Microsoft to unleash new handheld OS

Dom · Jun 23, 2003, 03:34 PM

The new software is a less radical change than Microsoft made with the original version of Pocket PC or with the Pocket PC 2002 upgrade. Nonetheless, hardware makers, including Hewlett-Packard, Dell Computer, ViewSonic and Toshiba, are using the new OS to launch new or improved handheld devices.

"This version probably has less new features and is more focused on refining the experience," said Ed Suwanjindar, lead product manager for the Windows Mobile division. In particular, the new operating system is focused on simplifying the connection to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless networks, as well as improving e-mail and synching with Exchange--although some of the new features are tied to the forthcoming release of Exchange 2003.

Microsoft also is using the release to rename its Pocket PC operating system. The software now picks up the rather long moniker: Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PC. The move is an attempt to unite both the Pocket PC and Smartphone operating systems under the new Windows Mobile brand.

The new operating system is aiming to appeal more to consumers than prior versions, adding a new built-in game and a program for displaying pictures. Devices using the OS can play slide shows of digital photos and TV programs downloaded from a Windows PC, thanks to inclusion of Windows Media 9 technology.

The new gadgets based on Windows Mobile 2003 add features of their own, such as ViewSonic's Pocket PC V36, which has a built-in digital camera. Such cameras have become popular add-ons for cell phones and in handhelds from Sony and Palm.

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Jun 23, 2003, 03:34 PM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Microsoft to unleash new handheld OS The new software is a less radical change than Microsoft made with the original version of Pocket PC or with the Pocket PC 2002 upgrade. Nonetheless, hardware makers, including Hewlett-Packard, Dell Computer, ViewSonic and Toshiba, are using the new OS to launch new or improved handheld devices. "This version probably has less new features and is more focused on refining the experience," said Ed Suwanjindar, lead product manager for the Windows Mobile division. In particular, the new operating system is focused on simplifying the connection to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless networks, as well as improving e-mail and synching with Exchange--although some of the new features are tied to the forthcoming release of Exchange 2003. Microsoft also is using the release to rename its Pocket PC operating system. The software now picks up the rather long moniker: Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PC. The move is an attempt to unite both the Pocket PC and Smartphone operating systems under the new Windows Mobile brand. The new operating system is aiming to appeal more to consumers than prior versions, adding a new built-in game and a program for displaying pictures. Devices using the OS can play slide shows of digital photos and TV programs downloaded from a Windows PC, thanks to inclusion of Windows Media 9 technology. The new gadgets based on Windows Mobile 2003 add features of their own, such as ViewSonic's Pocket PC V36, which has a built-in digital camera. Such cameras have become popular add-ons for cell phones and in handhelds from Sony and Palm. Read More...