NB: America Online Launches Total Home Invasion

“Shares of Web giant America Online Inc. inched up almost 4
percent in mid-afternoon trading today, after the mega- Internet
service provider and San Diego-based PC maker Gateway Inc.,
introduced three Internet “home appliances” to bring consumers Web
access without a personal computer.”

“Barry Schuler, president of AOL Interactive Services, said the
devices should lead the effort to usher in the next era of Internet
activity. “We think people will want access to the Internet all
over their home,” he said.”

“Features on the devices will include most AOL services
including Web browsing, e-mail and news, plus home-oriented
features such as AOL’s My Calendar, recipes, coupons and grocery
lists. The appliances will use touch screens, wireless keyboards
and traditional keyboards, the companies said.”

“Powered by the new Netscape 6 Gecko browser engine, the AOL
Gateway Internet appliances will run on the Linux operating system.
Though prices haven’t been set yet, the three devices should retail
for under $500 each, Schuler said. The countertop appliance should
be available for the holidays, with the other devices hitting the
market next year, he added.”

“The countertop appliance is designed to be small and light
enough to be placed in highly trafficked areas of the house, such
as the kitchen or family room, and can be mounted in various
positions.”

Complete story.