now, with Philips, we're providing the first Internet TV solution available outside of the US, Japan, or Europe."
Availability
MyWeb is available now from consumer electronic outlets and selected IT outlets in Singapore and Malaysia. OEMs interested in creating their own versions of the MyWeb terminal should contact C.G. Low of Philips Electronics Asia Pacific. Email:
Low-CG@sg.ccmail.philips.com
The QNX Internet Appliance Toolkit (IATTM) used to create the software for MyWeb is also available; development pricing starts at US Dollars 15,000. OEM runtime pricing for QNX is available from QSSL.
About QNX Software Systems
Founded in 1980, QSSL is the industry leader in high-performance realtime operating system software for the x86 platform. No other RTOS vendor has over 17 years' experience on x86, offers more options for x86, or has as large a marketshare on x86. Recently, QSSL added MIPS and PowerPC to its supported processor platforms.
Reader Information
Voice (North America): 00 1 800-676-0566. Voice (International): +1-613-591-0931, 01223-364503, or +33-1-646-15911. Fax: +1-613-591-3579. Email:
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QNX is a registered trademark, and IAT and Voyager are trademarks, of QNX Software Systems Ltd. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.