Microsoft unveils Windows Glass House

by Myka Isabel D. Basco

Microsoft Philippines have introduced the Windows Glass House, a life-size installation that replicates a typical home, re-imagined with the incorporation of different Windows 8.1 devices and apps made for each member of the family to transform their everyday living. The Glass House, designed by renowned interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario, illustrates the ability of Microsoft technology to power Filipino families and to transform their everyday living.

The Glass House showcased the newest Windows 8.1 tablets such as the Asus T100. The Asus T100, otherwise known as the ‘Transformer Book,’ also took center change as the device that is both a tablet and a netbook. Other new devices such as Nokia Lumia were also displayed to complement the Glass House.

The Glass House demonstrated various Windows 8.1 apps in action that are fit to every member of the family such as Halo (for gaming), Click the City (for lifestyle and entertainment guide), Bing Health & Fitness app (for fitness, nutritional, health and wellness needs), Bing Food (for recipes and cooking tips), Bing Travel (for travel planning), ABS-CBN (for news and information), and MERALCO (for utility management) among many others.

Ivy and Cynthia Almario, from the country’s premier interior design firm Atelier Almario, were commissioned to bring Microsoft’s vision to life. The Almario sisters are known for their broad range of style as seen from their work as designers for luxurious and high-end spaces in the country. Microsoft believes that the Almario sisters are capable of taking up the challenge of converging aesthetics and functionality and integrating technology with their design philosophy.

“We are proud to take on the challenge of being able to incorporate technology with aesthetics through Microsoft’s Glass House and to see how devices, apps, and other technologies transform the interior space,” said Ivy Almario. “We are glad that Microsoft has given us the opportunity to explore endless possibilities with technology especially with Windows devices.”

“Glass House reflects our philosophy that technology greatly affects the way people live,” said Cynthia Almario. “This says so much about how Filipino consumers can use technology such as the exciting Windows 8.1 apps and devices to accomplish things in a more fun and more productive way.”

“Through the Glass House, Microsoft reimagines life and showcases how Windows 8.1 apps and devices are able to create a personalized computing experience that fits perfectly with the way people live,” said Mae Moreno, Windows Client Business Lead at Microsoft Philippines. “There is a Windows app and device designed for each member of the family proving that Microsoft has the capability to power and transform their everyday living.”

The event was also graced with the presence of actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, who definitely enjoyed her tour of the House.

“Technology plays a big role in my life and in the things that I love. I use devices and apps all the time both for work and play, allowing me to shift from the role of an actress to a student,” said Jasmine Curtis – Smith. “Seeing the Glass House has allowed me to further understand the impact that technology plays in everyday living. With Windows 8.1, and its array of apps, there is something that fits my passion and that of my family and friends.”