Ask Microsoft

Microsoft recently announced the release of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, at the Windows Mobile Developers Conference in San Francisco. This Q & A focuses on that release.

Q: What new devices and new features can consumers expect with the release of Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition? When will they be available?

A: This new release of Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PC and Smartphone extends the Windows Mobile platform to enable exciting new hardware innovation. It will allow our mobile operator and ISV partners to provide more targeted software solutions that promote new customer usage scenarios. These changes are quite significant in the types of new user experiences and potential applications they enable. For example, the support of high resolution screens will enable sharper screen clarity, which will enable superior navigation and a better overall user experience. Landscape support will enable everything from swivel screen handhelds to devices focused on multimedia and gaming. Similarly, square screen support will encourage the development of smaller devices, such as dedicated messaging devices with integrated keyboards.

The Motorola MPx is a great example of the type of device you can expect to see. This unique Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition-based device incorporates a dual-hinged rotating display that automatically switches between portrait and landscape orientations. This design allows customers to access information via a QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode or touch screen with stylus in portrait mode.

Motorola’s innovative MPx Phone Edition device (expected early Fall) incorporates a rotating portrait/landscape screen with an integrated QWERTY keyboard.

Q: Will existing customers be able to upgrade their Pocket PC 2002 and Windows Mobile for Pocket PC 2003 devices?

A: Existing customers can check to see if the manufacturer of their Pocket PC is offering an upgrade on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/products/pocketpc/about/2003/upgrade.mspx). Any Windows Mobile 2003-based device has the technical ability to be upgraded. However, upgrade policies may vary by manufacturer and geography because providing an upgrade to customers also requires a second layer of work that must be done by hardware manufacturers.

Q: What are the most important points from the conference that Windows Mobile Developers should be aware of?

A: This is an exciting time for the Windows Mobile developer community. Innovative devices continue to be introduced and software continues to become more powerful, productive, and connected. Best of all, it’s easy to take advantage of this growing opportunity!

Through Visual Studio .NET, desktop developers can “go mobile” quickly and easily, utilizing a familiar toolset, development environment, and skill set. Windows Mobile not only provides a consistent software platform that enables the creation of unique and compelling mobile applications and solutions, Microsoft’s Mobile2Market program provides developers with an additional resource needed to ensure their success. Mobile2Market helps commercial developers connect with multiple distribution channels, including retailers, e-tailers, OEMs, and wireless service providers. Bill Gates’ MDC keynote clearly illustrated the integration of these components. In addition, it demonstrated Microsoft’s vision of its mobile developer strategy and where it’s headed in the future—an end-to-end solution for developing, testing, and marketing rich applications quickly.

Q: I’d love to have a Pocket PC with an integrated phone, integrated QWERTY keyboard AND Wi-Fi. Will this ever happen?