Microsoft & Haier to develop 'E-family'

　　(JINAN, China)—Within the next three years, Microso ft Corp. will work with China Haier Group Co. To work o ut a common strategy for developing China's "e-family," according to Hou Kaiwen, deputy general manager of Micr osoft China Co., Ltd.

　　The "e-family" means that all electric household ap pliances, such as TV sets, refrigerators, air condition ers, and washing machines, could be linked to a compute rized system, which can automatically operate and contr ol these appliances according to the programs set.

　　If they succeed, this system could automatically se nd e-mail, open air conditioner, and even change TV cha nnels for the owner.

　　Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong province, w ith a population of 6 million, will be the first city t o use the "e-family," and about 10 percent to 20 percen t of the city's households are expected to become "e-fa milies" in three years.

　　(Xinhua News Agency)