With the Ultimate Windows computer, Microsoft is looking to shape the next generation of digital lifestyle. Unlike Apple, which has a close development environment from hardware to software, and that has managed to impose a unique design line for its proprietary Mackintosh computers running Mac OS X, Microsoft is the whim of original equipment manufacturers. But this is not to say that the Redmond company is not attempting to drive innovation in Windows-based computer designs. In fact, Microsoft has announced the debut of the application acceptance process associated with its Next-Gen PC Design Competition. All entries must be submitted by December 14, 2007.

"This year's competition theme focuses on designs that help people fuel their passion, whether it's music, traveling or photography. [The] next-generation PC designs must contain scenarios and features that address ways to help people pursue their passions more easily, more powerfully and more enjoyably - and even how to help users obtain results they had never thought possible. This is also the first year the competition will look at software and hardware as part of the PC design. Applicants will need to focus not only on exterior design, shape and color, but they must pay attention to programs that will enhance what people feel passionate about. Successful entries will clearly define and thoroughly understand the audiences that the PC is designed for as well as the culture, lifestyle, habits and practices of the user," Microsoft commented.

The Redmond company emphasized the fact that the design competition is set up in order to build a bridge between the industrial design community, the PC industry and the consumers. According to Microsoft, innovation, user experience and interaction, aesthetics, technology integration, windows software, market viability and manufacturability and ecology are the criteria used for judging the competition. The first prize is no less than $10,000, with $5,000 for the runner up and $2,5000 for the third position. But in addition, there is also a Chairman's Award worth $10,000 and a Public's Choice Award of $2,500.

What is interesting to note is the fact that Microsoft will consider closely the way that the computer design integrates with the Windows operating system, enhancing the end users' experience with the platform. One such example is the Ultimate Windows Vista computer design concept put together by Carbon Design Group. However, the example of PC design from Carbon remained nothing more than a concept, and did little to help boost Vista.