Windows Mobile Innovation, and Which Device is Right for You?
Q: I am interested in upgrading my cell phone to a Motorola MPx200 running Windows Mobile software. Will Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2002 software for Smartphones integrate with the new Outlook 2003?
A: Outlook 2003 is compatible with Windows Mobile 2002 and 2003 software, so regardless of which type of Windows Mobile device you have and which version of the software you are using, you have the ability to stay connected to your information and data while away from home or the office.
Q: How confident is Microsoft in the future of Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs?
A: We're thrilled with the innovation coming from Windows Mobile device makers and mobile operator partners. Recently HP introduced two new, feature-rich devices: the HP iPAQ h4150 with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, and the iPAQ h4350, which has not only Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but an integrated keyboard as well. Toshiba's new e800 Pocket PC includes an ample 128 MB of RAM, CF and SD card slots, and a large 4-inch-diagonal color display capable of VGA display. Finally, O2's new XDA II includes not only a built-in phone, but integrated Bluetooth capability and a digital camera.
The new XDA II from O2 has an integrated phone, digital camera, and Bluetooth radio.
HP's iPAQ h4350 Pocket PC includes integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a QWERTY keyboard.
Audiovox 5050 Pocket PC with integrated phone (left) and Motorola MPx200 Smartphone (right).
We're pleased to see the Pocket PC's market share continue to grow against the category. A recent Gartner report estimated that Microsoft licensees captured 54.2 percent of the $850 million in end-user spending on PDAs in the third quarter of 2003 and Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC licensees reached an all time high of 42.3 percent of PDA shipments. We look forward to an exciting year of both product and software innovations!
Q: How does Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs fit into Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing initiative?
A: Microsoft is committed to building safe and secure software and services for our customers and the industry. Windows Mobile-based devices incorporate a number of standard security features, including support for strong passwords, VPN, authentication, and encryption options. In addition to ensuring the security of our own software, we are also working with our OEM and ODM partners to help ensure that their hardware-specific software is also secure.
Consistent with a Microsoft-wide emphasis on improving security, privacy, and reliability for customers, Microsoft's Mobile Devices Division is conducting a detailed security review of all aspects of Windows Mobile software for Smartphones and Pocket PCs. This is part of Microsoft's broader Trustworthy Computing initiative. As a result, we anticipate future Windows Mobile product releases will provide even greater security.
Q: What functionality can we expect to see on Microsoft's Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs and Smartphones that will make viewing documents and Web pages easier?
A: One of our main priorities for future Windows Mobile updates is optimizing the way customers view data and Web pages from their Pocket PCs and Smartphones. The ability to operate your Pocket PC in a landscape fashion is one such scenario we are investing in, as well as enhanced Web browsing for Smartphones and embedded support of VGA resolution for Pocket PCs and QVGA resolution for Smartphones. This should lead to some exciting new devices and practical new ways in which you can use them.
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