American software giant Microsoft Corporation continues today’s ongoing theme of major technology companies (Intel and Nokia) looking to trumpet their own efforts in expanding and improving the online functionality of the mobile handset arena.
Microsoft rolls out new versions of IE Mobile and Windows Mobile OS. Credit: Microsoft.
Specifically, Redmond-based Microsoft has unveiled new versions of its Windows Mobile operating system (OS) and its Internet Explorer Mobile Browser at the CTIA Wireless 2008 event in Las Vegas.
According to detailing provided by Microsoft, the latest mobile version of its hugely popular Internet Explorer browser will introduce desktop-grade Web browsing to all phone handsets equipped with the Windows Mobile OS, while the new Windows Mobile operating system (version 6.1) will include time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and improved security.
“People want a single phone that’s flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day, whether it’s connecting to work or your everyday life,” outlined Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division. “The innovations we’ve added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world.”
Further to Bach’s comments, analyst Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies notes that Microsoft’s newest mobile iterations harness the company’s technologies to create tangible innovations and benefits to customers and partners and are also a sign that Microsoft “is taking the necessary steps to broaden its consumer appeal while also addressing the complex mobile needs of the enterprise.”
Elements of improvement connected to Internet Explorer 6 include the ability to easily view full-screen Web pages and multimedia via a smartphone handset, while also providing support for upcoming industry standards such as H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft’s Silverlight. The update is expected to arrive with Microsoft’s mobile phone partners in Q3, with the first phones likely to be carrying it by the end of the year.
Microsoft is aiming for ease-of-use with Windows Mobile 6.1 , which delivers “several key updates” implemented based on direction garnered from customer feedback. These changes include the ability to view critical information at a glance, faster phone set-up speed, and the coupling with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 or Exchange Server 2007 SP1 for “the best experience for IT professionals to manage mobile phones for businesses.”
Windows Mobile 6.1 is expected to arrive with Microsoft’s partners such as AT&T, ASUS, Motorola, Palm, Sony Ericsson, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone before the close of Q2, 2008.
DavidApr 4th, 2008 - 01:41:00
Flash-driven video in IE coupled with Office is tough to beat. I was also impressed with the new Live Search, for which Microsoft released a demo video called 'startdoingmore' at viddler dot com.
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