Microsoft has unveiled the latest version of Internet Explorer Mobile, which promises to add desktop-grade web browsing to Windows Mobile phones.
The company also used the occasion of the CTIA Wireless 2008 to announce 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.
The new version of Internet Explorer Mobile adds the ability to easily view full-screen webpages and multimedia on the web with a smart phone. 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, Microsoft said.
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.
“It’s very clear people want a single phone with the flexibility to meet their needs wherever they are, or whatever they are doing throughout the day,” said Colm Torris, Windows Mobile marketing manager at Microsoft Ireland. “Our goal is to provide a phone that has both the capability to support working on the move and to support the rest of our lives outside work. The innovations we’re adding to Windows Mobile make it easier to manage your entire world.”
O2, Vodafone and Meteor have all voiced support for the Windows Mobile 6.1 update.
“At Meteor, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our business customers’ user experience. The planned roll out of Windows Mobile 6.1 on a range of smart phones is critical to this, as it will provide users with superior functionality such as easier navigation and phone management, stronger security features and new time-saving features,” commented Neasa Parker, billpay segment manager at Meteor.
“O2 Ireland will be supporting the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system on its new range of Windows Mobile devices. For example, the forthcoming XDA Orbit II, available exclusively from O2 later this month, will be capable of being upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.1,” said Billy D’Arcy, head of corporate and business sales, O2 Ireland.
“The improved features and functionality of Windows Mobile 6.1 will now allow our customers to take advantage of all the new security features within Microsoft’s System Centre Mobile Device Manager, such as over-the-air software deployment, and also the ability to allow IT administrators to lock down features on the device such as Bluetooth, camera, and WLAN.”
“Vodafone currently supports Windows Mobile 6.0 on a number of handsets and will support the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system on a range of devices due to come to market,” said Eavann Murphy, head of business marketing, Vodafone Ireland.
“Windows Mobile 6.1 has a new home screen layout and user interface that will mean an even better experience for our customers. Windows Mobile has proved to be a real success with business customers and these enhancements will only strengthen Windows Mobile as an effective and efficient solution.”
By Niall Byrne
