Microsoft unveils latest handheld OS and ‘Windows Mobile’ catch-all

Microsoft has released this year's update to its Pocket PC software for PDAs and has also rebranded all its mobile OS software – including its Smartphone offering – under 'Windows Mobile'.

The new Pocket PC version – known in full now as Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PCs – is based on the Windows CE 4.2 core and will receive immediate backing from top tier device manufacturers such as Dell, HP and Toshiba .

Anne-Marie Duffy, Microsoft UK Wireless and Mobility marketing manager, said the 2003 software is all about enabling platform innovation, improving wireless connectivity, better messaging and access to various media files.

That summary includes features such as supporting IPSec and easy configuration for wireless networking, synchronising calendars and contact books automatically over the air (and with the upcoming Titanium version of Microsoft Exchange), using Windows Media Player 9.0 for training and other video files, and allowing flip top Pocket PC phones with keypads.

China's Legend is one such company working on the latter form factor, said Duffy, separate to developments with Windows Smartphone 2002 phone software.

The arrival of Windows Mobile will see it sitting alongside Windows XP and Windows Server System as the software giant's main brands. The idea is that in some cases 'Windows Mobile' will appear stamped or stickered to devices, in the same way Windows XP or Intel Inside logos are attached.

"It shows the commitment across the company [to Pocket PC and Smartphone] and comes out of an extensive international research project," added Duffy.

It will not stretch to include Microsoft's Tablet PC operating system which is a member of the XP family.

Full a full list of the companies and devices at the fore of this launchclick here.