Microsoft unveils latest gadget

Christmas proved consumer electronics are recession-proof, and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates hoped to capitalise on the trend by unveiling his latest gadget.

The billionaire demonstrated a tablet-like device that is a cross between a hand-held computer and a television remote control at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Code-named Mira, the concept device acts as a home PC, remotely delivering the Internet, playing music files, and doubling as a portable game player when used with Microsoft’s Xbox game console.

The content would be displayed on the tablet, or in later versions, on new flat-screen televisions.

Exact prices were not disclosed, but Microsoft officials said consumers could expect to see such products within a year or so.

Gates played a video clip showing how a family could use the device. The clip showed a father using it in the living room to work on a spreadsheet; a teenage daughter using it to listen to music in her bedroom; and a mother using it on the kitchen counter to check the weather.

‘‘It goes anywhere in the house. Entertainment will never be the same,’’ he said.