Microsoft Acquires EXOS Inc
REDMOND, Wash. April 15, 1996 Microsoft Corp. today announced the acquisition of EXOS Inc., developers of the force feedback technology for game control devices. This latest addition to Microsoft's input device group strengthens the company's commitment to providing consumers with more compelling PC game play.
The input device group designs and markets personal computer input devices, including the highly successful Microsoft®
3D Pro joystick. SideWinder 3D Pro uses innovative digital optical technology to increase responsiveness, precision and reliability in PC game play.
"The acquisition of EXOS marks another important milestone for the input device group – it demonstrates the group's commitment to developing high-quality gaming devices using innovative technology,"
said Rick Thompson, general manager of the input device group at Microsoft.
"Force feedback technology enables users to feel gaming effects such as race-car crashes, turbulent flight simulations, and gun recoils,"
said Beth Marcus, chairman and chief technical officer of EXOS Inc.
Thompson added,
"We are excited to bring added realism, provided by the force feedback technology, to our consumers' gaming experience. Soon, players will feel every bump, every brake and crash, every jab and every shot."
Founded in November 1988, the Boston, Mass.-based EXOS Inc. designs, develops and manufactures controllers for interactive entertainment for arcades, home video systems and PCs.
Microsoft and SideWinder are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.