Microsoft Unveils Smartphone Advancements to Improve Ability to Work and Play With One Phone


LAS VEGAS, April 1 /PRNewswire/ --

- Company demonstrates new version of Internet Explorer Mobile with
desktop-grade web browsing, introduces updated Windows Mobile operating
system.

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.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"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 US 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: Portege G810, Portege 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.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise
their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products
and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp
disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material
for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any
special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of
contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the
use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting any kind of warranty.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com

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