Hewlett-Packard has announced that it is moving into the emerging home server market with its HP MediaSmart Server that will take advantage of the Microsoft Windows Home Server OS that was also announced at the 2007 CES by Bill Gates.

The box, which won't be out until September, will automatically backup multiple PCs without any job scheduling and is said to quickly restore an entire PC or individual files. The product, shown below, will come with its own built-in Web server and will allow owners to remotely access files anywhere as well as access any desktop in a home network, a la GoToMyPC-type software.

Because it has Web server software, family and friends will also be able to access photos and other files directly from their loved ones home network. Price has not been announced.

HP also announced that it will release its first Blu-ray disc player, the HP bd135 Blu-ray Disc Writer in mid-2007. HP began shipping external HD DVD drives in September 2006. Company spokesman said the Blu-ray drive is expected to cost more than the US$500 it now charges for the HD DVD drive.