Microsoft calls on Toshiba for web TV chip

NEWS Microsoft is joining forces with Toshiba to develop and produce a chip that will power the software giant's revamped web television service. The Solo2 chip, developed by a team from Microsoft and manufactured by Toshiba, will debut this autumn in Microsoft's new web television service, Ultimate TV. Microsoft is revamping its current web-enabled TV offering after uptake of just one million subscribers. The updated version will provide new features like digital video recording and interactive television. According to Microsoft the chip was developed because there was no off-the-shelf product meeting the company's specifications. Microsoft plans to license it to other semiconductor and set-top box manufacturers.