BostonPocketPC

OK I have own some pretty nice watches including a Longines, a Patek Philippe pocket watch I got from my grandfather(heck I still have my first watch as a kid a Star Wars LED watch by TI), but the ones I wear everyday and just love are the MSN Direct SPOT watches. I  received an email from one of our readers that they read over at SPOTStop in a post by Jon Canan, program manager of Microsoft MSN Direct unveiled, that SPOT watches have been discontinued, but the MSN Direct service will remain. The last model to be sold as a SPOT watch is the Abacus 2006. I just recently renewed my service in March and got one of these as a retention gift. (I have been using MSN Direct since the beta). It's a nice watch with very easy to press buttons. Its a shame that further development was halted, some really cool watches with multi-color displays mentioned a few years back would have been great for some really cool designs as well as a possibility of wallpaper and photo sync with a host computer. The current  MSN Direct client for Windows Mobile is cool, but needs some programming refinement and a version for touch screens (which is currently in internal testing and will be out soon!), but its good to see that the service and infrastructure will continue.

Here is what Jon had to say:

'As of recently, the Smart Watches with MSN Direct have sold out and are no longer for sale. While we continue to move forward with MSN Direct and seeking out new opportunities for devices that would benefit from the MSN Direct service, we, along with our watch partners, do not have immediate plans to create a new version of the Smart Watch, as we are focused on other areas of our business. We will maintain support of our watch customers and continue to deliver information to the watches, but we do not plan to increase our investment in the watch business going forward.

We have appreciated all of the comments and feedback that the SPOTStop community has provided – and this feedback has been incorporated in every step of the way as we develop new products and leverage our assets within the MSN Direct service. We are proud of the new products that have incorporated our technologies – MSN Direct for GPS navigation devices and MSN Direct for Windows Mobile, and it is encouraging to think that these grew out of the Smart Watch initiative – demonstrating great traction for Microsoft. We will continue to engage with this community and welcome any questions you may have.'

For the rest of the conversation head over to SPOTStop. It's a sad day.

(Note: to get the latest updates on MSN Direct for Windows Mobile you can sign up here.)

We mentioned that an update will be coming for SlingMedia's SlingPlayer Mobile client a while back, well its now here in version 1.6 for both the Windows Mobile Professional/Classic (Pocket PC) and Windows Mobile Standard (Smartphone). Well if don't own a Windows Mobile phone there are updates for other platforms as well like Symbian S60 client has a new version at v1.01 with added support for the N82 and N95 8GB as well as for the Palm OS which also checks in at version 1.01, which includes the Palm Centro, 700p and 755p.

 

There is a nice new GDI rendering option that bypasses Direct Draw so it works well with full screen rendering on all Pocket PC devices. Smartphones aren't left out either. You get full screen rendering as well as a new UI bar that you can toggle on and off as well as hotkey shortcuts as well as improvements in performance across the board. There are also new IR codes added for more device and set-top box support.

To get the latest update head here it is free for current users and $30 for new users. Cool thing is that you can download and install it directly onto your device by browsing to the webpage. Enjoy!

When I see a large number and the word Dragon in a title all I can think about is Dragon Boat races(for those in the Boston area or visiting there is one June 8th this year). So if you can hear the beats of drums in the background then you might be familiar with what drives the great dragon boat races. (If you can't we won't hold it against you). However this is not about  a race, but a series of 31 contests that are going to span 31 sites over 31 days, where you will have 31 chances to win HP's top of the line laptop, the HP HDX Dragon Entertainment Notebook. We drooled over this laptop at CES 2008 and even got to use it briefly. Now you will have 31 chances to own this spectacular package of hardware and software.

Starting in early May, 31 participating websites (with the help from HP and BuzzCorps helping us beat our drums) will each be giving away an HP HDX Dragon Entertainment Notebook loaded with software and a few other things in 31 individual contests.

So be sure to visit each one of these sites daily in next few days to see news of these contests as they develops. You’ll have a week to enter each contest before the winner is selected. Each contest will be different. You can enter one or you can enter them all!

