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Document source:
Original backup tapes owned by Dutchman2000, obtained by Atarimania.
Documentary research and PDF layout by Laurent Delsarte.
Note that these backup tapes contain A LOT of information spread out in many folders, meaning it will take time to process the important bits.
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Document identification:
Original file name: EMAIL extracted from CEO.01JUN84
Title of document: Notes from Brainstorming Session
Author(s): Joe Miller (Joseph B. Miller III)
Original file date: 1983-08-24
Type of document: Memo
Target audience: Internal
Status: Final
Reference (Atari): (unknown)
Reference (Laurent Delsarte):
 For any discussion, this PDF has been given the reference
 BKUP-1983-08-24-MEMO-0015A-F
 which should be quoted in any communication.
Tags: #Atari #8bit #6502 #400 #800 #1200XL #600XL #800XL
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  INTER OFFICE MEMO


  To:  Dave Stubben
  From: Joe Miller
  Subject: Notes from Brainstorming Session           24 AUG 83


 Here are the notes from the session held in Conf. A. This was
 perceived as a positive experience by all of us.


_____________________________________



  Random Product Ideas ----

  PRODUCTS WITH BUILT IN PERIPHERALS
   Solve the "rat's nest" cabling problem for consumers
   Combination Joystick/Paddle controller
   Wireless peripherals (via IR, RF, inductive...)

  EMPHASIS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS
   "Atari Central" Concept/Personal Networking
    Software distribution
    Multi-player gaming
    Electronic mail/Notefiles
   Automotive Traffic Guidance
    Maps, traffic patterns, delay warnings, etc.
    Restaurant guides

  BIOFEEDBACK/BIONIC DEVICES
   EEG for gaming applications
   Pattern/Color drawing  (abstract vs. object)
   Exercise/Health maintenance applications

  DEVELOP A VARIETY OF I/O DEVICES

  RESEARCH/DESIGN CMOS/LOW-POWER DEVICES

  DEVELOP A MODULAR "HOME INFORMATION/ENTERTAINMENT CENTER"
   "Nucleus" computer w/Local Area Network built in
   Set standards for buss architecture within homes
   Incremental costing
   Centralized entertainment center
   Large, flat displays
   Clock/Calendar/Reminder display
    Voice recognition/generation
   Home Controllers
    Lights, locks, heat, water, appliances
    Remote control by telephone

  DEVELOP A MODULAR COMPUTER SYSTEM
   Communications support is vital
   3-dimensional graphics capability
   Unified software environment  (ie. UNIX, CP/M)
   Easy interchange of modules
   the "something for everybody" approach
   adhere to emerging standards...too late for us
    to set standards

  DEVELOP "APPLIANCE" COMPUTERS
   Special, dedicated computing devices
   View the home  as  a computer
   Requires in-home Local Area Network
    Broadband, or baseband?
    Video bandwidths?
    Fibre optics?


  Quick Projects for Installed Base of 2600s ----

 (These are devices that could be developed to interface to the
  2600, perhaps via the joyports or cart slot, to broaden its
  utility.)

  HOBBIEST OSCILLOSCOPE

  TOOL FOR TUNING YOU CAR

  INFANT "CRIB" TOYS

  SMALL ROBOTS and PUPPET CONTROLLERS

  APPLIANCE CONTROL BOX

  AUTO-POWER ON SENSOR

  MODEM/TERMINAL EMULATOR

  VIDEO-ON-DEMAND

  CABLE "CONTROL BOX"

  WEATHER STATION

  BIOFEEDBACK/HEALTH KIT

  TV COMMERCIAL "CENSOR"

  "ERECTOR SET" APPLICATIONS

  "MAKE-YOUR-OWN" VIDEO GAMES

  TALKING BOOKS

  BEDTIME VIDEO

  GAMBLING
   Tutorials
   Blackjack black box

  BAR CODE READER  (for cheap software distribution)


  What are Some of ATARI's Current Strengths? ----

  2D GAME GRAPHICS

  NAME RECOGNITION

  VIDEO (RASTER) GRAPHICS EXPERTISE

  MANUFACTURING/QUALITY CONTROL

  VLSI DESIGN

  DOMESTIC DISTRIBUTION

  SYNERGIES OF OTHER WARNER COMPANIES

  LARGE INSTALLED BASE

  SOFTWARE/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TALENT


  What are Some of ATARI's Current Weaknesses? ----

  LACK OF DIRECTION and PRIORITY

  LACK OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

  LACK OF CERTAIN MARKETING STRENGTHS

  MORALE AT ALL TIME LOW

  LACK OF COMMUNICATION

  DUPLICATION OF EFFORT LEADS TO UNNECESSARY CONPETITION

  LITTLE FEEDBACK ON IDEAS SUBMITTED TO MANAGEMENT

  LACK OF ADEQUATE DOCUMENTATION

  WE'VE IGNORE INTERNATIONAL MARKETING CONSIDERATIONS

  CES-DIRECTED  (REACTIVE VS. GENERATIVE)


  What Should We Do Next? ----

  ADDRESS WEAKNESSES

  BRING PRODUCTS (AT LEAST) TO PROTO (BEFORE KILLING THEM)

  TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE

  LIBRARY OF COMPETITORS HARDWARE (AND SOFTWARE)

  MORE/EARLIER COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MARKETING & ENGINEERING

  ESTABLISH PRODUCT TEAMS WITH AUTHORITY/ACCOUNTABILITY

  SHORTEN DEVELOPMENT CYCLE  (BY A "GO SLOWER" ATTITUDE)

  EMPHASIZE QUALITY (VS. QUANTITY)

  CLARIFY OUR ROLE IN THIS BUSINESS

  HAVE MORE SESSIONS LIKE THIS

  CONTINUE THE TECHNICAL (MONDAY) SEMINARS

  EMPHASIZE TRUE ACCOUNTABILITY

  BE SELECTIVE IN INTRODUCING NEW COMPUTERS

  LET BUYERS TELL US EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT FROM US

  ENCOURAGE CONTINUING EDUCATION