The folks at Texyt.com have published some interesting pictures and information about upcoming Windows SideShow devices. First, the information – according to this article here, most PDA style Windows SideShow devices should start with a price at around $80 dollars. High end devices will set you back at around $150. Windows SideShow devices communicate with Windows Vista based systems for data – typically via Bluetooth if they separate external devices. Current SideShow implementations can be found in notebooks with external secondary displays and Windows Media Center remote controls.

Texyt received their information from Taiwanese chip manufacturer Winbond and also got a chance to look at several engineering samples of upcoming Windows SideShow devices. These devices appear to be from Ricavision and include a small device called the MK 140 FM ‘Fridge Magnet/Scribbler Device” and a larger device called the MK140 eChatter which comes with a sliding keyboard. The small keyboard on the eChatter device allows users to edit documents or write quick messages or emails which can then be sent to host Windows computers via Bluetooth. Both devices have USB ports which provides a mechanism for syncing as well as charging. Battery life is supposedly 16 hours.

One other rumored Windows SideShow device from Ricavision is a “Home E-Reader” device which would allow users to view documents and eBooks on a larger high contrast, low power e-Paper display.

Finally, Texyt found out that Winbond has developed an integrated controller chip for SideShow devices called the WPCE521L. This device incorporates a 32 bit ARM processor, an LCD interface, a USB interface, power management capabilities, and various other functions into a single die.

I’m still hopeful of Windows SideShow devices for the home or office. Considering how many homes have one or more computers, I can imagine SideShow devices of varying capabilities all around the environment you would be in. Consider the typical digital photo frame these days. What if that was actually a Windows SideShow device that was mounted on a wall? It would synchronize data with a Bluetooth enabled Windows Vista PC. In between digital photos that would be sync’d to the device, you could bring up email messages, news briefs, and weather reports right from the panel. When you were done, just go back to viewing images. To me.. that’s the vision of a smart touch panel device – of course only as smart as the host system it’s connected to.

Or another possibility – a Harmony Remote Control with Windows SideShow support. Honestly – I don’t want a dedicated Windows Media Center remote control – I want a universal remote from a company like Logitech with SideShow capabilities built right in. That would be sweet.

And finally – for the connected kids at home – a small text messaging device that you can bring into your room late at nights. Forget about phone calls late into the night – just IM on your Windows SideShow device in your bed. I think the possibilities are endless if devices are created correctly and priced at the right amount.

[Check it out via Kontrib]

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