Here’s the list of participating sites:

• AbsoluteVista.com
• Ars Technica
• OSNN.net
• JKontherun.com
• Barbs Connected World
• BostonPocketPC.com
• The-Gadgeteer.com
• TheDigitalLifesetyle.com
• Digital Home Thoughts
• Windows-now.com
• WindowsConnected.com
• Geekstogo.com
• Bink.nu
• Mediablab.com
• Last 100
• Digital Inspiration
• Notebooks.com
• SlashdotReview.com
• Neowin.net
• Geek.com
• Lockergnome.com
• Planet x64.com
• TheGreenButton.com
• Istartedsomething.com
• BleepingComputer.com
• HardwareGeeks.com
• GeekNewsCentral.com
• Geekzone.co.nz
• TheTabletPC.net
• GearLive.com
• GottaBeMobile.com

Be sure to head back in May and we will be giving details of the sites and the contests they will be having as well as the details of our own! If you want to track all these sites in real time Mauricio Freitas put together a 31 Days of the Dragon network RSS feed that aggregates all the feeds of the participating sites. He also put up a website here to keep you updated.

Good Luck to All!!!

HP has just introduced updates to its mobile device management software that address the critical needs of three distinct audiences: wireless operators, enterprise customers and handset manufacturers.

The company unveiled the newly branded HP Mobile Management Center (MMC) for wireless carriers and new features in the enterprise-focused HP Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS), including Microsoft Windows® Mobile 6.1 support for greater control and security over handset deployments.

HP also announced enhancements to its mProve software targeted at handset manufacturers.

“With the global explosion of wireless content services such as mobile email and streaming music, mobile device management becomes critical in keeping devices up and running and up to date,” said Paul Yang, vice president, Handhelds Mobility Solutions unit, HP. “The ability of our mobile device management solutions to securely and remotely manage devices and provide real-time update allows customers to better meet ever-shifting mobility demands.”

Enhancing the user experience for carriers

Previously named FusionDM, HP Mobile Management Center (MMC) helps improve the user experience from service activation to customer care and support. The over-the-air capabilities allow carriers to remotely diagnose device issues, configure service settings and ensure mobile services such as media streaming are ready to use.

HP MMC also helps wireless carriers optimize their operational environments by providing real-time access to mobile device and usage information. Insight into user configurations, usage patterns, resident software and applications allows carriers to gain a better understanding of overall usage patterns and to better identify and increase revenue-generating mobile services.

New Enterprise Mobility Suite capabilities

The upgraded HP Enterprise Mobility Suite (EMS) offers cost-effective enhanced security for mobile device deployment with greater manageability. The suite features over-the-air configuration of mobile device settings and software that keep devices operational in the field by remotely diagnosing issues and fixing them.

Providing an additional layer of security, HP EMS also can lock and wipe data on mobile devices that are lost or stolen. New HP EMS features include:

· Windows Mobile 6.1 support: Enables enhanced policy management for Windows mobile devices including the ability to remotely disable SMS/MMS, IMAP and POP email, cameras and Bluetooth™ connectivity.

· Auto-heal: Device initiates periodic checks and fixes issues on its own so neither IT nor the end-user has to initiate management. This automatic self-repair process reduces support calls and increases user satisfaction.

· Self-service: Allows end-users to enroll and manage devices through a self-service portal; further lowers manual touch points typical with enterprise device management and reduces IT support calls.

· Connected technology: Provides real-time push capabilities over standard data connections triggered with or without SMS to apply scheduled or instant management functions such as immediate lock down or periodic/scheduled software distribution.

Over-the-air management for handset manufacturers

For handset manufacturers, the latest version of HP mProve software provides over-the-air tools for wireless firmware and software management, diagnostics and personalization to improve usability. The software suite is composed of the HP mProve FOTA (firmware updates over the air) and HP mProve DM (device management) solutions that ship in millions of handsets each quarter.

HP mProve has been adopted by leading worldwide manufacturers and also is licensed to telematics providers for managing their embedded solutions. The latest HP mProve features include:

· Component-based updates: Supports both monolithic- and file-system-based updates, which can be managed independently or bundled to meet the needs of advanced device architectures.

· Optimized algorithms for improved performance: Drives down update package sizes and required update time to improve the user experience.

· Expanded platform support: Now supports advanced file systems such as SquashFS and CramFS as well as open-handset platforms using Linux-based operating systems.

· Advanced management: Extended support for advanced management use cases including enterprise security, diagnostics and software management.

HP MMC, HP EMS and HP mProve are part of HP’s mobile device management portfolio, which offers customers a broad choice of solutions to address unique manageability needs.

I was pointed to a pretty new cool piece of software at the MVP Summit by our own Johan van Mierlo, called Xobni (Inbox spelled backwards).

