Microsoft demonstrates new version of Internet Explorer Mobile with desktop-grade Web browsing, introduces updated Windows Mobile operating system at CTIA Wireless 2008.
The company unveiled the newest version of Internet Explorer Mobile, which adds desktop-grade Web browsing to Windows Mobile phones. In addition, Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.1, an update for its Windows Mobile software that includes new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and increased security safeguards.
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," said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "The innovations we?ve added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world."
The new version of Internet Explorer Mobile adds the ability to easily view full-screen Web pages and multimedia on the Web with a smartphone. By taking advantage of Internet Explorer 6 technologies and supporting industry standards such as H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight, the updated Internet Explorer Mobile gives people a rich mobile Internet experience. The update will be available to Microsoft's mobile phone partners in the third quarter of 2008, with the first Windows Mobile phones using the new version expected to be available by the end of 2008.
Windows Mobile 6.1 features several key updates including the capability to make the most critical information readily available at a glance, quicker phone setup, and enhanced features adapted for the small screen. Glance at and respond to notifications such as missed calls, upcoming appointments and new messages from the home screen as well as play music and share photos. From setting up e-mail, a Bluetooth headset or Wi-Fi, the new Getting Started Center simlifies phone experience. In addition, users can flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of conversations through threaded text messaging. Zoom in on text or pictures, or view an entire Web page at once.
In addition, if coupled with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 or Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Windows Mobile 6.1 provides the IT professionals the ability to manage mobile phones for businesses.
Microsoft's partners are expected to update or expand their portfolios to Windows Mobile 6.1 beginning in the second quarter of 2008, including demonstrating the strong industry demand for software that delivers one phone for all aspects of a person?s life.
AT&T, Alltel Wireless, AT&T, ASUS, HP, HTC Corp., i-mate, Intermec Inc., Motorola, O2, Orange, Palm Inc., Pantech, Samsung, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Sprint, T-Mobile USA Inc., T-Mobile International Inc., T-Mobile Germany, TELUS, Toshiba, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone.
The following new phones and updates were announced today:
Alltel Wireless: HTC PPC6800, HTC Touch
AT&T: Samsung BlackJack II, MOTO Q 9h global, Pantech duo, AT&T Tilt by HTC
Sprint: A new Palm Treo and updates for the Mogul by HTC, Touch by HTC, MOTO Q 9c, Samsung ACE
T-Mobile International: T-Mobile MDA Ameo 16 GB, T-Mobile MDA compact IV
ASUS: New phones including the P320, ZX1, P560, M536 and updates for the P527, P750, M930
HTC: A new Touch Dual for the U.S. and updates for the AT&T Tilt, Touch by HTC, Mogul by HTC from Sprint, TyTN II
i-mate: 8502, 9502, 8150, 6150
Intermec: CN3
Motorola: MOTO Q 9c, MOTO Q 9h global, MC70, MC9000
Pantech: Pantech duo
Samsung: BlackJack II
Toshiba: Port?g? G810,Port?g? G910
More information about Windows Mobile 6.1 is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx