Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 265 Various new products are coming soon
The center of Greater London is the City of London, which forms Inner London with the 12 administrative units outside the city, and the 20 urban areas around it are called Outer London.

The place where Tang Huan and Charles met - St. James's Palace, located in Westminster, the administrative center of the United Kingdom, adjacent to the west of London, and the west neighbor of Westminster is Hinton-Chelsea, Chelsea's home stadium - Stanford Hammersmith-Fulham, where the bridge is located, and Hinton-Chelsea are also neighbors.

Therefore, the Stamford Bridge land is quite valuable.Now that Chelsea is about to collapse due to financial difficulties, some real estate companies have become interested in it and plan to acquire it to develop residential buildings and shopping malls.

According to the historical development, Chelsea founder Henry Augustus Mears - the third generation of Henry Angustus Mears' family, Brian Mears - Brian Mears also did the same. He sold the stadium to Marler Estates – Marler Estates.

For this reason, Kenneth William Bates, who later took over Chelsea - Kenneth William Bates, started a lawsuit in 1982, and did not take back Stamford Bridge from the creditor bank until 1992 when Marle Real Estate went bankrupt.

When outsiders buy teams, they naturally have to appear as a savior to frighten the club and fans. However, Chelsea, which owns Stamford Bridge and is about to go bankrupt, still has a lot of room for appreciation, at least better than the team that Charles just stuffed in.

Of course, Tang Huan mainly hoped to disrupt Charles' plan.You'd better find someone else to earn agency fees. I've decided for Christina to give up this alternative plan.

After sending Tang Huan and Constantine away, Charles called his attendant and asked, "What's the situation with that Chelsea club?"

"Very bad. However, Charles Cadogan, Viscount Chelsea, is an important member of the club's board of directors." The squire replied without thinking.

"His family is a rich and big landowner." Charles, who heard the news, showed disappointment on his face. His plan to earn agency fees seemed to be ruined.

……

After Tang Huan returned to Silicon Valley, he got good news. The legal lawsuit initiated by Universal against EA just ended in failure. He didn't even get a single hair, and he had to pay various expenses.

The court believes that the copyright of "King Kong" belongs to the public domain, so the verdict of this lawsuit is not as simple as it seems on the surface.

Universal used this kind of name to blackmail other companies before, and it is very likely that they will spit out the benefits obtained by blackmailing other companies.

In fact, "King Kong" originated from the monster movie "King Kong" released in 1933 by RKO, one of the eight major Hollywood companies, but this company can be called the most turbulent company in Hollywood, and the boss is constantly changing like a revolving lantern, especially in the late 1940s And in the early 1950s, it fell into the control of Howard Hughes, a famous American business tycoon.

Therefore, in the later period of RKO, the copyright was extremely chaotic, and even United Artists got part of it. "King Kong" was naturally more difficult to explain.

In the original time and space, Universal bullied Nintendo, an outsider, and ended up failing, but in this time and space, the speed of defeat was even faster.

But Tang Huan didn't buy it. How dare you take the initiative to provoke trouble. If I don't retaliate, I will be too sorry for your malice.

Therefore, Tang Huan specially arranged it secretly.He sneered secretly, maybe he could kill birds with one stone then.

……

After finishing some affairs, Tang Huangang planned to go to the Microsoft headquarters in Seattle. Adam Osborne, who was in good spirits, brought a basically developed portable computer——Osborne 1, which is the prototype of Osborne's first generation machine, and visited him. up.

Seeing Adam Osborne triumphantly put the 10.7-kilogram Osborne first-generation machine in front of him, and deliberately made a very relaxed expression, Tang Huan almost laughed out loud, why are you so exaggerated.

Osborn’s first-generation machine is still 8-bit architecture, the CPU is Zilog’s Z80, but it uses a 4.0 MHz version, the memory capacity reaches 64 KB, the keyboard is detachable, and it is equipped with a 5-inch monochrome CRT display that can display 24 lines. 52 characters per line, plus dual 5.25" floppy drives and more.

It can be said that the hardware specifications of the Osborne generation machine are not low.

In terms of software, it is equipped with the operating system CP/M 2.2 and BASIC compiler CBASIC 2 of Digital Research Corporation.

Zheru provided free word processing software WordEasy, spreadsheet software CGrid, database EBase and financial software.

Of course, they are all simplified versions. After all, they are free and have so many functions that Osborne’s first-generation machine can’t run at all.

For this new hardware platform, Tang Huan basically had the idea of ​​advertising and occupying the land, and there were many other smart people. This can be seen from the fact that there is not only one bundled software of the same kind.

For example, the BASIC compiler includes Microsoft’s MBASIC; the word processing software includes MicroPro’s Wordstar 2.26; the spreadsheet software includes Sorcim’s SuperCalc; the database includes Ashton-Tate’s dBASE II; Purchase Ledger 2.7, Sales Ledger 2.7.

It can be said that these software belong to peers and enemies, but at this time they can be gathered on the brand-new hardware platform of Osborne's first generation machine, which shows Adam Osborne's personal connections in Silicon Valley.

After reading the instruction manual briefly, Tang Huan couldn't help but be amazed at it, and joked with Adam Osborne, "What pricing strategy do you plan to adopt for this type of computer? I think the value of these bundled software alone is at least It's over $2000."

"It should be $1795." Adam Osborn replied not without complacency.

Although he had expected it, Tang Huan still couldn't help but look askance at it when he actually heard such information.

"It seems that you have done a lot of hard work." Tang Huan sighed thoughtfully after admiring.

In order to control costs, Adam Osborn must have been running a lot.

In the original time and space, after the first-generation Osborne machine became a hit, Adam Osborn neglected the follow-up technology research and development, and was busy shuttling between the media and celebrities, which may have been the seed of disaster at this time.

Perhaps Adam Osborne already believes that the importance of marketing is far beyond relying solely on technology itself.

"Osborne's first-generation machine is not the best-performing personal computer, it focuses on portability." Adam Osborne is very clear-headed and has made a clear positioning for his products.

Speaking of this, Adam Osborn sincerely invited, "Don, you can be regarded as a leader in the field of personal computers in your current position, why don't you point out the shortcomings of Osborne's first-generation computer, so that I Do it on your mind.”

"It's not easy for a generation of products to reach such a level. I just don't know how the heat dissipation will be after long-term operation. There is also the problem of power supply. Since it is mainly about portability, it can provide a certain amount of battery life. The best. In addition, there are some practical problems. The floppy disk drive of Osborne’s first-generation machine only supports a capacity of 90KB, which is obviously far behind the current actual market demand.” Tang Huan spoke with a purpose, Every sentence can hit the essence of the problem.Hearing Adam Osborn nodded repeatedly.

Tang Huan operated the Osborne [-]st generation machine again, and finally concluded: "The Osborne [-]st generation machine can be called the world's first commercial portable computer. For this reason, users will flock to it, so these problems It should be tolerated for the time being, don’t be too busy denying yourself, mess up your position, and save it for the next version to improve. The key is that you have to seize the market opportunity.”

"I plan to release the Osborne first-generation machine at the West Coast Computer Show next month." Adam Osborn nodded approvingly, while showing worry, "However, I guess that by then, IBM's personal computer will also be released." It’s about to come on stage, I’m afraid there will be some tit-for-tat, I don’t know how the second-generation Fangyuan computer plans?”

It seems that the main purpose of Adam Osborn is to join forces here and fight against IBM.

After this thought flashed through his mind, Tang Huan smiled slightly, "The second-generation Fangyuan computer is currently focusing on commercial users, so when participating in the exhibition, we will focus on displaying functions in this area."

Speaking of which, Tang Huan picked up a pen and paper, and drew a simple schematic diagram, "Maybe you can imagine this way, the second-generation Fangyuan computer is mainly placed in the company, while the Apple II is the main home, and the Osborne first-generation computer is Relying on portability, it provides available product solutions for individuals on business trips, etc. As for the connection and data exchange between each other, it can be done through files in compatible formats stored on floppy disks, or even simply through a local area network."

After listening to Tang Huan's analysis, Adam Osborne couldn't help clapping his hands excitedly, "In this way, the combination of the three of us can fully cover the scope of customers' business needs, and there is a lot to do."

Tang Huan nodded slightly, emphasizing, "The key point of this idea is the interconnection I mentioned just now. If this cannot be achieved, everyone will fight on their own, causing everyone to become an island of information, then the so-called unity will not It loses its meaning."

"Zheru and Fangyuan Computer have the most core software technology, so they are naturally capable of coordinating the pace of the three companies so that they can cooperate with each other." Adam Osborn has a very clear understanding of the entire computer market, so he asked Tang to change without hesitation. Come be the boss.

"Do your best." Tang Huan said lightly. The idea of ​​the three alliances is naturally good, but whether it can be implemented is still open to discussion.

After all, there are a lot of interests involved in this, and there may be a phenomenon of parting ways at some point.

"You are a man with many faces. Do you know what Microsoft is doing recently? Why do I feel that Gates seems to be reclusive." Tang Huan changed the subject.

"It's normal, because they have received orders from IBM for the four major language compilers of BASIC, PASCAL, COBOL, and FORTRAN, and they are very busy." Adam Osborn replied casually.

