MIX 06 is a Microsoft conference for developers of rich media web applications. CNet is covering the conference "Gates looks to expand view beyond Windows". "You can think of RSS as the start of the programmable Web. As Web sites start exposing their APIs, amazing things happen," said Gates.

The conference will focus on AJAX development using Microsoft's ATLAS platform framework, RSS and SSE, Windows Live gadgets, IE7 enhancements, Windows Media Center, and Xbox 360 development opportunities.

Microsoft's Atlas is a "Web client framework" designed to make the job of building AJAX-style applications simpler. It is a downloadable piece of JavaScript code that gives developers a more structured environment for building applications including an object model and debugging tools. It will work across any Web browser and any platform that supports AJAX technologies.

Ray Ozzie is leading the Microsoft innovations in RSS, SSE, Windows Live, and Live Clipboard. All these innovations are focused on making it easier for developers to build rich, interactive, web applications.

Windows Media Center and Xbox 360 are new platforms for rich media applications. The Live versions of these products will release later this year. Microsoft is definitely looking to expand beyond Windows on the PC. This is a big change for Microsoft and one that will open up huge opportunities for startups looking for The Next Big Thing.

You can read blog coverage of MIX 06 at Read/Write Web, Enterprise Web 2.0, and on the MIX 06 Blog.