From a technology point of view, what makes Windows SideShow unique / powerful?
Windows SideShow is the first platform within Windows that can get information to an entire ecosystem of hardware devices in a simple and consistent manner. It provides uniformity in the distribution of data to devices with varying capabilities, using formats such as the Simple Content Format, an XML-based format for Windows SideShow. It is a nice a way to bridge the gap between small (hardware) devices and Windows, without having to develop to a custom solution. With the power of the platform, you can transform small, simple devices into useful information displays without a lot of work.