The Hype: Microsoft will acquire
Perceptive Pixel, a developer of
large-scale, multi-touch display
solutions that gained prominence
with CNN’s interactive “Magic Wall”
during the 2008 presidential election, for an
undisclosed amount.
What It Means: The soft ware company
expects to integrate Windows 8 and Microsoft
Office applications with PPI’s displays, which
include an 82-inch model. Microsoft CEO
Steve Ballmer likened the PPI displays to a
“very big Windows 8 tablet” and said the deal
would open new possibilities for productivity
and collaboration.
Broadcasting and
entertainment
customers that
use PPI’s displays
include CNN, ABC,
ESPN, Bloomberg,
NBCUniversal
and The Weather
Channel.
Pricing and Availability: PPI’s displays sell
for about $80,000 each. Windows 8 PCs and
Microsoft ’s Surface tablets with a 10.6-inch
screen will begin shipping in October, the
company said.
