Microsoft has admirers ready to add Mira

Four Japanese electronics giants have committed to selling Microsoft's Mira technology which turns a flat panel display into a touch-screen tablet.

Fujitsu, Matsushita, NEC and Sotec have all signed on the dotted line and promised to have products on the market by the end of the year.

Mira, based on the wireless standard 802.11, is embedded in the hardware enabling users to detach monitors and access the internet, email and data using a stylus pen.

Microsoft is also working with Intel, National Semiconductor and ViewSonic to devise Mira-based consumer products.