SAN DIEGO—Microsoft Corp. released details of its forthcoming Pocket PC operating system upgrade—which the company is marketing squarely at the business market—a move that ratchets up the OS battle with personal digital assistant maker Palm Inc.
Microsoft made its announcement during the DEMOmobile 2001 conference in La Jolla, Calif., and the company’s news sparked a glut of handheld device announcements. Microsoft licensees, including Hewlett-Packard Co. and Symbol Technologies Inc., announced plans to release devices based on the new operating system. Meanwhile, in an effort to remain in the spotlight, Palm and other PDA makers, including Danger Inc., made significant announcements as well.
Microsoft’s announcement comes after weeks of rumors about its new Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The company said it plans to make an official release Oct. 4.
In its announcement, Microsoft played up the business aspect of its new OS, touting its ability to securely connect to corporate virtual private networks and its Terminal Services application for wirelessly connecting to Windows-based servers. Most industry observers agree that business customers represent a major market for PDA companies. During the past few months, executives for Palm, Handspring and other PDA makers have discussed corporate strategies to target business users and IT directors.
Microsoft also lauded the platform’s various wireless functions, including its support for 802.11b, Bluetooth and nationwide networks like CDPD and GSM. Most PDA companies have been bolstering their wireless offerings, and last month Palm and Handspring inadvertently released information about their forthcoming wireless integrated devices.
“With unrivaled business and consumer applications, Pocket PC 2002 is the most capable device on the market,” said Ben Waldman, vice president of Microsoft’s mobile devices division.
HP and Symbol also released information about their upcoming Pocket PC 2002-based devices. HP plans to release its Jornada 565 and 568 next month, and Symbol introduced its PDT 8100 and PPT 2800 devices.
Not to be outdone, Palm also announced a new application that will allow Palm m100 and m105 device users to listen to CD-quality music. Under deals with Shinei International and Liquid Audio Inc., Palm will offer the MP3 player and Liquid Player Plus desktop software, as well as a Palm Music Connection Web site for music downloads.
Finally, device maker Danger showed off its new Hiptop device, which offers users a full-featured wireless phone, personal information management functions, full Internet access and a digital camera accessory.
