| Microsoft launches Windows Powered Smartphone software |
Oct. 22, 2002
Redmond, WA -- (press release) -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Microsoft Smartphone software to a crowd of more than 500 mobile operators, hardware and software vendors, customers, and members of the press gathered in London for the launch celebration.
The Microsoft Windows Powered Smartphone is a revolutionary mobile phone software platform that allows for more than just talking on the phone. Smartphone software keeps people in touch and entertained with unparalleled features in small, stylish mobile phones. Mobile operators worldwide can plan Smartphone offerings to subscribers, and further innovation on the Smartphone platform is likely to come from hardware vendors and software developers.
Orange SA is the first mobile operator to bring Smartphone-based handsets to market with availability of the Orange SPV (Sound, Pictures, Video) in the United Kingdom beginning Oct. 28. In the United States, AT&T Wireless announced plans to bring Smartphone-based handsets to market by mid-2003.
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., the third-largest handset vendor in the world, today announced a cross-platform commitment to Windows Powered mobile devices, including Smartphone.
The Windows Powered Smartphone takes mobile communications to the next level by offering the following key features:- More than just talk. Above everything else, Smartphone software is designed for a great phone experience. With handsets exhibiting a small, stylish form factor designed for one-handed operation, long battery life, hardware dial pad, and easy-to-use phone features such as caller ID, conference calling and more, Smartphone devices are everything mobile phones should be and more. In addition, Smartphone allows users to choose their preferred method of communication -- voice, e-mail, MSN Messenger or SMS -- as well as enabling them to access information and services at any time.
- Easily accessible Outlook. Smartphone software redefines the mobile phone experience and extends usage beyond voice and text. The intuitive software enables seamless multitasking and provides a great companion to Outlook on a mobile phone to manage contacts, calendar and tasks in a mobile environment.
- Personalization options. Smartphone devices equipped with high- resolution color screen and the ability to play digital media and mobile games make them outstanding mobile devices for work or for play. Personalization options such as ring tones, color schemes and home screens, mobile access to the Internet, and new mobile services provide users with a unique and thoroughly entertaining mobile phone experience.
Hardware manufacturers building Smartphone-based handsets include Samsung, Sendo Ltd., Compal Electronics Inc. and HTC Corp.
The completion and availability of Microsoft Smartphone software provides an opportunity for independent software vendors (ISVs) to innovate and develop applications for the new platform with familiar Windows development tools. Today at the launch event, more than 20 vendors are demonstrating new Smartphone-based products that range from games to productivity applications. In addition, vendors developing applications for the Smartphone platform will be provided the opportunity to participate and be certified through Microsoft's Mobile2Market program. The Mobile2Market program provides technical and marketing support to software vendors for the developing, testing and distribution of network-ready applications.
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