They were recently being reviewed for acquisition by Microsoft for their great piece of software that analyzes your inbox and gives you feed back on the number of messages sent, replied, the best time to contact the person based on the time they sent messages, etc. all from an easy to use interface. It also has a great search tool as well. I was a huge fan of Lookout before it too was acquired by Microsoft and it still performs better than Live Desktop search and Outlooks own search, Xobni even out performs Lookout,which is still available at places like here, but needs some tweaking to work with Outlook 2007.

Installing the software is pretty easy. Just agree to the EULA.

And choose where to install it. Xobni takes up just 7.48MB of storage and requires that you shut down Outlook if you have it open.

It installs checking to see if you have the .NET framework installed and takes a few minutes.

After that it will launch Outlook.

When Outlook relaunches Xobni has a flash video introduction to the product.

On the right hand side of your inbox Xobni resides. It take about 10-25 minutes for it to search through your inbox and create a fast store of all your inbox data. Don't worry even though it slows down your inbox while its building its just a one time process.

When its done you are ready to use it.

 

When not in use you can hide it away on your side bar to maximize your view of your emails. Yes, if you zoom in my inbox reads 2157...I get a bit of email after 3 email filters for spam.

Designed to improve your Outlook productivity by allowing you to organize, search, and navigate your email. Everytime you read an email it will bring up stats on that person like received and sent mail, time the are in their office (or out on the road) when they send their email.

It also tracks Conversations, People in that contacts network (linked by email), as well as Files sent and received by that individual. Within each of these categories you can expand it and search within for an even more granular search. The Xobni Contact bar also allows you to add a contact picture(something I wish it would have done automatically by using the picture from Outlook contacts, maybe in a future version) from pictures sent or on your computer.

It will even grab a phone number from an email even though it may be wrong. If you mouse over it, the source of the phone number will be shown. If you have phone number in the Office field in Outlook contacts this will be displayed.

If a number isn't there or the number shown isn't correct you can correct it. From that number you can call them with Skype, if you have it installed. I can see future tie-ins with Communication Server or other SIP desktop clients. Right now there is no way to configure this.

The search functionality is so fast that I have disabled Windows Vista index search, which still works fine from the Start/Run box (just not as fast) and uninstalled my desktop search engines. Xobni is really fast!

The system requirements to run it are as follows:

• Windows XP or Vista
• Outlook 2003 or 2007
• 2 GHz processor
• 1+ GB RAM

I had no problem running it on a my Fujitsu P1610 with 2GB of RAM.

If you get alot of email this is a program that will help you manage them. Xobni Analytics is a great tool for helping you to manage your email and relationships as well as managing how you use your email. Now only if it will help me reach Inbox=0.

To learn more about Xobni head here. To sign up for the beta head here.

Thanks to everyone who attended my two sessions this past weekend at Code Camp 9 in Waltham, MA. As always, it was great meeting new folks and connecting with friends.

I have now posted the presentations for download -

• Leveraging the .NET Compact Framework 3.5 Developer Tools
• Windows Communication Foundation ("WCF") for Windows Mobile 

My travels and busy schedule have delayed me in publicly congratulating our very own Johan van Mierlo, who received the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional ("MVP") award for Mobile devices on April 1st. Johan has been involved in user groups and forums both here in New England and in Europe (but now he and his family are back with us in the States) for a number of years, and has recently been posting news and reviews here and responding to questions in the Microsoft Windows Mobile forums.

Congratulations, Johan!

This is a reminder - There will be no user group meeting this month (April 16th, 2008). We will be meeting on Wednesday, May 21st. Stay tuned for a post this evening regarding that meeting...

Review: Jabra  BT8040

In the last of couple of years I have been trying many Bluetooth headsets. But my main problems with them are that they are clunky and uncomfortable.  During the 2008 CES Jabra Launched their new BT8040 which is small and has an in ear comfortable fit using, according to the size of your ear, flexible loops/rings.

Many in ear headsets never worked for me since I have smaller ears and always had to use the extra provided around the ear loop. Even though I had a good fit they were still very uncomfortable.

Last week during the CTIA I met with the people from Jabra and had the opportunity to take a closer look at the BT 8040 headset and try it on my impossible ears.  Instantly I had a very comfortable feeling of this very light weight headset. They were kind enough to provide me a sample for use with a longer period.

