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From a major Windows upgrade to more powerful Web services and high-definition (高清晰)DVD, there's a lot to look forward to in the coming year．New monitors, DVD players, computers and game systems, will blur(模糊)the border between computers and home appliances to finally create a digital centre in each modern house．
Vista View
Microsoft's next major operating system, Windows Vista, looks different from today's Windows．But the parts you can't see might be even more important．Microsoft is focusing on securing users from the viruses, worms, and other attacks that have become a serious problem in the last decade．But security isn't the only point of Windows Vista．It includes additional gaming features, a new desktop search function, a new user interface, compatibility(兼容)with high-definition TV and multimedia equipment．
New DVD on the road
The next DVD generation has two layers．First, high-definition recording will mean more vivid sound and pictures．It also means you might have to put aside your present DVD collection, as people did with tape cassettes in the 1980's when CD was introduced．The new technology will record high-definition TV programs on a small disk without quality loss．And up to 50 gigabytes of storage can put 13 hours of programs or eight movies on a disc．
Wireless Connectivity Everywhere．
Wi-Fi is coming．Despite the over publicity surrounding wireless networking, the fact remains that finding a public connection still takes work．Next year, connectivity should get easier, thanks to long-range broadband wireless technology from Intel called WiMax．According to an Intel spokesperson a WiMax signal“can carry 50 miles in tests, but in reality about half that．”It means you can get online almost anywhere at any time．
Next-Generation Game Consoles(控制臺)
Gamers, fasten your seat belts．2006 will be a great year for consoles．Next year will be one of the most exciting with major releases from Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft．It's like an election：Every four years or so, gamers get to choose which platform they'll support for the next cycle．As you'd expect, the processing and graphics hardware powering the consoles is impressive．They'll include HDTV and high-speed Internet connectivity．
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