Seeing that the information that Adam Osborn knew was limited to this, Tang Huan understood. It seems that Microsoft is really guarding against its own DOS project.

After discussing with Adam Osborn about portable computers for a while, Tang Huan sent him away and came to Apple, intending to learn about Woz's Apple II E development progress.

As a result, I didn’t know, but I was shocked when I saw it. Woz, a genius, has integrated Zheru’s function expansion cards into the Apple II’s hardware system. Preliminary predictions, the time to launch the Apple II E is not far away. up.

Seeing Tang Huan's surprised look, Woz was proud and honest, "Tang, I have long been interested in your expansion card technology and studied it privately. Therefore, the previous work was very simple. "

Having said this, Woz scratched his head again, "However, improvements in the operating system are a bit troublesome."

"Trouble is right, otherwise, I would really be scared into a cold sweat, thinking that my skills are too in-depth." After Tang Huan laughed, he went to find Markkula.

Markkula was in a good mood to show off Apple's new model, the Apple II E, at the upcoming West Coast Computer Festival, as there was so much hope.

Tang Huan couldn't help sighing after talking to the other party about the proposal for the combination of the second-generation Fangyuan computer, the first-generation Osborne computer, and the Apple II, "It seems that next month, various new products are destined to debut in the personal computer industry. gone."

After considering Tang Huan's suggestion for a while, Markkula nodded and said, "Then our three computers will try to unite and give IBM a blow."

Monopoly is the nature of businessmen, just like those American filmmakers decades ago, in order to avoid the squeeze of capitalists, they went to Hollywood where the sky is high and the emperor is far away, and finally embarked on the monopoly road of production, distribution, and theater chain vertical integration Similarly, the current vested interests in the personal computer industry, driven by a sense of crisis, naturally want to team up to deal with IBM, which has the ability to invade this field and dominate the world.

After further exchanging ideas, Tang Huan asked casually, "Where's Steve?"

"The MAC project team moved from the original Apple office building to another larger office not far from here. His energy is mainly focused there." Markkula smiled happily, "So It’s a lot cleaner here.”

"I hope he won't be so close to each other, and lose sight of the other. The Apple II E is still waiting for him to charge forward." Tang Huan joked, got up and left, and flew to Seattle, intending to see how busy Microsoft was.

……

Of course, Tang Huan did not greet Gates in advance during this trip. He deliberately used the excuse of passing by to make a surprise attack in order to obtain the most authentic information.

And the fact is just as Tang Huan imagined, when he came to the Microsoft headquarters, he immediately stirred up the chaos here, and Gates, Allen, and Ballmer, who were wearing panda eyes, entertained in a panic. He didn't dare to care about his disrespect for not inviting him to the door.

The reason why the three of them were so groveling was not only because of Tang Huan's identity and status at this time, but also because a large part of Microsoft's current business was built on the platform built by Zheru and Fangyuan. Too much.

Seeing these souls of Microsoft, although they look tired, but they are full of fighting spirit, Tang Huan can't help nodding secretly, people in the final stage are always full of energy.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Tang Huan changed the subject and said with a smile, "This time I come to Microsoft, I feel that the staff team has grown a lot, why don't you show me around?"

Hearing this, Gates had a look of embarrassment on his face.Microsoft is such a big place, in a hurry, some secret projects have not had time to hide.

Moreover, the DOS developed by Microsoft for IBM has progressed to the stage of internal testing, and IBM's engineers are still here, which is really inconvenient.

He deliberately refused, but every time he went to Zheru in the past, the reception there was warm and unreciprocated. How could everyone happily play together if they reciprocated the favor.

In desperation, Gates quietly gave Allen and Ballmer a wink, asking them to take some precautionary measures, while he dragged Tang Huan's footsteps, and started to visit from the least important places, hoping for some secrets Can avoid Tang Huan's piercing eyes.

Since Ballmer joined Microsoft, the company has expanded rapidly, and now has hundreds of people.

No matter how secretive Gates was, Tang Huan still found many differences compared to what he saw during his last visit.

For example, it can be judged from the documents seen inadvertently that Microsoft has begun to pay attention to software engineering management.

Regarding this, Tang Huan bluntly joked: "It seems that you have introduced a lot of advanced work experience through cooperation with IBM."

"The huge pressure from IBM makes the entire R&D process not only a painful torture, but also a transformational progress." Gates replied with deep feeling, "This also makes me more aware that you can develop it later. It is inevitable to go ahead of everyone. Microsoft, like other small Silicon Valley companies, was a motley army lacking discipline and organization. Through the guidance of IBM, it is now moving towards a regular army like the Zheru team. effort."

(End of this chapter)