I have been wearing and using this headset for a week now and I clearly have to say that it is very comfortable small and light without losing the quality of sound and the ease of use.  The small round button is easy to find and feel to answer a call or to start the voice command for starting a call. Two smaller buttons on the top and bottom have different tones indicating the volume. The lower tone is volume down and higher tone is volume up. Even thought the microphone is further away my callers didn’t notice any of this and the noise reduction did eliminate many background noises on the streets of Las Vegas.

The Jabra BT8040 also is great for listing to your music on your phone via A2DP and has great quality. The transfer from listening to music to an incoming call is great and is no hassle at all. After the call is finished it continues with the music where it left off.

In the short time I have been using this great headset. I can’t compare the ease of use, comfort, quality and design to any other headset out there.

The box includes:

• Jabra BT8040 with internal rechargeable battery
• 6 Jabra ear gel (2 small, 2 medium, 2 large)
• Illustrated user
• Quick start Guide
• AC power supply
• USB charging cable

The Jabra BT8040 retails for $ 99.99 but many lower prices can be found online

The specifications are:

Microphone
Sensitivity –44 dB ± 3 dB (1kHz, 0db=1V/Pa)
Omni-directional 4 mm Omni-directional microphone

Speaker
Type 11 mm electro-dynamic receiver
Sensitivity 110 dB ± 3dB rel. to 1 mW at 1.0 KHz
Impedance 16 Ω ± 2.4 Ω at 1.0 KHz 0.2 V

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Noise reduction on transmitted and received audio, Noise dependent volume control, Automatic volume adjustment on received audio, Acoustic shock protection

Operating temperature
-20° C to 60° C

Storage temperature
-20° C to 45° C

Waterproof
No

AC power supply
5VDC, 0.25A output, 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz input

Charging plug
Micro USB B – 7.4 x 2,7 mm

BT8040 materials
Polycarbonate (PC), Polycarbonate/Acryl Butadien Styren (PC/ABS), TPE, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)

Pairing code or PIN
0000 ( 4 Zeros )

Features
Auto pairing, Answer/end call, Voice dial*, Last-number redial*, Reject call*, Call hold/ call wait*, Mute, Multipoint, Play music, Quiet mode (turns light off after 1 minute)

Bluetooth compliance
Qualified for Bluetooth Specification version 2.0 + EDR (enhanced data rate)

Supported Bluetooth profiles
Headset and Hands-free Profiles for phone conversations and Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for streaming music

Compatibility
Jabra BT8040 is compatible with other Bluetooth devices with Bluetooth 1.1 (or higher) specifications and supports the Bluetooth headset, hands-free audio and / or advanced audio distribution profiles

Security
128 bit encryption

Operating range
Up to 33 feet 

Paired devices
Up to 8 devices - connected to 2 at the same time (multi point)

Talk time
Up to 6 hours

Standby time
Up to 200 hours

Charging time
Approximately 2 hours

Weight
Less than 10 g (approximately 1/3 oz)

Dimensions
L1.54 x W.71 x D.47 inches

 

What do you get when you cross a Windows Mobile proffesional Phone (Touch Screen) and  a Blackberry.

"A VelocityMobile 111 phone with all those benefits"

Some previous i-mate employee started up their own company and at CTIA they where giving private showing of their new phones. The Microsoft booth had also one on display.

A touch screen, qwerty keyboard, trackball with mouse pointer on screen and internal GPS on board. This is going to be very interesting.

Just take a look at the specifications

This phone is being set for launch in Q3 but their 103 phone should be coming already in Q2....which can be any day now.

Let's see who has this one first for review.

 

 

HTC announced today at CTIA that the popular HTC Touch Dual™ will debut in the United States this quarter. The HTC Touch Dual™ combines an intuitive touch screen with integrated TouchFLO™ technology and slide-out keypad and Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional software, making it easier for customers to communicate on the go.

“HTC has witnessed incredible support and demand for the Touch product portfolio, and we are pleased to provide our customers with the opportunity to experience additional iterations of the Touch product family,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. “The Touch Dual will be among the first devices in the United States to run Windows Mobile 6.1 and will be followed by a range of 6.1 updates for several other HTC products.”

Software Upgrades Available on HTC Devices
In partnership with Microsoft and key mobile operator partners, HTC will continue to extend the functionality of many current HTC devices both in the United States and abroad by providing Windows Mobile 6.1 updates. Windows Mobile 6.1, an update to Windows Mobile 6, provides new timesaving features, easier phone navigation and management, stronger security safeguards, and support for Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008. Some of HTC’s most popular smartphones including the Touch by HTC and Mogul by HTC from Sprint, AT&T Tilt, Alltel Wireless’ HTC Touch and PPC6800, and the HTC TyTN II, will be among the first of many devices available for a Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade.

  Supporting existing customers and enhancing their experiences continues to be a focus for HTC; Sprint and HTC recently provided an update for the popular Mogul by HTC, making it the industry’s first EV-DO Rev. A-capable handset while also enabling additional GPS functionality.

“Windows Mobile enhances people’s lives by providing them with an experience that keeps them close to what’s important to them — anywhere, anytime,” said John O’Rourke, general manager of the Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “HTC has a history of providing a great selection of popular Windows Mobile phones, and we are pleased to bring the latest in software to a range of its products around the world.”

HTC Touch Dual Availability and Features
  Best Buy will be the first to offer the HTC Touch Dual, which will be available through select Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile retail outlets, online at BestBuy.com and htc.com.

“At Best Buy we are committed to providing customers with a wide selection of high quality handsets,” said David Ryan, director of merchandising, Best Buy Mobile. “We look forward to adding the innovative HTC Touch Dual to our current lineup of unlocked phones.”

  Taking user control to a whole new level, the HTC Touch Dual combines an intuitive touch screen and keypad within a stunning design. The versatile device offers an interactive cube interface for quick and easy navigation to e-mails, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts. Features include the following:

• TouchFLO™, a touch-screen technology that allows finger-touch scrolling, panning and photo zooming
• Slide-out 20-key keyboard for quick dialing, text messages and e-mail
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Microsoft Office Mobile for working on documents and getting your Outlook e-mail
• Live HTC Home™ featuring time and weather display, quick launcher, and one-touch ring-tone settings
• 2 megapixel camera for shooting photos/videos and a second camera for video calls
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) and HSDPA (850/1900Mhz) connectivity

More information is available here:

Download product sheet

Download product flyer one

Download product flyer two

At CTIA Wireless 2008, Microsoft announced the the immediate availability of System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 and plans for a Microsoft Mobile Services Plan (MMSP) to be available from mobile operators worldwide. Together with Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1, the software and services provide the best solution for midsize and large businesses to manage and help protect Windows Mobile phones.

“With Microsoft’s mobile solutions, businesses now have the power, control and flexibility over how they deliver information to their employees on the go,” said John O’Rourke, general manager, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. “Together with our partners, we’re helping enterprises extend their reach like never before.”

Microsoft saw positive response to early trial programs for Mobile Device Manager. Companies across the financial, manufacturing and professional services industries also requested that mobile operators deliver a core set of software and services to help businesses meet their management needs.

A study conducted by Microsoft with large and midsize organizations showed businesses would like to move beyond their current mobile solutions to offer more sophisticated services. Mobile Device Manager meets their needs by offering the following benefits:

•Features to manage phones with the same ease and flexibility as Windows-based PCs, addressing IT priorities for saving resources and protecting information

•Capability to help protect sensitive business files and e-mails, contacts and other information through file and storage card encryption on the phone should it be lost or stolen

•Ability to access more of the information mobile workers need for staying on top of their jobs via a mobile virtual private network, which provides security-enhanced access to company data and application updates over the air

Mobile Services Plan Enriches End-to-End Experience

Today leading operators AT&T, O2, Orange, TaTa Teleservices Ltd. and Verizon Wireless announced they are in discussions with Microsoft to deliver the Microsoft Mobile Services Plan. MMSP is a set of core software and services that provides a uniform experience across Windows Mobile 6.1 phones, whether working with one or more operators, saving time and resources so companies can focus on other areas of mobility. Beginning later in 2008, operators plan to offer a subscription plan that will bring businesses the following:

•A corporate-grade network and data plan to support enterprise applications and services to help people get work done with the responsiveness they expect from the network and the efficient use of battery power they want on their phones

•A package from mobile operators, including access rights to Mobile Device Manager as well as the advanced mobile management features of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 (SP1), Microsoft Services Premier Support and Software Assurance for Microsoft applications such as Microsoft Office Mobile running on Windows Mobile 6.1-based phones.

Fast-Growing Network of Partners Open for Business

Responding to the opportunity created by Mobile Device Manager and complementing the MMSP, a large network of global partners are ready to integrate and deploy into existing systems as well as create custom solutions for businesses. Among the first companies that worked with Microsoft to support early trial programs are AT&T Inc., EDS, Enterprise Mobile, HP, O2, Orange, SAT Corp. and Verizon Wireless.

“Given AT&T’s leadership in the Windows Mobile space, AT&T is excited that Mobile Device Manager is now a reality for our enterprise customers,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Marketing and Operations for AT&T’s wireless unit. “Every day, mobile devices become more ubiquitous throughout the enterprise, and the need to securely manage those devices, data and applications is critical for IT organizations. Through our early adopter trials, our customers are responding positively to AT&T’s deployment and optimization plans for Mobile Device Manager and are eager to adopt the first end-to-end wireless-focused enterprise solution that can maximize their investments in Microsoft technology.”

A wave of Windows Mobile 6.1 phones and operator networks supporting Mobile Device Manager is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2008 from Alltel Wireless, ASUS, AT&T, HP, HTC Corp., i-mate, Intermec Inc., Motorola, O2, Orange, Palm Inc., Pantech, Samsung, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, Sprint, TaTa Teleservices Ltd., TELUS, Toshiba and Verizon Wireless.

Management Solutions for Every Business Need

Mobile Device Manager builds on the core set of security and management features provided by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1 and complements the comprehensive deployment, updating and asset management capabilities of Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 2007. Mobile Device Manager is available through Microsoft Volume Licensing. Client access licenses will be available through existing volume licensing channels in areas where mobile operators do not yet offer the plan. More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/mobile/default.mspx.

Well if you haven't heard already Windows 6.1 is now here.

Now it’s even easier to stay connected and manage your busy life—from just about anywhere. Windows Mobile 6.1 is full of enhancements, made with your needs in mind:

• Instant messaging-like texting
• Improved Internet browsing
• Simpler e-mail and Bluetooth setup
• New Home screen interface
• New Getting Started Center
• Security enhancements
• Easier Wi-Fi connection
• More personal choice

Check out the cool video here.

Here is the official press release at CTIA Wireless 2008 as well a listing of what devices will be getting the update:

Windows Mobile is improving smartphones to better meet people’s rapidly expanding work and personal needs, Microsoft Corp. today announced. 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.”

“Microsoft is taking the necessary steps to broaden its consumer appeal while also addressing the complex mobile needs of the enterprise,” said Ben Bajarin, analyst with Creative Strategies. “Internet Explorer Mobile and Windows Mobile 6.1 demonstrate Microsoft’s ability to harness its technologies to bring tangible innovations and benefits to customers and partners.”

Updated Internet Explorer Mobile Brings the Quality of Desktop Web Browsing to Phones

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 established and upcoming 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 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 Update Drives Simpler Experience

Windows Mobile 6.1 features several key updates based on customer feedback, 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. In addition, if coupled with System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 or Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Windows Mobile 6.1 provides the best experience for IT professionals to manage mobile phones for businesses.

Windows Mobile 6.1 will help people get more from their phones by bringing updates to what they care about most. With Windows Mobile 6.1 users will be able to accomplish the following:

•Stay up to date and share from a single location. 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.

•Get up and running in minutes. From setting up e-mail, a Bluetooth headset or Wi-Fi, the new Getting Started Center makes the phone experience intuitive and simple.

•Save time with features adapted for the small screen. Easily 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.

•Help keep business information protected. Support for System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 helps administrators manage phones similarly to a Windows-based PC or access company data that may be behind a firewall; and support for Exchange Server 2007 SP1 advanced mobile policies helps businesses manage and administer security for phones while enabling people to find, share, and use information no matter where they are.

More information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/apr08/04-01EnterpriseMobilePR.mspx.

Industry Embraces Windows Mobile 6.1

Partners from around the globe are committed to updating or expanding their portfolios to Windows Mobile 6.1 beginning in the second quarter of 2008, demonstrating the strong industry demand for software that delivers one phone for all aspects of a person’s life.

“AT&T customers select Windows Mobile phones because they’re a fit for their lives — whether that’s traveling the globe, managing the family’s schedule or staying in touch with colleagues,” said Mike Woodward, vice president, Business Data Service for AT&T Mobility. “We intend to update our most popular Windows Mobile phones to offer these new capabilities that help our customers get the most from their mobile experience where they live and work.”

Other partners include 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:

Mobile operators:

•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

Device-makers:

•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: Portégé G810,Portégé G910

More information about Windows Mobile 6.1 is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx;

Information on System Center Mobile Device Manager, available today, can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/mobile/default.mspx.