Microsoft, Toshiba Broaden Relationship

New agreements between two powerhouses focus on cutting edge computer, consumer technologies such as HD-DVD.

Microsoft and Toshiba yesterday strengthened the bonds of their business relationship, agreeing to look into the development of HD-DVD players using the computer company’s Windows CE technology. The companies also said they will strengthen their collabortation on iHD, a new interactivity format from the DVD Forum.

This new partnership, according to a press release, will open up more the sharing of each other’s hardware and software technologies. The companies already have a history of working with each other on computers like Tablet PCs and mobile devices like Pocket PCs. The next step of this expansion will focus the companies’ efforts in digital consumer electronics products.

“Microsoft values our strong relationship with Toshiba, a company we admire for its long-standing commitment to innovation,” said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft. “This agreement demonstrates our desire to share our innovations with other companies in ways that promote the spread of new ideas — and benefit customers by accelerating the development of exciting new products.”

“We are very excited to take our long-standing partnership with Microsoft to the next level. Our companies have worked together since Toshiba launched the world’s first laptop PC back in 1985, and we enjoy a relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding,” said Atsutoshi Nishida, president and CEO of Toshiba. “We look forward to extending the scope of our relations to encompass HD DVD, a major driver of the next-generation consumer electronics.”