Microsoft unveils Pocket PC

Microsoft has released the third version of its Windows CE operating system (OS) for mobile devices, re-branded as Pocket PC.

Joined by OEM partners including Casio, Compaq, HP and OS-agnostic Symbol, Microsoft yesterday claimed a number of advances to put its technology ahead of rival handhelds', notably from Palm and Psion. However, the software giant also admitted its earlier mobile OS efforts have disappointed.

The latest Pocket PC-based devices support full HTML for online or offline browsing of Web pages, a better quality colour screen, and multimedia capabilities for music, video and games.

The company is also touting integration with its own enterprise applications and others from the likes of SAP.

However, Microsoft rival Palm Inc said it has little to fear.

Michael Mace, VP product strategy at Palm, defended his company's partner roster, and on the performance of Pocket PC-based devices, said: "With a 200MHz processor and 32MB of RAM they're doing PC-type things, so it's no surprise their devices eat up battery life so quickly."

Pocket PC customers include Avis Europe, Dresdner Bank and the UK's Royal Mail.

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