relied on an XML-based API—not unlike the APIs we see today published by Web-service providers (YouTube, eBay,...) -- and implemented XML-based APIs as offered by its service providers. Commercial impact Unfortunately the first Streamium generations lacked support for a number of important media formats such as those included in the Windows Media technologies which hampered their commercial success. Philips' legal team had issues with the non-assertion clause that Microsoft required potential licensees to sign without prior opportunity to check the IP involved. Since Philips did and still does own a substantial patent-portfolio, product management was not allowed to risk signing away rights on a substantial number of important patents. Consumer testing To some extent consumers were involved in some of the design of the Streamiums. Of course, the classical focus test groups were used to find out what features consumers would deem important. But also after the official announcement, a limited number of pre-production versions of the Streamiums would be made available to a limited number of volunteer beta-testers that could sign up via a Philips web-site. See also Digital media receiver another name for Wireless Media Adapter SimpleCenter a UPnP AV MediaServer References Philips Wireless networking hardware Internet audio players