Microsoft in talks with property companies on leading-edge, fully wired homes

Microsoft wants to make Hong Kong the international centre of excellence for its .Net digital-home technology.

The company is in talks with property developers to determine when fully wired residential buildings can be built.

Microsoft's Hong Kong general manager Graham Brant said if the SAR became the test bed for the technology, it would mean leadership of the next generation of the Internet.

'We are actively looking at a number of partners in Hong Kong at the moment. If there is enough interest, this place could easily become our centre of excellence,' Mr Brant said.

The digital-home concept uses the Internet to link smart appliances and computers inside the residence and beyond. For example, if an appliance is not working it will send an e-mail message asking for repairs. Homes could also be instructed remotely to carry out basic tasks. A person returning home from work could send a message through a WAP (wireless application protocol) phone to turn on the air-conditioning. Microsoft has promised more entertaining applications, including digital picture frames that display photos sent from a computer or digital camera.

Most of the applications are still in the concept stage, but Microsoft is confident that if it can put the software in place to run the system, others will build the appliances and gadgets that will use it. The property developers are key allies, because the technology requires built in high-speed networks.

Mr Brant said Hong Kong was the logical choice as a test location, with a high population density, widespread access to broadband Internet service and well-developed communications networks.